Across the Vltava River lies Ostrov u Brandýsa nad Labem a small island steeped in history. Its story begins long ago. Monks from Strahov Monastery in Prague were the first owners of this land. That was back in 1282. The island’s name Ostrov simply means island in Czech.
Imagine this tranquil spot in the 14th century. A fortress once stood here. It was a significant structure. Its remains can still be seen near house number 11. The fortress’s history is fascinating. It changed hands many times. Worldly owners eventually replaced the monks. Among the notable owners was Václav Hrzán of Harasov. His family lived here until the 16th century. Then they sold the island. It passed through several hands eventually ending up in the possession of Emperor Rudolf II.
The fortress met a dramatic end. It was demolished in 1718. But its legacy lives on. The island boasts a small spa built around an iron-sulfur spring. Though its significance is minor it adds to the area’s charm. The island’s rich history continues to unfold.
During the reign of Rudolf II the largest water mill in Bohemia operated on the island. This was the Podzámecký mill. The island has also served as a leisure spot. In the past it had numerous buildings. These included restaurants and music pavilions. Unfortunately these haven’t survived. Today however the island offers something else. A disc golf course is one of its main attractions. A natural beach on the Elbe River’s bank is another popular place. The island is directly connected to the Elbe cycle path.
But the story of Ostrov u Brandýsa nad Labem isn’t just about mills and leisure. A stone bridge connects the island to the mainland. It was built between 1600 and 1604. This bridge has a statue of St John Nepomuk. The bridge is a stunning example of architecture. It offers a view of the island’s natural beauty. Several more bridges connect to the island today. One is the modern General Liška bridge. This bridge carries the road between Brandýs nad Labem and Stará Boleslav. This is the route of an old trade route. It connected Prague to Lusatia. This was the so-called Žitavská zemská stezka. The old bridges were mostly or completely made of wood. The current stone bridge replaced earlier structures.
Today Ostrov u Brandýsa nad Labem is a beautiful blend of history and modern recreation. Its tranquil beauty continues to captivate all who visit. It’s a quiet place to reflect. It is a place filled with layers of stories. Its history is rich with significant events and characters. Come to Ostrov u Brandýsa nad Labem and discover its unique charm for yourselves.