Petrov in the Posázaví: Nature and History

Petrov lies in the Posázaví region on the right bank of the Sázava, five kilometres from Jílové u Prahy. The landscape, hiking trails and history of gold mining offer different starting points for planning your trip. Notable places include Ďábel Hill and the Třeštibok Natural Monument; several educational and hiking trails complement the viewpoints. You can plan your excursions according to whether you prefer river views, walking routes or historical themes.

Viewpoints and Landscape

Ďábel Hill above Petrov is 398 metres high. An information board stands at its summit. The distinction between the summit and the edge of the forest matters for the view: oak woodland blocks the view from the summit, but there is a good view from the forest edge. Vegetation and visibility may change; if the view is important to your plans, check the current conditions before your visit.

The Třeštibok Natural Monument lies on the rocky right bank of the Sázava Canyon. Apart from the rocks, the area is covered by naturally composed woodland; a hiking route with an educational trail runs through Třeštibok. The Třeštibok viewpoint in Petrov-Bohuliby offers an unobstructed view of the Sázava. A yellow-marked hiking trail also leads from the Vyhlídka Třeštibok viewpoint to the Vyhlídka Hadí skála viewpoint in about ten minutes, offering a similar view of the river.

Educational Trails and Hikes

The Medník educational trail begins at Petrov u Prahy railway stop. It is about five kilometres long and has 14 stations. Its approximate length and number of stations give you concrete details for planning this route.

The Posázavská Trail runs along the Sázava near Petrov, between Pikovice and Kamenný Přívoz. The route has only gentle gradients and is suitable for families with children and dogs; it is not accessible to pushchairs. The trail can also be reached by train via Petrov u Prahy railway stop. Check the current timetable before travelling. Střed Čech Nature Park also has a dense network of hiking trails, enabling walking and cycling in the area around Petrov. Trail conditions and signage may change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Gold Mining and Local History

Petrov’s history dates back to the Middle Ages: medieval gold mining is documented in Petrov. Gold was mined in the eastern cadastral area until 1968. This means two distinct periods of mining in the local area, from its medieval beginnings to the end of mining in the 20th century.

Petrov was probably founded in the 13th century by monks from the Ostrovský Monastery. The village was first mentioned in writing in 1310. The probable founding and the later written mention are two different historical details: the former dates the village’s origins, while the latter identifies the earliest surviving written reference.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Petrov has two railway stops, Petrov Chlomek and Petrov u Prahy, on the Posázavský pacifik line. As timetables are essential for your specific journey, check current train connections before departure. Petrov u Prahy is also the starting point of the Medník educational trail and a possible access point to the Posázavská Trail.

There is also a specific landmark for navigation on the water: canoeists can reach the Pikovice–Petrov bridge via the Sázava. Check river access and local conditions before setting out. This allows you to distinguish between rail and river access, hikes and historical sightseeing interests when planning, without treating different routes and destinations as if they were the same.

Discover more destinations: Karlík, Červený Újezd, Kozinec, Mnisek Pod Brdy, Horoměřice, Tachlovice, Lety, Davle.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Západ.