Discover Kosice: Riverbed, Observation Tower and Village History

Kosice combines village history with an unusually diverse landscape. Around the central village square stands a state-protected lime-tree avenue; on the southern edge of the village, the Bystřice changes its course; and at the end of a publicly accessible park stands the wooden Rozhledna Kosice. There are also memorial sites, a preserved trace of former fortifications and traditions that make the village tangible beyond its individual attractions.

River Landscape, Park and Rozhledna

At the southern edge of Kosice, the Bystřice flows through an old riverbed. Just 200 m farther downstream, a new riverbed runs. These waterways, lying close together, give the landscape a precise and easily understood feature: the character of the village is revealed not only in the village square but also in the changing course of the waterway.

Rozhledna Kosice is located at the end of a relatively large private but publicly accessible park with two ponds. The wooden Rozhledna was built in 2017 on a hill created by dredging the local ponds. Those who explore the park therefore see not merely an observation tower but also a landscape feature whose origins are directly connected with the ponds. The protected lime-tree avenue in the central village square adds a clearly defined historical centre to this green character.

History at Specific Locations

Kosice is first mentioned in 1315. A particularly vivid testimony to the village’s earlier history can be found on the property of house no. 24: the circular site of a former wooden water fortress has been preserved there. Together with a stone cross from the 19th century, it creates an image that connects different historical layers of the village without reducing Kosice to a single historic monument.

There is also a monument to the victims of the wars in the village square. The cemetery chapel is another prominent historic site in the village. It was renovated in 2008; its new bell was consecrated on 23 October 2010. A walk through Kosice can therefore take in local history, commemorative culture and religious heritage in different parts of the village.

Traditions and Getting There

Kosice traditionally holds a New Year’s Eve walk to Luhy. Mulled wine and tea are available, and participants are offered refreshments at the forester’s lodge. The walk thus represents a local tradition in which the landscape is not merely a backdrop but part of a shared experience.

Another cultural event was the Vrzáňovy Kosice brass band festival. Its 13th edition took place on Saturday, 16 July 2022, from 1 p.m. This date should be understood as a past festival event, not as a current event notice. Kosice is served by public bus transport; there is a bus stop for both directions of travel.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Kosice, you can also explore Nový Bydžov, Zábědov, Librantice, Hořiněves, Račice Nad Trotinou, Všestary, Luzany Nad Trotinou and Klamoš explore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.