podlog

Podlog is a small rural settlement situated in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, within the administrative district of Jičín in the Hradec Králové Region. The village lies at an elevation of approximately 350 metres above sea level, surrounded largely by mixed oak and beech forests that are part of the historic Bohemian Forest system.

Historical references to Podlog date back to the 13th century, when it was mentioned in a royal charter as a minor agricultural hamlet. Over the centuries the name has been spelled in several variations, including Podlōg and Podlogi, reflecting the village’s Slavic linguistic heritage. The local economy has traditionally centered on subsistence farming, small-scale timber production, and occasional artisanal crafts, although in recent decades many residents commute to nearby towns for employment.

A noteworthy landmark is the Church of Saint Wenceslaus, built in the late 17th century in a Classicist style, which houses a number of medieval altar pieces. The surrounding area is popular with hikers, offering several well-marked trails that pass through the surrounding forest and provide scenic views of the adjacent valleys. Despite its modest size, Podlog remains an emblematic example of rural life in the Czech highlands, preserving traditional customs while adapting to modern economic realities.