TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ REGION
The Hradec Region is an area where rich history blends with the picturesque landscape of the Elbe lowlands. Cultural events and local cuisine enhance the uniqueness of places that rightfully belong to the MUST SEE list, not only on a regional scale but also nationwide.
1. Chlumec nad Cidlinou – Known for peasant uprisings and the Karlova Koruna Castle. It is also worth visiting the Baroque Loreta, which houses an exhibition on the history of the town and agriculture. This relatively inconspicuous building from the street will completely amaze you with its circular courtyard and interior arrangement. One of the most visited places is also the FAJNPARK children’s amusement park. If the heat gets to you, take advantage of the hospitality of the local swimming pool.
Access by car, bike: 30 km
2. Karlova Koruna – During the tour, you will learn about the history of one of the most significant families in our history, the Kinský family. You will peek into the count’s bedroom, uncover the secret of the bullet-riddled painting, and be amazed by Santini’s Pillar Hall. The castle is known not only for its original marble hall, where you would hardly find a corner, but also for the tradition of parforce hunting, which has been associated with the Kinský family and the Chlumec castle for almost 200 years. This theme is also covered by a new interactive exhibition in the reconstructed stables, where horses have recently returned.
Access by car, bike: 30 km
3. Hrádek u Nechanic – One of the most beautiful castles in Bohemia will transport you to the times of Romanticism and old England. It served as a summer residence for the Harrach family, and during the tours, you will learn a lot about the history of this noble family. It boasts richly furnished interiors and the excellent Anna of Harrach Café. It has also appeared in many fairy tales and historical films. Its distinctive red color will surely be etched in your memory.
Access by car, bike: 14 km
4. Prehistoric Archeopark in Všestary – The original center of experimental archaeology has been complemented by a museum building and expanded into a modern archeopark thanks to European funds. The indoor exhibition features a cave, prehistoric graves, a giant model of a prehistoric landscape, and other exhibits. The outdoor exhibition will take you to a prehistoric village with typical structures.
Access by car, bike, on foot: 9 km
5. Zoopark Stěžery and Animal Park Rabina – You can see animals from all over the world at Zoopark Stěžery and Animal Park Rabina near Chlumec nad Cidlinou. Animal Park Rabina is also a rescue station for exotic and endangered species.
Zoopark Stěžery – access by car, bike, on foot: 7 km
Animal Park Rabina – access by car, bike: 37 km
https://www.zoostezery.cz
https://www.animalparkrabina.cz/
6. Podorlický Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture in Krňovice – Offers examples of folk architecture from Eastern Bohemia. These are relocated buildings or reconstructions that are period-furnished and come to life during organized events. You will find around 20 different buildings here, and the dominant feature is undoubtedly the windmill.
Access by car, bike, on foot: 14 km
7. The Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice – In the newly reconstructed museum building, you can see more than 300 nativity scenes made from various materials and originating from both traditional and non-traditional nativity-making regions. The most valuable exhibit is Probošt’s mechanical nativity scene, which is the only nativity scene in the Czech Republic declared a national cultural monument.
Access by car, bike, on foot: 14 km
8. Battlefield of the 1866 War – In July 1866, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the 19th century took place near the village of Chlum u Sadové, the outcome of which significantly influenced the new division of Europe. The educational trail will take you to the places of the biggest clashes, where there are now monuments commemorating these historical events. The site itself is also impressive for its far-reaching views of the countryside and Hradec Králové. The local museum is undergoing extensive reconstruction and is not accessible.
Access by car, bike, on foot: 13 km
https://www.muzeumhk.cz/muzeum-valky-1866/zakladni-info-muzeum-valky-1866.html
9. Nový Bydžov – The original royal town mentioned in records in 1305 was founded on a regular geometric grid, which has no equivalent in medieval urbanism. In the early 15th century, it became a dowry town for Czech queens. Worth a visit is especially the extensive toy museum of the Stuchlík family. A place that will remind you of your childhood, as well as that of your parents and grandparents. A place that will show your children how to play without modern technology.
Access by car, bike: 28 km
10. Smiřice – The town of Smiřice is located on the Elbe cycle path, which in itself attracts visitors’ attention. The main landmark is the castle complex with the Baroque Chapel of the Epiphany, attributed to the Dietzenhofers or Santini, and houses the altar painting “Adoration of the Magi” by Petr Brandl. The chapel is a national cultural monument and also a venue for many cultural events and concerts due to its exceptional acoustics. The chapel is accessible only occasionally, with opening days listed on the chapel’s website.
Access by car, bike, on foot: 12 km
https://www.mestosmirice.cz/kaple-zjeveni-pane/ds-1125
Plan your trip or find what interests you on the interactive map www.poznejhradecko.cz.