Our natural cemeteries
We establish forest cemeteries in places that have historical and cultural significance, a significant landscape element (for example, castle ruins) or a nature reserve, and also a water feature (e.g. a stream or pond). We take care to ensure that the forest retains its natural character, while protecting the significant landscape features that give it a unique atmosphere.
Forest of memories Halstatt hillfort
Between Kutná Hora and Kolín we unexpectedly come across a romantic rocky valley. The Polepka river has been dredging here for millions of years. Above its left bank, 3000 years ago, there was a Hallstatt hillfort with an ash burial ground. Our forest cemetery is right on the site of the hillfort. Above the hillfort and the burial ground today is a modern technical monument: the Hranice Viaduct.
About the hillfort
The Hallstatt hillfort “Na Homoli” stood on a rocky elevation above the left bank of the Polepka. The massive rampart of the hillfort had a stone construction and embankment, the base of which was formed by an ash layer with fragments of Hallstatt ceramics. We still find this pottery here today, even at a shallow depth, even in the fields. Terrain surveys were carried out here in the 1930s by František Dvořák and in 1998 by PhDr. Naďa Profantová, CSc.
About the urn burial ground
In 1936 František Dvořák uncovered two graves here, bordered by a stone circle. The graves contained urns with the remains of the deceased from the fire burials of the Lusatian culture of the people of the ash fields, dating from approximately 1300 - 1000 BC. The grave furnishings included six smaller bowls, one pot, one larger wing and two fates. They can be found in the museum in Cologne. For that time and for a hillfort, this is a very poor assemblage, so it can be assumed that there are other, larger graves with richer assemblages around. However, it is possible that the graves were significantly disturbed during the construction of the railway viaduct in 1900.
About the railway viaduct
The stone railway viaduct, built in 1900 in just five months on the Kolín – Rataje nad Sázavou line by the company Ing. Osvalda Životského. The total length of the bridge is 109 meters, the highest height above the bottom of the Polepské valley is 31 meters. It is built of carefully crafted sandstone blocks from Kutná Hora sandstone and granite blocks from quarries near Lipnice nad Sázavou. The railing is still original, iron. The bridge has been preserved in a completely authentic form without modern modernization or reconstruction interventions and in good technical condition. A reconstruction of the viaduct is planned for 2026, but it will not affect our cemetery in any way - we communicate with the Railway Administration and fine-tune the details.
On 2 January 2009 the railway viaduct was declared an immovable cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture and entered into the Central List of Immovable Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic under the number 103404.
About František Dvořák
František Dvořák (* November 28, 1896 Červené Pečky – † June 10, 1943 Drážďany), originally a doctor, later a prominent archaeologist. In 1924 he became the official administrator of the archaeological collection of the Kolín Museum, on whose organization he had already participated as an eighteen-year-old student in 1914. His unique archaeological discoveries in the Kolín region brought the museum the status of a recognized non-Prague archaeological workplace, and the importance of the Kolín Museum in the interwar period significantly outgrew the borders of the city and the region. In the years 1926–30 he was the mayor of the town of Červené Pečky.
During the war, he joined the Kolín organization of the Home Resistance (also known as Prstýnkáři). He also provided it with space in the Kolín Museum. Before his arrest by the Gestapo, he was warned and managed to hide in a secret hiding place in the basement of his house in Červené Pečky. However, hunger and unbreathable air forced him to leave the hiding place after two days. He fell into the hands of the Gestapo on September 4, 1941. He was imprisoned successively in Kolín, Kutná Hora, Terezín, the Pankrác prison in Prague and finally in the Drážďany prison on Georg-Bähr-Strasse. Here he was sentenced to death on January 14, 1943 and executed on June 10, 1943.
