Velká Buková: Nature, Viewpoints and Culture

Velká Buková Between Nature and Culture

Velká Buková is located in the center of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. The area is also a biosphere reserve in the worldwide UNESCO network.

Observation Tower and Trails Through the Landscape

On the outskirts of Velká Buková in Křivoklátsko stands the Rozhledna Velká Buková observation tower at an elevation of 445 meters. A local road branches off from Class III road 20113 to the observation tower; visitor parking is available there. At the foot of the tower, there is also a children's playground with fitness equipment for adults as well. This means there are various places to visit around the viewpoint for a shared outing.

A marked viewpoint trail follows the Královská cesta along the eastern edge of the cadastral area of Velká Buková. The Královská cesta runs as a contour trail along a wooded slope. It offers views of Křivoklát and Křivoklát Castle. Those wishing to include another viewpoint can take a short detour from the red hiking trail between the Velká Buková observation tower and Křivoklát to reach the Hřebínek viewpoint.

The red KČT hiking trail connects the Velká Buková observation tower with Křivoklát over 3.5 kilometers. This 3.5-kilometer connection supplements the short stay around the tower with a route option to the cultural destination of Křivoklát. The two trails have different focuses: the KČT trail connects two destinations, while the Královská cesta runs as a contour trail along the wooded slope. For choosing your location, both the landscape on the slope and the culture-oriented trail connection are therefore relevant.

Nature Reserve and Notable Trees

The Nezabudické skály Nature Reserve lies on the southern edge of Velká Buková. It covers 22.94 hectares and was established in 1988 primarily to protect reptiles and rocky forest steppes. Another natural monument is Jedle u Velké Bukové, whose age is estimated to be more than 200 years. In addition to the viewpoints, the protected areas and the different landscape forms give the surroundings a distinct natural character.

Cultural Monuments in and Around Velká Buková

Křivoklát Castle, a national cultural monument, is located in the vicinity of Velká Buková. In the village itself, the late Baroque statue of Saint Wenceslas is designated as a protected monument. It depicts the saint in armor and princely robes, holding a flag and a shield, within a Rococo cartouche. Nature, hiking connections and culture can therefore be given different priorities when planning a stay.

The local history of monuments also includes the chapel above the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. It was built in 1930 in the Modernist style and protects its original and later polychrome paint layers. The chapel contains a valuable Baroque statue of a saint dating from 1764. Sacred art and architecture from different eras thus meet here.

More Places for Your Research

If you would like to expand your search to other travel destinations, you can also view Velká Chmelištná, Pšovlky, Oráčov, Nové Strašecí, Přerubenice, Pavlíkov, Zbečno and Václavy as well.

For the higher-level travel overview: Rakovník District.