Discover Vrbatův Kostelec

Vrbatův Kostelec offers nature, history and geological features. The village is located in the eastern part of the Železné hory National Geopark. Two nature trails explore different topics and routes. They are complemented by the parish Church of St. Gallus the Abbot, as well as several signposted local cycling routes that pass through Vrbatův Kostelec.

Hiking with a historical focus

The “Traces of the Ležáky Tragedy” nature trail begins in Vrbatův Kostelec and follows the green-marked hiking trail via Louka and Habroveč to Ležáky. The route is 13 km long and has eight information panels. It focuses on the events connected with the destruction of the village of Ležáky on 24 June 1942.

For a hike focused on remembrance, this nature trail provides a clear framework. Landscape and history are not separate here: The trail leads through the surrounding area and makes Ležáky the destination of the historical nature trail. The starting point is in Vrbatův Kostelec, while Ležáky stands at the end of the route. In this way, the route combines a green-marked hiking trail with a clear historical theme.

The Chrastecka Nature Trail

The Chrastecka Nature Trail runs from the railway station in Chrast u Chrudimi to Vrbatův Kostelec railway station and has 13 stops. Unlike the route to Ležáky, Chrastecka connects two railway stations. Alongside the historical route, this provides a second nature trail with its own course.

Cycling routes and culture in the village

Several signposted local cycling routes pass through Vrbatův Kostelec. As designated routes, they run through the village and complement the two nature trails with another form of route. They make it possible to explore the surrounding area by bicycle. In addition to the hiking trails, local cycling routes are therefore available for active days.

The parish Church of St. Gallus the Abbot is located in the village. It has been protected since 3 November 2023 and forms a cultural reference point directly in Vrbatův Kostelec. As a structure within the village, it complements the routes through the surrounding area with another historical reference point. Here, history can be encountered both along the “Traces of the Ležáky Tragedy” nature trail and at a protected religious building.

Geology in the Žejbra Valley

Another notable feature is the geologically significant Vrbatův Kostelec locality. It lies in the eastern part of the Železné hory National Geopark and approximately halfway along the Žejbra Valley. The valley begins below the slope of Kostelecká hůra and ends in Podskála. The locality’s approximate position places it in the section between these two points of the valley.

At the northern edge of Vrbatův Kostelec, near the road from Vrbatův Kostelec to Skála, there is a sandstone outcrop. Two information panels are located there. The landscape can thus be viewed through its route connections and geological features.

More destinations for your search

For further orientation, you can also visit Ústupky, Hamry U Hlinska, Skuteč, Rvacov, Třemošnice, Úhřetice, Úherčice and Nasavrky.

To the higher-level travel overview: Chrudim District.