Podluhy – Village History in the Brdy Forests

Podluhy is a destination for travelers who want to combine village history, forest landscapes, and peaceful nature experiences. The village lies on both banks of the Podlužský potok stream. History, traditional village greens, and the surrounding forests come together here to create a tranquil setting with cultural and nature-related experiences. Historical traces can be found in the village, while walks and foraging activities in the surrounding forests offer a different focus.

History between the Stream and the Brdy Forests

Podluhy was founded in 1331 at the foot of the Brdy forests on both banks of the Kuňatka stream, now called the Podlužský potok. The site of an earlier fortress on the Podluhy hill is still known by the name “Na rumech.” In the 15th century, a new fortress with a brewery was built in Podluhy; it has not survived. The Dvůr, which still stands today, belonged to the Hořovice estate. The village’s history thus brings together military, manorial, and economic connections.

Village Structure and Historical Livelihoods

Podluhy has two irregularly shaped traditional village greens. One lies near the old chapel dedicated to Saint Florian. The other is located in the upper part of the village and is called “Draha.” The two greens form historical landmarks in different parts of the village. When exploring Podluhy, this makes it possible to view the area around the chapel and the upper part of the village as distinct sections of the settlement. Together with the Dvůr, they create a village setting in which structure and history lie closely side by side.

The historical livelihoods in Podluhy included forestry, small-scale farming, and livestock raising. Later, charcoal production was introduced in Podluhy, and the charcoal was used by the developing ironworking industry. The village’s history thus also tells of the use of the forest and of crafts connected with regional development.

Recreation and Nature around Podluhy

Podluhy is visited for recreation and longer stays, as well as for mushroom picking, gathering wild berries and other forest fruits, and taking pleasant walks in the surrounding forests. If you are looking for nature and a peaceful daily rhythm during your stay, different interests take priority here than on a trip centered mainly on a dense succession of cultural attractions. Walks allow for an even pace; when gathering mushrooms and forest fruits, attention is focused more closely on the forest floor and the natural surroundings along the way.

Getting Around and Unique Habitats

At the Podluhy, Na Drahách bus stop, the Lochovická TŘICÍTKA route continues to the right along cycle path 0006A. An alternative route to Hrachoviště leads from Podluhy; the distance is approximately 3 km. In the vicinity of Podluhy, seasonal pools in Hrachoviště, created through the use of military equipment, provide unique living conditions for several endangered animal species. These include the yellow-bellied toad, the summer triops, and the summer fairy shrimp. The temporarily water-filled pools thus add a natural feature that goes beyond the ordinary forest landscape.

Discover More Places

For your further search, you can also visit Nesvačily, Felbabka, Drozdov, Chaloupky, Osek, Chodouň, Točník and Záluží.

For the higher-level travel overview: Beroun District.