Ostrov: Between Ponds, Protected Areas and Local History

Ostrov lies in the valley of the Ostrovský potok below the distinctive ridge of Třebovské stěny. Those planning a trip to Ostrov can choose between quiet nature observation, an educational trail through a pond landscape and an insight into the historical development of the village.

Protected landscapes around Ostrov

A special natural area is the U Kaštánku Natural Monument near Ostrov and Rudoltice, in the cadastral area of Ostrov u Lanškrouna. The protected area covers 22.64 hectares and forms a varied mosaic of alder, birch and willow stands, reed beds, purple moor-grass and sedge meadows, streams, springs and pools. Some cultivated meadows are also included.

The purpose of protecting U Kaštánku includes, in particular, preserving the habitats of specially protected plant and animal species, as well as the comprehensive protection of aquatic, wetland and meadow communities. For travel planning, the natural monument is therefore of interest primarily as an independent landscape area, not merely as a single viewpoint. The Třebovské stěny Nature Reserve also extends into the cadastral area of Ostrov u Lanškrouna. This protected area includes an old beech forest on a steep slope with numerous marl-rock outcrops and sandstone blocks.

Seven ponds and an educational trail

A second defining landscape is the Lanškrounské rybníky pond complex. It stretches from Lanškroun to the southeastern edge of Ostrov. The Lanškrounské rybníky educational trail passes through a nature park with a complex of seven ponds: Krátký, Dlouhý, Olšový, Pšeničkův, Slunečný, Ostrovský 1 and Ostrovský 2. Ostrov thus offers a clear contrast to the wooded and rocky sections of Třebovské stěny: here, the focus is on water, shoreline areas and the sequence of several ponds.

The history of this aquatic landscape also reaches far back. The earliest surviving record of the beginnings of fish farming at Lanškrounské rybníky dates from 1433. The educational trail thus combines a tangible landscape experience with a documented regional tradition, without the ponds and protected areas becoming a single excursion destination.

Local history and church

The first written mention of Ostrov dates from 1292. A historic landmark in the village is the filial Church of St. Nicholas, Bishop, formerly the parish church. It is located in Ostrov, in the cadastral area of Ostrov u Lanškrouna. The filial church should therefore be distinguished from its former function as a parish church. Outside the holiday season, Sunday services are scheduled there every two weeks. The church thus complements the natural attractions with a specific insight into the local history and present day.

Ostrov can therefore be explored in different ways depending on your interests: the pond complex opens up a water-dominated natural area, U Kaštánku represents protected wetland and meadow habitats, while Třebovské stěny showcase forest, slopes and rocky outcrops. The local history, with the first mention dating from 1292 and the former parish Church of St. Nicholas, Bishop, adds a cultural accent.

Discover more places

For further orientation, you can also find Petrovice, Nová Ves, Verměřovice, Dlouhá Třebová, Těchonín, Rviště, Zamberk and Řepníky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.