Osek – History and Landscape

Osek combines traces of medieval history with local memorials and a landscape in which two historic ponds have survived. If you are looking for a hotel in Osek, these themes can help shape your view of the place: the castle site points to an earlier era, while the chapel, monuments and ponds bring different aspects of local history into view.

Castle Site and the History of the Ponds

In the Middle Ages, Zálužský Castle stood at Hrádek; Hrádek lies precisely at this historic site. At the same time, Hrádek remains a local landmark in the landscape. The link between the castle’s history and its significance in today’s landscape distinguishes this point of interest from the memorials and buildings in the village.

The ponds, too, tell a story of change. Of the ten historic ponds in Osek, two have survived: Žákův rybník and U Severů. Comparing the former number with the two remaining ponds makes the changing landscape tangible. Two names are central to Osek’s landscape history: Žákův rybník and U Severů.

Architecture and Remembrance

The chapel on the village square has a square floor plan, a tented roof and a wooden lantern with a bell. Its local heritage-protection significance adds a second dimension to its architectural description: alongside its design, its place in the local heritage is also part of the village landscape. Near the chapel, the war memorial commemorates those who fell in the world wars. In this same setting, an architectural landmark stands alongside a place dedicated to remembrance.

On the road to Újezd, a cast-iron cross stands in Osek opposite the school. The T. G. Masaryk monument is in the park; it was donated in 1948 by a group of people from Osek living in Prague. House No. 66 in Osek is a traditional log house of heritage value. The memorials emphasize different things: the war memorial commemorates those who fell in the world wars, while the Masaryk monument, donated in 1948, reflects the connection between people from Osek in Prague and their home village.

Running and Cycling

The “Běh partyzánskou stezkou” (“Run along the Partisan Trail”) commemorates antifascist resistance in the Hořovice region and has been held in Osek for the 44th time. For the 2025 edition, the route ran partly along a paved road and then through woodland to a partisan shelter and back. The occasion and route offer different points of reference: the run commemorates regional history, while the specific description names the road, woodland and shelter.

For cyclists, two separate points of reference should be distinguished: the “Z Hořovic na Záskalskou a do Komárova” cycle route leads into the municipality of Osek. Separately, a cycle path from Osek to the outskirts of Hořovice is planned. When planning a trip, you can distinguish between a named route that leads to Osek and a planned path heading towards Hořovice.

Discover more destinations: Broumy, Vižina, Osov, Svinaře, Bubovice, Lážovice, Újezd, Podluhy

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Beroun.