Bukovina and Bukovinka: Two Villages in the Woods Above Křtiny

Bukovina (428 inhabitants) and Bukovinka (583 inhabitants) sit side by side in the forests of the Drahany Highlands, just above Křtiny. They share a common history and even a water supply, and as they lie well away from the main tourist routes, you’ll find peace and quiet here. Bukovinka is linked to the beginnings of the Křtiny pilgrimage: according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1210. On the road from Bukovina to Křtiny stands a Baroque two-storey wayside shrine. Both villages make a good base for exploring the Rakovec Valley and Křtiny. For an overnight stay, there is the Penzion a hostinec Rakovec (Rakovec guesthouse and inn) in Bukovinka.

QUICK LINKS 👀 What to see · 🥾 Walks and day trips · 🛏️ Where to stay · ❓ FAQ

The paved road from Křtiny to Bukovina was only built at the start of the 20th century. Until then, both villages were rather cut off from the world, and perhaps that is why they have kept their tranquillity to this day.

What to see

Bukovinka

• The chapel on the site of the apparition. According to ancient tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1210. A small chapel marks the spot, bearing the inscription “Here in 1210 the Virgin Mary of Křtiny appeared”. From here, legend has it, the statuette of the Virgin Mary was carried to Křtiny, where it gave rise to one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Moravia. Read more in our article Traditions and customs of the Moravian Karst.
• The ruins of the old church, on the site of the old cemetery. The church burnt down in 1772.
• The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the new church built a year later on a rise at the southern edge of the village.

Bukovina

• The wayside shrine on the road to Křtiny. This unique two-storey structure with niches and a gabled roof is a listed cultural monument and a fine example of Baroque folk craftsmanship. Local legend has it that Saints Cyril and Methodius passed this way on their journey to Křtiny.
• The statue of St Wenceslas, patron saint of the village, is the heart of the community. Events and open-air Masses are held beside the monument.
• The chapel with a bell tower, restored and reconsecrated in 2018.
• Strhovec Pond, a pleasant spot for a stroll and a rest.

Walks and day trips

• Rakovec Valley. From Bukovinka, a blue-waymarked trail leads to the Rakovec Valley and on to Borová skála (Pine Rock). It is among the loveliest valleys in the Drahany Highlands and in spring it is carpeted with spring snowflakes. See Moravian Karst without the crowds.
• The S. K. Neumann Trail. The well-known hiking route begins at the church in Bukovinka and runs through Křtiny and the Moravian Karst to Bílovice nad Svitavou, where the poet’s memorial stands, and then on along the River Svitava to Brno.
• Křtiny is a short walk through the woods from here. You’ll find Santini’s church and the Výpustek Cave in our articles Křtiny and Výpustek.
• By bike: the surrounding forests are criss-crossed with surfaced tracks. The Jedovnice singletrack is only a few kilometres away along forest trails, and the Blansko–Křtiny–Jedovnice cycle circuit passes through both villages.

Events: in Bukovina, the volunteer fire brigade organises the Bukovina Relay (Bukovinské štafetování), a youth competition held at the start of the summer holidays, and Bukovina Day (Den Bukoviny) during the year, with Mass, a programme of entertainment and a fair. The fire brigade in Bukovinka co-organises a ball, a witches’ bonfire night, a traditional costume weekend and a children’s day.

Where to stay

• Penzion a hostinec Rakovec (Rakovec guesthouse and inn) (Bukovinka 23) offers rooms with private bathrooms and a restaurant with a terrace and a children’s play corner. One room is wheelchair accessible. Tel. 733 337 978, website hostinecrakovec.cz.
• More accommodation is available in nearby Křtiny, see Křtiny.

Accommodation options change, so do check before you travel.

FAQ

What is the difference between Bukovina and Bukovinka? They are two separate neighbouring villages with a shared history; Bukovinka is slightly larger. Both lie above Křtiny in the Drahany Highlands.

What happened in Bukovinka in 1210? According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here. A chapel stands on the spot and, legend has it, the statuette that pilgrims still travel to venerate in Křtiny was carried from here.

Can you stay overnight in Bukovinka? Yes, at the Penzion a hostinec Rakovec.

Where can I go on a day trip from Bukovina? To the Rakovec Valley, to Křtiny, or by bike to the singletrack in Jedovnice.

Information verified as of 11. 10. 2026. Sources: brochure of the Moravian Karst Rural Development Association (Spolek pro rozvoj venkova Moravský kras), profiles of the villages of Bukovina and Bukovinka; KAM po Česku 1–2/2016, p. 27; Penzion a hostinec Rakovec; Bukovinka municipality: Pubs and accommodation.

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