Order of the Burial Ground of the Hallstatt Fortress download
Forest of memories under the Chlum Castle
The Chlum Castle was founded on the site of the original ancient hillfort after 1276 by Vladyka Bleh, whose family later became one of the most powerful noble families in Bohemia, the Slavat family of Chlum and later of Košumberk. In 1415, for example, the lords Vilém Diviš and Jan of Chlum affixed their seals to a letter of complaint against the burning of the master J. Hus. 203 years later (23.5.1618), a member of the same family, the imperial governor Vilém Slavata of Chlum and Košumberk, was one of the three persons thrown out of the window of Prague Castle during the Second Prague Defenestration.
During the Thirty Years' War the castle was destroyed several times by the imperial troops and then it fell into ruin. The stone from the castle was used by the local inhabitants as a building material in the reconstruction of the village.
Photo: Steel engraving by J. Farkas from the book by F. A. Heber's Böhmens Burgen, Vesten und Bergslösser - České hrady, zámky a tvrze IV., Prag 1844
Below the Chlum castle there is a pond which feeds the Chlumský brook.
And in the meanders of the Chlumský brook is our cemetery. It is approximately 200 metres away from the castle and is connected by a scenic path. We can do the farewell ceremonies at Chlum Castle and then go to the cemetery to lay the deceased to rest, but perhaps a nicer place for the ceremonies is also right in the cemetery.
The cemetery is in a valley where there is real privacy but still plenty of sun. When we were preparing the cemetery, we usually didn't meet a single person all day. But we routinely met a large herd of deer, rabbits, woodpeckers, owls and even a fox.
Photo: Veduta of Chlum Castle. Image by Karel Liebscher from the book A. Sedláček, Castles, Chateaux and Fortresses of the Czech Kingdom XII, 1900.
The cemetery is framed on one side by the meanders of the stream, on the other side by the meanders of the blind arm, which only comes to life when the snow melts in spring. Both are lined with trees 80 to 200 years old. The most common trees are ash and alder, then hornbeam and oak, and rarely pine.
Between them is a large semi-sunny flat area, suitable for ceremonies, but also for quiet reminiscing or settling down. Next to it is a hillock, perfect for scattering ceremonies. And so the dispersal meadow is right next door - and it's full of wildflowers.
For example, in spring, thousands of bluebells bloom in the cemetery - that is why the nature reserve Velká and Malá Olšina was declared a short distance from the cemetery in 1982.
Meadow of memories Red meadow
(this natural cemetery is in preparation)
"...there, the snake sheds its old, shiny skin, and the elves use it to make coats."
William Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream, translated by Martin Hilský, 2008
The Lišanský brook winds through the Rakovník basin and the Olešná river flows into it. Along the brook is an almost fairy-tale meadow, surrounded on all sides by trees. The Red Meadow offers us open space, but at the same time complete privacy and the shade of centuries-old trees. A nearby stream gives it moisture, and here and there you will come across an abandoned stump on which to rest. It's such a piece of wilderness, yet it's perfectly accessible by car to the site, or by train even with a stay at the cozy guesthouse right next door.
The meadow is being prepared for the scattering of ashes, the spreading of ashes, custom grave sites, as well as the opportunity to plant your own tree for the deceased.
We borrowed the name Red Meadow from the nature reserve declared in 1989, which is directly adjacent to our meadow. Here we protect rare and endangered plants and animals. The meadow is decorated with a variety of plant species, such as Mayflower, Blue Knapweed, Siberian Cowslip, Siberian Iris, Siberian Iris, Grey Patchwort, Green Patchwort, Swamp Cactus, Davall's Sedge, Triple-leaved Sedge and European Upland Holly. You can also see the rare marsh snail, the marsh lionfish, and many species of butterflies.
Above Červená louka towers the remains of the royal castle Hlavačov (originally called Starý Hrádek), from which the Přemyslids administered Rakovník and the hunting forest in the Berounka basin. The castle was the predecessor of Křivoklát. Unfortunately, in the 13th century it burned down and was never rebuilt, because at that time a new and larger Křivoklát already stood and took over its function. Today, all that remains of the castle is a deep moat, a rampart and here and there remains of masonry. However, it is registered as a cultural monument under the number 45255/2-2771.
