Strážná: Lázek, cycling routes and local history

Strážná lies on the border between the Orlické Mountains and the Zábřežská Highlands, at an elevation of about 600 m. With Lázek, its cycling routes, extensive forests, and several historic buildings, the town offers different starting points for planning a trip. The landscape, cycling, natural features, and local history can each provide a focus for your visit.

Views from Lázek

Lázek and its lookout tower are a defining landmark of Strážná. From the tower, the view stretches east toward the Zábřežská Highlands and the Jeseníky Mountains, and west toward the town of Lanškroun. The views are clearly distinguished by direction: two named landscapes lie to the east, while Lanškroun lies to the west. If you are interested in the landscape around Strážná, Lázek is a specific point of reference for planning your trip.

A regional news report dated May 17, 2023, described Strážná as a destination for cyclists and hikers, particularly because of its beautiful views.

Forests and lime trees

Extensive forests stretch around Strážná and are suitable for mushroom picking. Two large lime trees grow in the town center. The larger one has a circumference of 720 cm and is estimated to be about 300 years old. The forests and lime trees represent different connections with nature: the forests shape the surroundings of the town, while the lime trees are prominent trees in the center.

Cycling routes and trails

Strážná is part of cycling routes for more experienced cyclists. A circular route runs from Strážná via Hoštejn, Cotkytle, and Lázek, and back to Strážná; it is 30.5 km long and has an elevation gain of 394 m. The Štíty–Strážná–Lanškroun–Valteřice–Štíty cycling route also passes through the town. The routes differ in their course: the first starts and ends in Strážná, while the second lists Strážná among several other places. When planning a trip, you can distinguish between a circular route with specified figures and a route that passes through the town; the distance and elevation gain apply to the circular route. Lázek is both a defining landmark and part of the circular route’s name.

Church and local history

The Church of Saint Isidore is Strážná’s central landmark and was completely rebuilt in 1921. Strážná was first mentioned in writing in 1350; this mention is connected with the founding of the Diocese of Litomyšl in 1344. The town was mentioned as a parish in 1350 and again in 1492. The dates refer to different events: 1344 to the founding of the diocese, 1350 and 1492 to the references to the town as a parish, and 1921 to the church’s reconstruction. A chapel is also among Strážná’s significant buildings. The 2024 municipal rural renewal program also lists a paratrooper monument among the sights.

Discover more destinations: Týnišťko, Hejnice U Žamberka, Klásterec Nad Orlicí, Sobkovice, Mistrovice, Vinary, Zádolí, Libchavy

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.