Říkov: Chapel, Landscape and Cycling Route

Říkov combines a rural landscape with remarkable traces of local and settlement history. Farmland, meadows and orchards, especially apple orchards, shape the landscape. There is also a historic chapel, several crosses, a commemorative obelisk and an archaeological site. Those planning a trip to Říkov can therefore choose between landscape experiences, regional history and a cycling trip along the Úpa, focusing on different aspects.

Landscape between the Úpa and the orchards

Geographically, Říkov lies in the Úpsko-metujská tabule geomorphological subregion. The village belongs to the Úpa drainage basin and lies at an elevation of 270 to 300 metres. These details provide clear orientation for understanding the village without reducing the landscape to a single travel experience. It is precisely the combination of fields, meadows and apple orchards that gives Říkov its distinctly rural character.

For active days, the 83-kilometre cycling route along the Úpa is an important point of reference. On its section from Česká Skalice to Jaroměř, it passes through Říkov, Doubravice, Zvoli and Rychnovek. For trip planning, the cycling route can be combined with the local history and landscape of Říkov.

Chapel and testimonies to local history

The village’s most important landmark is considered to be the Kaple svatých Andělů Strážných. It dates from the first half of the 19th century and was reconstructed in 2012 at the municipality’s expense. Historically, the chapel was particularly known for pilgrimages on the first Sunday in May. This chronological context preserves the distinction between its former significance and present-day trip planning.

Memorials can also be found along the roads around Říkov. The cross at the turn-off to Velká Jesenice was donated in 1892 by the young men of Říkov. The cross at the crossroads to Doubravice was donated by the young women of Říkov and was erected in 1899. An obelisk on the road to Velký Třebešov commemorates the first written mention of the village in 1366. It stands on the site of a former apple tree, thereby linking local history with the orchards characteristic of Říkov.

Archaeological perspectives

The Říkov archaeological site contains evidence of settlement and production activities from the Palaeolithic, the Urnfield period, the La Tène period, the Roman Imperial period and the Middle Ages. A rescue excavation at the north-eastern edge of the village also uncovered Feature 96, interpreted as the remains of a La Tène pottery kiln. This opens up a broad chronological horizon for travellers interested in cultural history: Říkov can be viewed not only through individual buildings but also through the long development of human use.

Practical information for your trip

The municipal shop is located in the municipal office building. When looking for accommodation in Říkov, you can therefore decide whether local history, the landscape or cycling should be the focus of your stay.

If you would also like to compare other places for your trip planning, you can include Hronov, Horní Radechová, Provodov-Šonov, Machovska Lhota, Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Zaloňov, Suchý Důl and Lhota Pod Hořičkami in your further research.

For the broader travel overview: Náchod District.