However, this place was full of life long before the Přemyslids. In the earlier Iron Age there was a prehistoric settlement of the Hallstatt culture. An archaeological excavation was carried out here by the well-known Tomáš Durdík in 1974 and uncovered the remains of a palisade fortification as well as an area paved with boulders. The oldest pottery shards found belonged to the Bylan culture, which dates back to the eighth to early sixth century BC. The youngest pottery found belonged to the late Hallstatt period.
Photo: Blossoming Red Meadow Author: Eva Požárová, licence CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Forest of memories at Žižkov's oak in Myšlin
(this natural cemetery is in preparation)
The Story of Žižkov Oak
The oak tree has stood here for over 650 years and its story has been written since the Hussites. In 1421, during the campaign to Český Brod, the priest Petr of Cimburk met Jan Žižka here and interceded for Mnichovice to avoid Žižka. However, Žižka accused him of being a scout and condemned him on the spot and hanged him on an oak tree. In the end, it is said that the scout was in fact the soldier who had convicted Cimburk. Mnichovice, however, was spared the raids.
Žižek's oak in Myšlin was also the subject of the television programme Memory of Trees, in episode 7: Žižek's Trees.
The oak is registered in the Register of Monumental Trees of the AOPK ČR.
Photo: Tomáš Kubelka, Magic: https://carokraj.cz/lokace/zizkuv-dub-myslin
Landscape and surroundings
The rolling baroque Central Bohemian landscape, meadows, pastures, woods and animals: mainly goats and sheep. This is the eco-farm of the Myšlín Garden, where the cemetery is located.
The ceremonial site is right by the Žižkov Oak, by the memorial cross. The forest cemetery is right next to it on a gentle slope, down into the valley to the Myslínský brook.
About 50 metres from the cemetery is the Garden Bistro, where you can have a snack or even a post-farewell kar, and the Colonial, where you can buy agricultural products from the local organic farm.
The cemetery can be reached by car all year round almost directly to the oak tree.
Questions and answers about forest cemeteries
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Burial guides establish woodland cemeteries at historically significant sites where the deceased human and pet can be said goodbye by depositing or scattering the ashes. There are no tombstones or crosses - the ashes are deposited at the roots of the trees and the site is marked only by an inconspicuous sign on the trunk.
The unique atmosphere of the cemetery is created not only by the forest itself, but also by the surrounding landscape, such as the ruins of the castle or the historic viaduct. The decoration is provided by nature itself - colourful leaves, mosses, ferns, wild flowers, frost, ice and snow. They are accompanied by the singing of birds, the rustling of tall trees and the gurgling of the river. The changing appearance of the forest throughout the seasons reminds us of the natural cycle of life.
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For some of us, nature itself appeals. For others, it is the history and the connection to it that is important. Some seek an alternative to marble tombstones and impersonal ceremonies. Or maybe we just long for a beautiful place where the birds sing and the river murmurs. For a place that is so much more than a cemetery - where we can go on trips and discover something new each time, just like in the memories of our loved one.
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We establish cemeteries in places that have historical and cultural overlap, a significant landscape feature (such as a castle ruin), a nature reserve, and are possibly close to water (such as a stream or pond). We look after the woodland so that it retains its natural character, while protecting the important landscape features that make the cemetery so unique.
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In our cemeteries we bury the ashes of the deceased - both human and pet. The ashes can be placed at the roots of a tree in a predetermined grave site, scattered in a scatter bed or in water. At the site, we can either pour the ashes into a pre-prepared hole or deposit them in a biodegradable urn. We do not bury bodies in our cemeteries - all of our cemeteries are located near a watercourse where the water table is high and conventional burial is therefore not possible.
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The grave space is yours for ten years, with the possibility of unlimited renewal for another ten years. The place of dispersion is yours forever - and at the same time, that of all others who are scattered there.
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The place where the ashes of the deceased are placed is marked with a name tag on the tree. We do not erect headstones, crosses or other grave markers.
