Radostov: Forest, Water and Local History

Radostov Between Forest, Water and History

Radostov reveals its character through a combination of landscape, water and historical heritage. Forests still surround the village on three sides. The bodies of water include the Radostovský potok, two ponds intended for private fish farming and a fire-water reservoir. These bodies of water serve not only an economic and recreational function, but also a retention function: they additionally retain water. Radostov therefore offers different starting points for a stay, depending on whether you would like to focus on local history, the landscape or the routes in the surrounding area.

Water Landscape and Routes in the Surrounding Area

One specific limitation is important for getting around by bicycle: Radostov has no dedicated traffic facilities for cyclists. At the same time, the 28.1 km-long Hradecko cycling route “Proti proudu času” runs through Radíkovice and Těchlovice in the surrounding area and includes Hrádek u Nechanic. The route is therefore part of the regional experience area, without this implying a dedicated cycling facility in the village.

The “Královéhradecký okruh na koni” horse-riding circuit also runs through Radostov to Hrádek u Nechanic Castle.

Traces of a Medieval Manor

Radostov’s historical side is particularly multifaceted. Immediately south of today’s village centre, a former medieval manor stood in the floodplain of the Radostovský potok. Based on the finds, its period of use can be dated to between the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and the end of the 15th century. The former manor was built in two partially overlapping construction phases. Local history therefore preserves not only a period, but also a development in several construction stages.

A former fortified site consisted of a raised central mound surrounded by a ditch and an embankment. This feature describes a historical complex that was clearly different from a single building: the focus was on the elevated position and the surrounding earthworks. In 1395, Aldyk de Radostow was the owner of the village of Starý Radostov.

Starý Radostov, Nový Radostov and Notable Details

The settlement is divided into two parts. Starý Radostov forms the western part, while Nový Radostov lies in the east. The Radostovský potok separates Starý Radostov and Nový Radostov.

Several smaller features add to this picture. The fire station building is located in the village centre and has a bell tower on it. Radostov also has a stone cross dating from 1887. The mill now known as “Mlýnek” bears the names “Radostovský mlýn” and “Radostower Mühle” on older maps. There is also hunting lodge No. 47, which belongs to and is maintained by Myslivecký spolek Libčanská dubina. These various references lead from the settlement structure through religious remembrance and historical map names to a hunting lodge that is maintained today.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Preferred Connection to the Village

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Radostov, you can therefore first define the character of your stay. For local history, the present-day village centre with its fire station building and bell tower, as well as the former manor south of the village centre, are the key points of reference. For the landscape and water, there are the Radostovský potok, the ponds, the fire-water reservoir and the forests around the village. If you would like to include regional routes, distinguish between the horse-riding circuit running through Radostov and the 28.1 km-long cycling route in the surrounding area.

For further research, you can also include Myštěves, Nový Bydžov, Hlušice, Chlumec Nad Cidlinou, Skalice, Výrava, Chudeřice and Lovčice in your search.

For the broader travel overview: Hradec Králové District.