Krnsko: Historic Buildings and Trails Along the Jizera

Krnsko combines historic buildings with two hiking trails through the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Krnsko, these highlights may help you choose your destination: the area’s architectural history spans several periods, while the Krnská Trail brings together nature and monuments. If you are interested in both cultural history and outdoor trails, both aspects may shape your choice of destination.

The Stránovský Viaduct and Railway History

Within the municipality of Krnsko, the Stránovský Viaduct spans the valley of the Strenický potok. It was built in 1864, and passenger and freight services began there in the same year. The viaduct is considered the first concrete railway bridge in the Czech Republic and is classified as a technical monument. The fact that its construction and the start of rail traffic took place in the same year links the structure to the town’s railway history; its classification as a technical monument also draws attention to its construction.

The Church of sv. Jiří and Its Ensemble

The Church of sv. Jiří is considered probably the oldest building in Krnsko. A Romanesque structure already stood on this site in the 12th century; Jiří Vančura had the church remodelled between 1547 and 1551. The Romanesque predecessor and the 16th-century remodelling mark two distinct building phases at this site. The ensemble includes a rectory, a bell tower and a chapel. The buildings are largely preserved or are being maintained by their owners. The rectory features a Baroque sculptural group of Saint John of Nepomuk. Ignác Elger commissioned it in 1769; it was created by the Prague sculptor Antonín Jedlička.

From Former Fortress to Chateau

Today’s chateau in Krnsko stands on the site of a former fortress. The Vančuras converted it into a Renaissance chateau; a Baroque remodelling gave the chateau its present appearance in 1727. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the older structure, the Renaissance remodelling and the later Baroque design. A habitable prismatic tower, cellars, palace buildings and a curtain wall remain on the grounds of the former fortress. A younger palace building, also remodelled, dates from the Renaissance. The chateau is privately owned and is not open to the public. Check locally again before planning a visit.

The Krnská Trail: Nature and Monuments

The Krnská Trail consists of two hiking routes that introduce visitors to historic monuments and the nature of the surrounding area, including its wildlife and plant life. Information boards provide route maps, photos and brief descriptions of sights and natural features. The maps offer an overview, while the photos and short texts add visual and contextual information about local topics.

One route starts at Krnsko railway station. A section of the Krnská Trail follows a field track along the Jizera, inviting visitors to observe the local wildlife and plant life. A hiking route passes the Kaštan hraběte Šporka; the tree was declared a memorial tree in 2021. Shortly before the railway station, a hiking route also passes the Chapel of sv. Anny, located on the grounds of the former Kotkova toy factory. This means that a named starting point, a stretch of river and specific waypoints all help with orientation.

Discover more destinations: Petkovy, Dalovice, Srbsko, Strenice, Dobsin, Nemyslovice, Zdětín, Kolomuty.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Mladá Boleslav.