Viktorka's Weir in Ratibořice
Viktorčin splav v Ratibořicích
A romantic and historical weir in Grandmother's Valley (Babiččino údolí), famously depicted in Božena Němcová's novel 'Babička' as the site of a tragic event involving the character Viktorka.

📜 A romantic and historical weir in Grandmother's Valley (Babiččino údolí), famously depicted in Božena Němcová's novel 'Babička'.
🔍 Site of a tragic event involving the character Viktorka, with a history of structural changes over centuries.

Why Go

📖 Explore a key literary landmark from Božena Němcová's 'Babička'
🏞️ Enjoy a romantic spot directly behind the historic Staré bělidlo
🚶‍♀️ Ideal for a short, reflective visit in Babiččino údolí
⏳ Witness the site of historical and structural changes to the weir

The Story of Viktorka

📚 The weir is famously associated with the novel 'Babička' by Božena Němcová, as the place where the character 'mad Viktorka' supposedly threw her child into the Úpa river.
👤 The real person, Viktorka, did exist. She died at 76, buried in Červený Kostelec. She suffered from mental illness, killed her first child, and was imprisoned. After release, she wandered the region, had another child, and struggled with alcoholism.

Historical Changes

🏗️ The original wooden weir has been altered several times throughout history.
📅 First change: early 19th century during irrigation system construction.
🛠️ Further modifications: 1874-1875 and during 20th-century Úpa river regulation.
🎬 For the 1971 film adaptation of 'Babička', director Moskalyk covered the weir with large logs to recreate its historical appearance.
🌊 The current weir is a reinforced concrete structure built slightly downstream to straighten the river's flow.

Why Avoid

⏱️ A relatively short visit, approximately 0.5 hours, might not be a full-day destination.

Managed By

🏛️ Správa státního zámku Ratibořice

Tags
naturehistorical siteliterary locationoutdoorBabiččino údolí