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A walk along the Výrovka river valley from Radim chateau to Vrbčany – 6 km (extendable)

  • The attractive Renaissance chateau in the village of Radim, located between Kolín a Český Brod, is a nice destination for a weekend outing. The chateau is open throughout the year (at weekends only, outside the summer months). The owner offers interesting guided tours at times to coincide with the arrival of the train at Radim station. There is a nice café in the castle courtyard serving homemade food.
  • Combine a trip to the chateau with a gentle walk along the peaceful Výrovka river valley. Walk southwards along the river for 5 km to discover the unusual church of St Wenceslas in the village of Vrbčany. The church which dates back to the 10th century when it was founded by the Prague bishop, St Adalbert, was constructed in the fortified acropolis (bailey) of an older hillfort. The surrounding moat has survived from the as yet undated hillfort.
  • Radim and Vrbčany are on a regional train line, so it is possible to walk walk one way and catch the train back, but the walk from Radim and back is not particularly taxing as the route is essentially flat and on good footpaths. If wanting a longer trip, consider combining this riverside walk with a stroll in the opposite direction, starting in Radim.
  • This second route leads to the Marcomanni educational trail – an intriguing short path detailing the way of life of the Germanic tribe that inhabited the Bohemian lands during the Roman period. This trail, which begins in the next village to Radim, Dobřichov, is described separately here. The total distance Radim – Vrbčany – Radim – Dobřichov -Radim is approximately 14 km.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

  • Starting at Radim train station, the entrance to the chateau is 250m along the main road (follow the GREEN hiking marks in the direction of Dobřichov). Note there is a parking area at the chateau for visitors to the café and those taking the tours
  • For the riverside walk to Vrbčany, follow the GREEN trail in the opposite direction to the chateau. The GREEN trail leads directly to the village (note – the main village and church is 900m further along the GREEN trail after the Vrbčany train station)
  • Return back the same way (either to Vrbčany train station, or all the way back to Radim)
  • For the extension to the the Marcomanni trail, continue past Radim chateau, following the GREEN trail for 2 km to reach Dobřichov and then return on the same path
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