Kroučová: Forests, Watershed and Uhelná Trail

Kroučová combines a distinctive landscape with regional history and a specific hiking experience. The village lies on the Džbán Upland, directly on the watershed of several watercourses that rise in its immediate vicinity. Its location on the watershed thus combines a geographical point of orientation with the forested area of the nature park. At the same time, Kroučová lies in the deep forests of the “Přírodní park Džbán” nature park. The upland location, watershed and forest therefore shape three closely connected aspects of the village. Here, natural surroundings, local history and hiking come together directly.

Culture between marlstone and hop-growing history

A striking example of the local architectural and cultural history is the “Kostel sv. Markéty” church. It was built from marlstone from the Džbán; its altar faces west. The stone used refers to the landscape of the Džbán, while the western orientation forms another distinctive detail of the sacred building. The history of hop growing is also part of Kroučová: the “První chmelařský spolek v Království Českém” was founded in 1891 by hop growers in Kroučová. Thus, sacred architectural history and agricultural tradition stand side by side in this place.

The Uhelná Trail Kroučová

For an exploration on foot, the “Uhelná stezka Kroučová” is a good option. The circular trail is 5 km long and begins and ends on the village green. Eight stations with information panels provide information about the nature, history and sights of Kroučová and its surroundings. The fixed loop, with the same starting and finishing point, makes orientation easier when planning. The panels also divide the route into several thematic sections. The combination of a fixed length, a closed loop and eight stations gives the exploration a clear structure. This allows you to combine exercise and local knowledge in a single loop.

Hiking Trails and Protected Landscape

The blue-marked hiking route connects with a red route from Rakovník to Louny. In the “Pochvalovská stráň” nature reserve, a red-marked hiking trail from Rakovník via Smilovice and Dřevíč to Louny, as well as a green-marked hiking trail from Pnětluky to Žerotín, also run along the northern edge. The protected area preserves natural communities on marlstone outcrops, with occurrences of bearberry and dwarf mountain pine. There are also natural thermophilous shrubs, thermophilous oak forests and ravine forests. The various markings and landscape forms give you several specific starting points for further planning of your walks and hikes. A compact local loop and connections between several places thus stand alongside one another as different forms of exploration.

Further Orientation for Planning Your Trip

The “Knížecí studánka” spring is located in the cadastral area of Kroučová. It complements the natural and hiking connections described above with another landscape feature within the cadastral area. To compare other travel destinations, you can also view Mutějovice, Rynholec, Pochvalov, Pavlíkov, Malinová, Hvozd U Rakovníka, Krakovec and Nové Strašecí.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rakovník.