Nosálov – Heritage Reserve, Hiking Trails and Views

Nosálov Between Rolling Hills and the Heritage Reserve

Nosálov lies about 6 km north of Mšeno in the picturesque, hilly landscape of the Polomené Mountains. The village is situated at an elevation of 382 m and stretches along the southeastern slope of Vrátenská hora. At the same time, Nosálov is one of the gateways to the Kokořínsko–Máchův kraj Protected Landscape Area. Several marked hiking and cycling loops run around the village.

Hiking, Cycling and Far-Reaching Views

Vrátenská hora lies directly on a marked blue hiking trail and on cycling route No. 143. Nosálov is also a starting point for hiking trails of varying difficulty leading into the eastern part of the Polomené Mountains. This provides both marked hiking trails and a designated cycling route in the area around the village for planning a range of day trips.

A prominent viewpoint is the Vrátenská Lookout Tower. From there, views extend across all of northeastern Bohemia, the Ralská Upland and the Česká Lípa region. The panorama stretches from Bezděz Castle to the Jizera Mountains, Ještěd and the western Giant Mountains. The Vrátenská Lookout Tower is open to the public at designated times.

Village History and Unusual Discoveries

Nosálov is listed as a protected heritage reserve. The village heritage reserve includes the niche chapel of the Holy Trinity on the village square; an inscription dates it to 1808. The village has been preserved as a cohesive whole and features an extensive layout around the village square, complemented by more recent buildings. Anyone who wants to get to know not only the landscape but also the established structure of a village during their stay will find several distinctive features here within a compact thematic area.

Historical traces in the terrain include Selnerovo hradiště. The approximately two-hectare, long and narrow spur has ramparts dating from the early to high Middle Ages and lies about 150 metres from a marked green hiking trail. Another geological and cultural-historical feature is Petrovina, also known as Vítkova jeskyně. The approximately 15-metre-long pseudokarst cave was artificially enlarged in the Middle Ages. It can be reached via a steep path and is a popular destination for hitchhikers, tourists and people who want to explore mysterious underground spaces. The two sites differ markedly in form: Selnerovo hradiště is an open terrain spur with ramparts, while Petrovina is an enclosed, artificially enlarged cavity.

Cikánský kámen also tells of the former use of the landscape. The naturally hollowed-out rock grotto probably served as an overnight shelter and resting place for travellers on their way to Žitava. Today, Cikánský kámen is a popular place for hikers to rest and spend time. The village's history adds another historical note: in 1842, Nosálov had approximately 95 small hop gardens.

More Places to Explore

If you would like to expand your travel selection beyond Nosálov, you can also find Dolní Beřkovice, Kly, Zlončice, Nebužely, Veltrusy, Kostelec Nad Labem, Všestudy and Újezdec.

To the main travel overview: Mělník District.