The forest burial ground remains part of nature and we try to preserve the natural character of the forest. The natural beauty of the site is maintained by nature itself - green ferns, mosses and flowering plants, autumn coloured leaves, delicate ivy, sparkling ice crystals and snow cover. The space is enlivened by the singing of birds, the rustling of treetops and the calm gurgle of water. The forest changes with each season and reminds us of the constant cycle of life.
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Candles or any open flame may only be lit in the cemetery during ceremonies or events, and always under the direct visual supervision of the participants (controlled burning). For the protection of the forest and the risk of fire, it is not permitted to light candles or start fires outside of these specific situations.
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Of course, you can put flowers, but please expect that we will remove them later to preserve the natural character of the forest.
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Yes, we do have reserved spaces for new trees in our forest cemeteries, but the number of trees is limited and therefore the prices are higher (we set them individually according to the specific location). However, we will be happy to help you arrange for a tree to be planted in another forest or in your community, which may be free of charge.
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A forest is a living ecosystem that is subject to natural cycles, weather, disease and sudden events. If a tree dies, we plant a new one in its place. If a tree becomes damaged (for example, in a storm), we try to treat it so that it heals properly, and then rejuvenate it with nurture cuts so that it is balanced and beautiful. All this is guaranteed in the contract.
However, we are trying to prevent damage to trees in the first place. Trees are regularly treated and cared for. The trees are inspected by a dendrologist and a forester.
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The bark beetle infects spruce trees (also called spruce bark beetle) and there are no mature spruce trees in our forests. Our forests are mixed, but most of the trees are deciduous and vary in age, typically 80-200 years. The bark beetle likes monocultures, economic forests. We select forests in such specific places that no one has ever established a monoculture forest.
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We establish forest cemeteries in places that are secluded and shielded from prying eyes - offering a space for peace and quiet in nature. There is good access to our cemeteries by normal car, including for example lower chassis cars or vans, and parking is always within 100 metres of the cemetery, however, walking along the woodland path and occasionally overcoming small obstacles that are a natural part of moving through the woods should be expected. We recommend avoiding heeled or fully open-toed shoes (such as flip-flops).
We perceive a big difference between our forest cemeteries and the so-called "forests" created in urban cemeteries (such as the Forest of Memories or the Valley of Memories). These places are in the city, often have many people in them, even during the ceremony, and have limited access. In addition, ashes are not deposited here year-round. We speak from personal experience because we also perform ceremonies and deposit ashes in these cemeteries - they are beautiful places, but offer a different experience than depositing ashes in a woodland cemetery.
Access to our forests is not limited - you can come and reminisce anytime. The forest is not fenced (by law in the Czech Republic you cannot fence a forest, only a game preserve).
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We are always communicating with the local community, helping each other and finding ways to get along. We understand that not everyone likes having a cemetery in the woods, but we try to do everything in a way that is as little disruptive as possible and that the cemetery is an enhancement to the area. Residents of surrounding communities have the opportunity to take advantage of the "neighborhood price" for burial in our woods, which is significantly lower.
It is very important for us to maintain good relations with the locals. Therefore, we ask visitors to avoid activities that may be disruptive to locals, such as inconsiderate parking, noisy arrivals or departures, off-leash pets, or damaging the area around the access, information signs or rest areas.
We manage forests in such a way as not to endanger the forests of neighbouring owners and to protect them from pollution. We keep forest records in accordance with the forest management plan, in cooperation with a professional forester.
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The price of the grave for 10 years is 10.000 CZK. The price of using the scatter puddle for scattering ashes is CZK 5,000. The price of depositing the ashes including the preparation of the site or the price of scattering is 9,000 CZK. The price of the actual tree in the forest cemetery is determined individually.
A grave in a forest cemetery can be cheaper than in a regular cemetery: you don't have to buy any tombstone or grave equipment (the usual price for a small urn grave is 20,000 to 50,000 CZK). You also don't have to take care of the grave and maintain it, because it is part of the forest and we take care of it.
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It is of course possible to use an urn from any funeral service, whether from here or abroad. However, you must use a biodegradable urn for the burial, which we will be happy to provide and transfer the ashes into if necessary. We are also happy to arrange the whole funeral for you.
