Strakov – Forest, Trails and Culture

Strakov combines a gently rolling, slightly hilly landscape with forest paths, marked cycling routes, and the Chapel of Panny Marie Růžencové together with the adjacent cast-iron cross, which are jointly protected as a cultural monument. The settlement extends along both banks of the valley of the Končinský potok. This gives the village a range of options for a stay: you can explore the landscape on longer routes, head to Zlatá studánka as a spring, or take a closer look at the history of the village at the chapel and natural monument.

Forest landscape on the Kozlovský hřbet

More than half of Strakov’s planning area is occupied by the extensive wooded complex of the Kozlovský hřbet. Its highest point is Nad Zlatou studánkou at 604 m above sea level. The landscape is also shaped by the Končinský potok. The stream passes through the built-up area of Strakov, flows from north to south within the planning area, rises east of Mendryka, and joins the Loučná as a tributary near Cerekvice nad Loučnou. A distinctive natural feature is the Strakovská lípa. The large-leaved lime tree has a trunk circumference of 419 cm and is 26 m high; its estimated age is 120 to 150 years. It is located near the chapel in the Strakov cadastral area on plot no. 591/1 and is protected as a natural monument. Its AOPK-ČR code is 105548.

Hiking and cycling with routes of various lengths

For a longer hike, the red-marked KČT hiking route leads from Litomyšl via Strakov and Strakov, nad Zlatou studánkou onward to Kozlovský kopec and Česká Třebová. Another red-marked route runs from Litomyšl via Strakov to Zlatá studánka. The spring is one of the sources of the Končinský potok; a bench and a wooden shelter are available at Zlatá studánka for a rest. The surroundings can also be explored by bicycle on routes of varying lengths. Marked cycling route no. 182 runs via Choceň, Dolní Sloupnice, Litomyšl, Strakov, Janov and Mladějovský vrch to Moravská Třebová. It is approximately 55 km long, of moderate difficulty, and suitable for all types of bicycles; at the same time, it forms part of the Břeclav–Hradec Králové long-distance cycling route. Shorter is marked cycling route no. 4219 from Litomyšl via the viewpoint near Pazucha and the forest complex near Strakov to Semanín. It is approximately 12.5 km long, of moderate difficulty, and is also suitable for all types of bicycles. The unmarked route section 4144 connects Zlatá studánka and Strakov over 4.6 km.

Village history and cultural monument

Strakov is first mentioned in 1347 in a document issued by Breslau Bishop Přeclav of Pogorella. The brick Chapel of Panny Marie, built in 1734, stands in the village square. A cast-iron crucifix was added in 1864. The Chapel of Panny Marie Růžencové, together with the adjacent cast-iron cross, has been protected as a cultural monument since May 1958. A sports complex with a multi-purpose playing field, a covered stage, and tables and benches is located by the pond. It is used both for sporting activities and for summer social events. Direct access is provided by road III/03530, which branches off road I/35. For further searches, you can also visit Horní Újezd, Tržek, Sádek, Koclířov, Třebařov, Vidlatá Seč, Porici U Litomysl and Chrastavec.

For the higher-level travel overview: Svitavy District.