Údolí Plakánek

Údolí Plakánek is a protected valley stretching from Kost Castle to Střehom village, showcasing sandstone rock formations, dense forests, and the Klenice River. A one-kilometer trail with eleven information stations guides visitors through the reserve and can be accessed from multiple points including the castle and nearby villages.

Human settlements existed in the valley as far back as the Stone Age, as shown by archaeological remains, and it later served as a refuge during medieval unrest. The sandstone quarries here supplied crucial materials for building Kost Castle and shaped the valley's economy for centuries.

The Střehom Water Mill from 1516 still operates today and holds a special place in local storytelling and Czech folklore. Visitors can observe how this working mill reflects the valley's long connection to traditional craftsmanship and rural life.

The trail is well-marked and can be accessed from several starting points depending on which part you want to explore. Spring and summer are the best times to visit when paths are dry and the forest is fully green.

The abandoned sandstone quarries scattered throughout the valley bear deep scars in the landscape from centuries of stone extraction for Kost Castle. These worked-out pits remain visible today and reveal the raw power of human labor that shaped the valley's appearance.