K-S 32 Na růžku casemate

K-S 32 "Na růžku" is a preserved Czechoslovak infantry casemate in Lichkov, one of two fortification objects opened to visitors by the local Military Museum. Concrete was poured in December 1936 as part of the border fortification line built between 1935 and 1938 in anticipation of a conflict with Nazi Germany. Today the bunker stands beside road II/312 between Mladkov and Lichkov and ranks among the best-preserved fragments of pre-war Czechoslovak defenses in the region.

What will you see inside?

The interior functions as a museum: illuminated display cases hold original weapons, military equipment, and historical documents from the era when the defensive line was built. The exhibit also explains the fortification's own engineering — the thickness of its concrete walls (around 1,570 cubic meters of concrete went into construction), the layout of firing positions, and its armored observation-and-combat cupolas, three of which are shared between K-S 32 and the neighboring casemate K-S 31 "U besídky." A full wartime garrison numbered around 56 soldiers, which gives a sense of just how tight and purpose-built the interior was.

The exterior has recently undergone reconstruction carried out by the ForteG organization, which restored missing armored elements — including the main weapon embrasures and an armored dome — bringing the casemate closer to its 1938 appearance.

How do you get there?

K-S 32 sits directly on road II/312 connecting Mladkov and Lichkov, in the Ústí nad Orlicí district of eastern Bohemia, close to the Polish border. Driving is the most convenient option, with roadside parking available near the site. Lichkov also lies on a rail line, so travelers without a car can reach Lichkov train station and walk the short distance to the casemate. Several other fortification-line objects are scattered nearby, making it easy to combine a visit with a broader day exploring the border region's military heritage.

When should you visit?

The museum operates seasonally, mainly through spring, summer, and early autumn, typically opening on weekends and select weekdays during morning and afternoon hours. It's worth checking the museum's current schedule before visiting, since opening times depend on the volunteers who staff the site. Dry weather is best for a comfortable visit — the interior stays cool and damp year-round, so a warm layer is a good idea even in summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the K-S 32 "Na růžku" casemate? It's a concrete infantry combat bunker from the Czechoslovak fortification line built between 1935 and 1938, now open as a military museum in Lichkov.

How many soldiers were stationed here? At full wartime mobilization, the garrison numbered roughly 56 soldiers.

Can you visit on your own, without a guide? Yes — the interior is set up as a self-guided exhibit with lit display cases, open during regular museum hours.

What else pairs well with a visit to K-S 32? The neighboring casemate K-S 31 "U besídky," run by the same museum, along with other surviving fortifications scattered around Lichkov and Mladkov.