Bekoste

Bekoste is a small municipality situated in the eastern part of the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Administratively, it falls within the jurisdiction of the Turnov District and lies approximately 16 kilometres north of the district capital, Turnov, and about 102 kilometres north of the national capital, Prague. The settlement sits on the foothills of the Eastern Šumava mountain range, at an elevation of roughly 400 metres above sea level.

The first documented mention of Bekoste dates back to a 1237 charter, in which it is referenced as a hamlet belonging to the dominant noble family of the Vlký. During the late Middle Ages the village gained prominence as a waypoint on the trade route connecting Prague to the Ore Mountains. The modest wooden fortifications that once guarded the crossroads were later replaced by a stone tower in the 1380s, parts of which survive in the ruins visible today.

In 1848, the settlement was granted municipal rights, allowing it to establish its own local council and finance minor public works. The population peaked in the early 20th century, when around 750 residents made their living primarily through agriculture, forestry, and small-scale crafts. Industrialisation had only a modest impact; the nearest large industrial centre remains Turnov, known for its pottery industry.

Modern Bekoste covers an area of 12.3 square kilometres and, as of the 2021 census, hosts around 310 inhabitants. Its economy now relies on agriculture, tourism, and commuting to nearby towns. Notable local attractions include the ruins of the 14th‑century stone tower, which offers panoramic views of the Šumava landscape, and an annual folk festival that commemorates the village’s medieval heritage.

Bekoste’s postal code is 512 01 and the time zone observance follows Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving months.