“Touchdown!” A fitting word echoes through Točná. We are standing near Točná Airport. It is a place with a unique story. It began as a recreational glider airport in 1946.
After 1989, things changed. Disputes arose with landowners. The runway was shortened to 550 meters.
Then, in 2008, Ivo Lukačovič stepped in. He is the founder of Seznam.cz. He purchased the airport. He rebuilt the service buildings. He secured the property with a fence. A museum and public playground were added. The runway was lengthened to 870 meters.
Now, Točná Airport boasts a historical planes museum. This museum is not always open. You can visit on specific days. Alternatively, arrange a visit with the airport operator.
Inside, airworthy planes await.
Among them, you will find Czechoslovakian/Czech productions. There is an Avia BH-1. It is a slightly modified replica. Another is the Avia BH-5. This is an accurate replica. It uses the original 1920s Walter engine.
Foreign productions also feature. See the remains of a Hawker Hurricane IV. It crashed on August 14, 2022. A Lockheed Model 10 Electra is also present. Tomáš Baťa once owned it. He founded the Bata shoes company.
Točná itself is more than just an airport. It is a village. It is a cadastral subdivision of Prague 12. In 2021, it had a population of 870.
Historically, Točná was part of the Komořany estate. After World War II, Komořany became independent. In 1960, Točná merged into Cholupice. In 1974, Cholupice joined Prague.
The village also celebrates various annual events. These include the Three Kings charity collection. There is also a Carnival. A welcoming of Spring pageant occurs. St. Anthony’s Fair brings exhibitions and music. The Iron Kelt race challenges runners uphill. Finally, St. Martin’s Day involves a parade and shared pastries.
Don’t miss the protected forest west of Točná. It has trails popular with mountain bikers. You may even spot outlines of a Celtic oppidum. A plaque commemorates the entomologist František Antonín Nickerl.
The Branišovská switchback bisects the forest. This road is limited to light vehicle traffic. It has even hosted rally races.
Točná offers a blend of aviation history. It mixes natural beauty and village traditions. It is a place where flight and community intertwine.