Butoves amid forests, ponds and history

Butoves combines a gently rolling landscape with quiet forest ponds, several wooded areas and a remarkable local history. Those who want to combine nature experiences, cycling and historical discoveries during their stay will find various reasons to explore the area more closely. The changing scenery between open fields, forests and bodies of water is particularly characteristic.

Forests, fields and ponds around Butoves

Butoves lies in the southeastern, gently rolling part of the Jičín Uplands. The varied surroundings are situated at an elevation of approximately 250 to 290 metres above sea level. At the southern edge, meadows and fields lead directly into the Dubový (Doubí) forest. To the north are the mixed forest Tuřský les and the Holubí (Holubův) forest. West of Butoves, the Runšov forest stretches beyond the fields. This means that choosing the area allows visitors to discover different landscapes without reducing Butoves to just one natural attraction.

The bodies of water also form an independent part of the area’s character. Hluboký Pond lies between the municipalities of Kovač, Butoves and Třtěnice. There are also three more forest ponds in the Butoves area: Hluboký, Strašidlo and Náklaďák. Náklaďák was formerly also known as Nákladní or Nakládka. The history of Hluboký Pond is also noteworthy for nature enthusiasts: in 2008, the “Kovačské Modré Žáby” project was carried out there to preserve the population of the rare agile frog.

Cycling and observations in the surrounding area

The “Za Rumcjasem” route offers a specific way to include Butoves in a cycling tour. It leads from Třtěnice through Butoves and onward to Tuř. The route is suitable for road bikes or trekking bikes and runs along paved roads. Alongside quieter exploration of the landscape, it therefore provides a clearly defined connection for active days.

During walks around Butoves throughout the year, visitors can observe a large group of birds of prey. This natural feature complements the bodies of water and forest areas with an opportunity for observation that is not tied to a single attraction or a specific village centre. When a trip brings together different interests, cycling, walking and nature observation can therefore be considered as distinct focuses.

A local history spanning several periods

The documented history of Butoves dates back to the “Nová Lhota” farmstead, founded in 1392 by the owners of the Veliš estate. The first written mention of the municipality dates from 1395. The present name “Butoves” was adopted in 1773 for the rebuilt village; 1784 is considered the year of establishment of the modern municipality of Butoves.

The 19th century also left concrete traces. The railway station in the municipality of Butoves was built and opened on 17 December 1871 together with the branch line of the Austrian Northwestern Railway (ÖNWB) from Ostroměř to Jičín. In 1888, a steam sawmill was established next to the station. The local cultural history offers another facet: on 6 January 1888, Antonín Zajíc, Josef Lemberk and František Šoltys decided to found the Tyl amateur theatre association. Its first play was performed in Butoves on 16 December 1888. Between 1895 and 1921, the association performed a total of 20 plays.

Railway station and other places to include in your search

The Butoves railway operating point is an intermediate operating point with three tracks and a siding on the line from Ostroměř to Jičín. Those who want to continue exploring the local history through the railway, landscape or cycling route can also include Podkost, Hubálov, Třtěnice, Bříšťany, Bystřice, Luzany U Jicína, Volanice and Rokytňany in their search: Podkost, Hubálov, Třtěnice, Bříšťany, Bystřice, Luzany U Jicína, Volanice and Rokytňany.

For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.