*A tour around the Celtic hillfort site of Hrazany, overlooking Slapy reservoir: 11 km to 13 km*

A tour around the Celtic hillfort site of Hrazany, overlooking Slapy reservoir: 11 km to 13 km

Hrazany is a significant iron age hillfort occupying a promontory created by the Vltava river and its tributary, the Mastník stream. Archaeological findings have shown the site was fortified around 500BC and then expanded in the 2nd century BC to occupy over 30ha to become a true oppidum (Celtic fortified town). Farmsteads and other Celtic buildings occupied the saddle between the fortified hilltops of Doubí and Červenka.
The hillfort was presumably created to protect the important trade route along the Vltava from the Danube regions and the alpine salt mines. There were also sources of gold nearby and this may have been a metallurgical center. The Hrazany site was likely abandoned around 20BC, due to the threat of incursions by Germanic tribes to the north. Most of the Celtic population appears to have left Bohemia around this time, possibly to join tribes in the Danube region.
The substantial rampart walls and gateway areas are still visible in the landscape and there are various information boards around the extensive site describing (in technical detail) the archaeological findings. However, for most walkers, the main reasons for visiting the site are the excellent views over the meandering Vltava valley, now filled with the Slapy reservoir and the attractive hilly countryside.
An excellent circular route can be created starting in the village of Radíč, which is notable for its elegant Baroque chateau (not usually open to the public, but can be rented for private events and weddings). The route follows the Mastník stream and climbs the promontory to reach the superb Abbot Zavoral viewpoint, at the northern edge of the hillfort site.
Near this site, the first significant battle in the Hussite wars took place – the 1419 Battle of Živohošť – which is commemorated with a small plaque. There are two nearby 14th century fortress sites which also saw action in the Hussite wars. these can be visited with small diversions from the main route. The ruins and ramparts are today mostly obscured by the forest.
The return journey passes below the Doubí and Červenka hilltops (although both can be ascended on unmarked footpaths if wanting the explore more of the hillfort terrain) to reach the village of Hrazany. Here, there is an optional diversion to the Hotel-Restaurant Hrazany, which has an outside terrace area. There is another good view over Slapy from this spot as well as an access path to see the rampart walls below the Doubí hilltop.
The total route is 13 km long (with 330m of height to ascend-descend) including the short diversions to the Hrazany Hotel and medieval fortress sites. None of the paths are particularly steep or difficult. This is a good option for a winter walk as the views over the rivers are less obstructed by leaves at this time.

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

Start in the village of Radíč – there are bus connections here from Sedlčany (work days only) and a few parking spots in the center of the village
Begin on the BLUE hiking trail, heading in the direction of Kozí hřbet
Follow the BLUE trail for 1.7 km to reach the Kozí hřbet trail junction. Here the 150m diversion to see the Kozí hřbet ruined 14th century fortress is an optional diversion
From the Kozí hřbet junction continue a further 3.2 km along the BLUE trail to reach the Hradnice junction
Turn right at the junction to follow the YELLOW trail to reach the opata Zavorala junction after 600m. The viewpoint is a short diversion off the main path
To visit the second medieval fortress site (Ostromeč castle) continue along the YELLOW trail for a further 600m and then return back to the opata Zavorala junction
Take the YELLOW trail back to the Hradnice junction and continue on towards Hrazany village, which is reached after 1.9 km
In the village, if wanting to visit the Hotel-Restaurant (and additional viewpoint) follow the signs to the Hotel, which is found 400m along a side road. Return back to the village center
From Hrazany village center, follow the YELLOW trail back to Radíč, which is reached in 3.2 km