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The entire deposition can be accompanied by a ceremony, which the Funeral Guides will be happy to prepare with you. The actual interment takes place by the Funeral Guide preparing the hole in advance and decorating it with greenery. The mourners can then place the urn in the hole themselves or with the assistance of the guide. They can also shovel the ashes themselves (the guide will offer the shovel to everyone), or the guide will do it. At the end, he will offer everyone a shovel of dirt so that everyone can do their bit for the final resting place of the deceased. And at the very end, he will tidy the hole and the mourners can lay flowers, for example.
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Yes, we can also store the urn for you as Funeral Guides and create photo documentation, video, or even a livestream.
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Of course, you can do the ceremony yourself, or with any other funeral service or organization. The funeral must always be supervised by us, but we try to be as accommodating as possible. We normally organise funerals at weekends, or at sunrise or sunset.
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We organise regular tours of the forest cemeteries. Please contact us and we will let you know when the next tour dates are in the forest you are interested in.
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Absolutely, and you have our full support. More than half of our clients make funeral and grave arrangements during their lifetime (or have their loved ones make the arrangements for them). Of course, the grave contract continues after the deceased's death, and if we are depositing whoever the contract is written for, there is no need to rewrite anything either.
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You choose a specific forest, a specific place, sign a contract and then we agree on the date of the deposition and possibly the ceremony.
All of this can be done in person when visiting the forest, but also remotely online.
Sources:
[1] ČTVERÁK, Vladimír; LUTOVSKÝ, Michal; SLABINA, Miloslav and SMEJTEK, Lubor. Encyclopedia of fortified settlements in Bohemia. Prague: Libri, 2003. ISBN 8072771736, https://www.digitalniknihovna.cz/mzk/uuid/uuid:52e2cf80-d982-11e5-ac59-005056825209
[2] Wikipedie, Železniční viadukt (Červené Pečky) [online], Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie, c2024, Datum poslední revize 1. 10. 2024, 10:38 UTC, [citováno 29. 04. 2025] <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C5%BDelezni%C4%8Dn%C3%AD_viadukt_(%C4%8Cerven%C3%A9_Pe%C4%8Dky)&oldid=24280600>
[3] HLUŠIČKOVÁ, Hana. Technical monuments in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Part I, A-G. Prague: Libri, 2001. ISBN 807277042X. https://books.google.cz/books/about/Technick%C3%A9_pam%C3%A1tky_v_%C4%8Cech%C3%A1ch_na_Morav.html?id=eDkhAQAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y
[4] Interview with Jaromír Kupr, a native of Červeny Pečky, a long-time train driver and author of the book Local Railways Kolín - Ledečko (České dráhy, 2000) https://kolinsky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/predstavujeme-nominovane-na-rad-srdce-jaromir-kupr-20151219.html
[5] National Heritage Institute, Monument Catalogue, cultural monument register no. ÚSKP 103404 - railway bridge between the stations Červené Pečky and Ratboř: https://www.pamatkovykatalog.cz/zeleznicni-most-14325804
[6] Biografický slovník českých zemí, DVOŘÁK František 1896–1943 [online], , c2024, Datum poslední revize 16. 09. 2024, 15:19 UTC, [citováno 29. 04. 2025] <https://biography.hiu.cas.cz/index.php?title=DVO%C5%98%C3%81K_Franti%C5%A1ek_1896%E2%80%931943&oldid=414828>
