On Foot Through the Hradec Králové Region
UNEXPECTED TREADMILL
Czech–Polish Ridge Trail: From the Krkonoše Mountains to the Orlické Mountains
Our tip: Visit the Baroque château in Náchod, which rises above the town like a guardian of history.
The Czech–Polish Ridge Trail (Hřebenovka) is one of the most picturesque long-distance hiking routes offered by the Hradec Králové Region. It stretches along the ridges of the Orlické and Krkonoše Mountains and offers breathtaking views of both the Czech and Polish sides of the border. The trail connects nature with history and culture and is ideal for multi-day treks with a rucksack on your back.
The first part of the Ridge Trail begins at the tourist border crossing Vosecká bouda (in Polish Hala Szrenicka) and follows the ridge of the Krkonoše Mountains, at times also on the Polish side, via Česká budka, Sněžné jámy, Mužské kameny and Dívčí kameny, Slezské sedlo to Polední kameny, where you will be captivated by a magnificent view of glacial lakes. From Polední kameny the Ridge Trail continues through Obří sedlo all the way to the highest mountain in the Czech Republic – Sněžka (1,603 m a.s.l.).
Krkonoše Beer Trail
Krkonoše Beer Trail (35 km) combines the beauty of the highest Czech mountains with a tasting of regional beers. The route takes you to several local microbreweries, such as Hendrych, Trautenberk, Pecký pivovar, Pivovarská Bašta and Friesovy boudy. We recommend dividing the route into two days so you can fully enjoy not only the beers but also the stunning views and mountain landscape.
Hidden Gem: Broumov area and Bohemian Paradise
Our tip: Trutnov is the gateway to the Krkonoše Mountains. Every year, it hosts the Trutnov Open Air Festival, nicknamed the “Czech Woodstock”.
The ridge trail in the Broumov area begins near the village of Česká Čermná and leads through the village of Nový Hrádek to Olešnice in the quieter, yet no less fascinating, Orlické Mountains. From Olešnice, the Ridge Trail continues to Vrchmezí, Šerlich, Masaryk Chalet, Velká Deštná, to Kunštát Chapel and further to the lookout tower on Anenský vrch and the artillery fortress Hanička. Also worth a stop is the Jirásek Tourist Chalet with its lookout tower in Dobrošov, designed by the architect Dušan Jurkovič. The Ridge Trail leaves the Hradec Králové Region at the Zemská brána.
The entire Broumov area is well worth exploring, and the Broumovské stěny are among the most beautiful sites in all of Czechia. Table mountains, rock cities and the Benedictine monastery in Broumov – where you can stay overnight in former monastic cells – offer a unique combination of nature, spirituality and architecture. The same applies to Bohemian Paradise, a UNESCO Geopark, which boasts sandstone rocks lining canyon-like river valleys or forming extensive rock cities.
Our Tip for a Trip:
One-Day Trip Along Lookout Towers
Length: approx. 18–20 km
Estimated time: 6–7 hours of easy walking
Difficulty: medium (gentle ascents and descents, forest, and mountain paths)
Start: Nový Hrádek
Finish: Deštné in the Orlické Mountains (bus connection back possible)
Route and stops:
Šibeník Lookout Tower (Nový Hrádek)
The trip begins at a unique lookout tower built on the tube of a former wind turbineVrchmezí (1,084 m) – Border Lookout Tower
Gentle ascent to a lookout tower on the Czech–Polish borderŠerlich (1,027 m) – Masaryk Chalet
A historic mountain chalet ideal for rest and refreshmentsVelká Deštná (1,115 m) – Modern Lookout Tower
The highest peak of the Orlické Mountains. A designer lookout tower with a symbolic shell representing the direction of rainfall.
By Bike or With Trekking Poles
Our tip: Veselý Kopec, an open-air museum showcasing traditional folk architecture and the way of life of our ancestors.
The Hradec Králové Region, with its historic capital city Hradec Králové, is rich in historical gems. If you enjoy combining movement with beautiful landscapes, try the Elbe Cycle Route – one of the most beautiful trails in Czechia, which takes you from Hradec Králové along the Elbe River, perhaps all the way to Kuks, home to the stunning Kuks Hospital, a former hospice with a unique open-air gallery of sculptures by the sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun. Kuks is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque sites in Czechia. The entire complex is beautifully set in the landscape and makes for an exceptional destination that we definitely recommend!
Directly in Hradec Králové, you can spend a pleasant afternoon in the city forests: dozens of kilometres of trails for both walkers and cyclists run through a peaceful pine forest, featuring educational paths and rest pavilions.
Spa and Golf in Nature
After a long hike, some well-deserved recovery is in order. Janské Lázně, Lázně Bělohrad and Lázně Velichovky are ideal – they specialise in treating the musculoskeletal system and offer top-class wellness services. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the golf courses. Grund Resort GOLF&SKI combines golf with the option of skiing in the winter months. Golf Club Grosshof offers a beautiful course surrounded by nature, and the Golf Course at Hrádek u Nechanic will delight you with the atmosphere of an English château park.
