Beckov: Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Local History

Bečkovský Waterfall lies about one kilometre east of Beckov, in the headwaters of a short, distinctive valley hollow. It comprises a rock face with a substantial, concentrated spring, a pseudokarst spring outlet and a cascade. Water, rock and the spring area are thus the focus of this natural attraction.

The Landscape Around Beckov

In the forest at the foot of the Vraní hory hills, a group of bizarre rhyolite rocks forms the entrance to Čertova rokle. Čertova rokle is a gorge-like valley hollow at the upper end of Beckov, between the steep slopes of Mravenčí vrch and Końská, near the border. In the surrounding region, the southern edge of the Vraní hory hills forms an elongated ridge called Dlouhá stráň. Beyond the valley of Bečkovský potok and Ličná, a northwestern spur of the Jestřebí hory hills extends to Janský vrch.

The landscape can also be explored via its trails: from Bernartice, hiking and cycling routes lead either to Bečkovský Waterfall or to Jánský vrch and Krausova vyhlídka. A yellow hiking trail initially follows the saddle between Beckov and Bernartice, branches off to the settlement of Rybníček, and climbs from there to Jánský vrch. These different destinations give you a clear starting point for exploring the trails in the area.

Hiking Trails and Navigation

A short walk to Bečkovský Waterfall starts at the entrance to Beckov. It crosses a meadow and follows the edge of the forest; wooden signposts point the way. The Beckov–Bečkovský Waterfall–Beckov route is 2.5 kilometres in total. As trail conditions and signage can change, it is a good idea to check the route before setting out.

Other routes follow their own clearly named paths. The “Góry Krucze a Bečkovský vodopád” hiking route passes through Beckov and then continues to Bernartice. Excursion route 29a runs from Zlatá Olešnice via Rybníček and Beckov to Bernartice u Trutnova. By contrast, the path into Čertova rokle gets lost in several places in the dense forest near the national border. Take this trail condition into account when planning your route.

Local History and Monuments

Beckov was first mentioned in writing in 1361. In the past, residents made their living from farming, weaving and mining. Mining included a limestone quarry; the limestone was burned into lime in local lime kilns. These historic activities offer a different point of reference from the landscape and hiking routes described above.

Among the visible memorials is a stone statue of Saint John of Nepomuk in Beckov. Johann and Franziska Bischof commissioned it in 1902. Below Dlouhá stráň, near the Polish border, stands a metal cross commissioned in 1851 by Johann Schmíd of Potschendorf and his wife. A hexagonal chapel stands on a saddle between Beckov and Bernartice.

Beckov’s local cultural monuments also include a stone cross. Near the site of Beckov’s former fire lookout tower stands a wayside shrine with a shallow niche; the year 1836 is marked at its base. Together with the statue, metal cross and chapel, these monuments show how varied the historic points of reference are in the village and its surroundings.

Discover more destinations: Rtyne V Podkrkonosi, Prosečné, Kralovec, Horní Kalná, Třebihošť, Libňatov, Bílé Poličany, Vlcice U Trutnova

For the regional travel overview: Okres Trutnov.