[7] Wikipedie, František Dvořák (archeolog) [online], Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie, c2024, Datum poslední revize 5. 08. 2024, 21:25 UTC, [citováno 5. 05. 2025] <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Franti%C5%A1ek_Dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k_(archeolog)&oldid=24146044>
[10] Wikipedie, Chlum (hrad, okres Kutná Hora) [online], Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie, c2024, Datum poslední revize 10. 02. 2024, 11:42 UTC, [citováno 5. 05. 2025] <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chlum_(hrad,_okres_Kutn%C3%A1_Hora)&oldid=23645935>
[11] National Heritage Institute, Monument catalogue [cit. 2025-05-05], Record ID 146651 : Hrad Chlum, zřícenina. https://www.pamatkovykatalog.cz/hrad-chlum-zricenina-16390197
[12] DURDÍK, Tomáš, Vlastimil DURDÍK and Marie ZÁLESKÁ. Encyclopedia of Czech Castles. Prague: Libri, 1996, c1995, p. [1a]. Password Chlum, pp. 208-209. ISBN 80-85983-03-6. Also available from: https://www.digitalniknihovna.cz/cdk/uuid/uuid:3808d81b-ea20-4246-a2aa-a58824a622b3
[13] ČERMÁK, Kliment. Monuments from the castle at Chlum. Památky archaeologické a místopisné. 1902, vol. 20, no. 3-4, pp. 215-220; Tab. XXXII. Also available from: https://kramerius5.nkp.cz/uuid/uuid:0f189400-d880-11e4-97af-005056827e51
[14] KROBOVÁ, Adriana. Chlum: Cradle of the mighty Slavat family [online]. Czech Radio, 2012-10-21 [cit. 2017-09-10]. Embedded audio with quotes by August Sedlacek and comments by Tomáš Durdík: https://plus.rozhlas.cz/chlum-kolebka-mocneho-rodu-slavatu-6639053
[15] Regulation of the Vysočina Region No. 1/2017 on the establishment of the Velká and Malá olšina Nature Reserve. [cit. 2017-10-04]. Available online: https://ftp.aspi.cz/opispdf/kraje/2017/kv02-17.pdf
[16] AOPK ČR, Small Specially Protected Areas, PR Velká and Malá olšina: https://drusop.nature.cz/ost/chrobjekty/zchru/index.php?SHOW_ONE=1&ID=719
[17] Wikipedie, Velká a Malá olšina [online], Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie, c2025, Datum poslední revize 17. 03. 2025, 21:35 UTC, [citováno 5. 05. 2025] <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Velk%C3%A1_a_Mal%C3%A1_ol%C5%A1ina&oldid=24754911 >
[18] Kutnohorský Deník: In the forest near Velké and Malé Olšiny in the Kutnohorskie region, nature has created a pale paradise: https://kutnohorsky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/bledule-jarni-rezervace-velka-a-mala-olsina-chranbozsky-les-kutnohorsko-20240304.html
[20] NĚMEC, Jan. Memorial trees in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Illustrated by Karel VÁVRA, illustrated by Jan ZOUL. Prague: Olympia, 2003. ISBN 80-7033-781-8. Chapter Central Bohemia, p. 53.
[21] Wikipedie, Žižkův dub (Myšlín) [online], Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie, c2023, Datum poslední revize 21. 10. 2023, 07:56 UTC, [citováno 5. 05. 2025] <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C5%BDi%C5%BEk%C5%AFv_dub_(My%C5%A1l%C3%ADn)&oldid=23285935 >
[22] Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie: Hlavačov (hrad, Lužná) [online]. c2024 [citováno 23. 10. 2025]. Dostupný z WWW: <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hlava%C4%8Dov_(hrad,_Lu%C5%BEn%C3%A1)&oldid=24169077 >
[23] Wikipedie: Otevřená encyklopedie: Červená louka [online]. c2025 [citováno 23. 10. 2025]. Dostupný z WWW: <https://cs.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%C4%8Cerven%C3%A1_louka&oldid=24792429 >
[24] Biolib: Profil místa: PR Červená louka [citováno 23. 10. 2025] Dostupný z WWW: <https://www.biolib.cz/cz/locality/id2467/ >
[25] KOČKA, Václav. History of Rakovník. Rakovník: Agroscience, s.r.o., 2009. 724 s. ISBN 978-80-85081-28-2.
[26] BEDNAŘÍK, Tomáš. Historical monuments of Rakovník. Rakovník: Raport, 1997. 178 p. ISBN 80-902190-2-0.
The bibliography is in the process of being edited, apologies for the different citation styles, we will consolidate them later.