A 9 km (extendable) tour of the legendary Slavic site of Veliz

• Veliz hill (595m) is located in the center of the Křivoklátsko nature zone, approximately 20 km west of Beroun. The site associated with the legendary conflicts between the early medieval Slavic tribes and in particular with the rise of the Přemyslid dynasty. There is a fine view on several approaches to the hill, which can be done via the village of Kublov or from a parking area to the east of the hill. By using the eastern parking area, it is possible combine the Veliz walk with an ascent to the Krušná hora viewpoint, to create a longer trip. Both walks start from the same spot.
• Just below the peak of Veliz is the Church of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, which was originally founded by the Přemyslid rulers of Central Bohemia at the beginning of the 11th century. The site was originally pagan, possibly an important ritual area and inhabited by earlier Slavic and Celtic tribes. According to early medieval chroniclers, the Slavic god Veles was worshipped on the hill. Today, there is a modern wooden statue representing Veles, at the summit of the hill (the header image is of the statue).
• The suggested route circles around the hill to take advantage of the different viewpoints and also includes two short sections in the Křivoklátsko forest. The total length of the proposed route is 8.7 km, with 140m of height gained-lost. None of the paths are difficult and are mostly on forest or farm tracks. The approach route is not suitable for a stroller, however. The return route is more accessible with a stroller so could be used as a ‘there and back’ route. There are no refreshment options directly on the route.

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 at the Na Vartě forest car park on the southern flank of Krušná hora, which is located on a quiet road leading into the hills from Beroun
• Take the YELLOW hiking trail in the direction of Kublov. This trail leads in 3.6 km directly to the Church of the Birth of St. John the Baptist on Veliz hill
• There is a short unmarked trail with leads to the summit area in 300m (where the wooden statue is found)
• From the church, continue on the YELLOW trail in the opposite direction from the arrival path. After 100m, turn left onto the unmarked gravel road, which winds down the south a west flanks of the hill
• At the bottom of the hill there are good views towards the castle of Točník
• Continue on the gravel road to reach the main public road – 1.3 km from the hill top
• At the public road turn left and walk along the road for 400m, until reaching a forest track to the left, which is a marked cycle track. Take this path
• Continue on the forest track for 1.2km until meeting the YELLOW hiking trail that was used for the outbound route. Join the YELLOW trail and return to the car park in 1.4 km