One sight you will rarely see anywhere else is the area’s
military forts, not only on the
border defensive line dating from just before WWII but also at the Baroque fortress town of
Josefov with its publicly accessible labyrinth of underground passageways. You can experience the novels of Czech writer Božena Němcová first hand with a trip to
Grandmother’s Valley (Babiččino valley s), where her most famous story really comes to life. Military history enthusiasts also have something to get excited about;
the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 left its mark near Hradec Králové, a fact commemorated with several monuments and special themed trails.
Hradec Králové – This town at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice is fine example of early 20th-century town planning and boasts scores of Art Nouveau and Functionalist buildings, many associated with the names of two famous Czech
architects, Josef Gočár and Jan Kotěra. The city centre is dominated by the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, a Gothic structure established by Queen Eliška Rejčka and built of red brick.
Třebechovice Nativity Scene Museum – This is possibly the only museum in the country to open on Christmas Day! Over 300 nativity scenes are displayed here, the most famous being the priceless Probošt Nativity Scene. This giant among nativity scenes is 7m long, 1.8m high and 3m across and features over 2,000 carved pieces. Out of 373 figures some 171 can move. This nativity scene was a popular exhibit at EXPO 67 in Montreal and at other exhibitions around the world.
Adršpach rock formations – The River Metuje winds its way through a labyrinth of rock towers and gorges, which make up this unique set of sandstone rock formations. Another attraction is a boat trip on a lake hidden at the very heart of the formations.
Nová Amerika Golf Resort – One of the largest golf resorts in the Czech Republic boasts three separate courses: the Bohemian Garden, reminiscent of a British golf links; Maple Hills in the American style, and Woodland whose name speaks for itself. There are also large practice areas, a luxury hotel, restaurants and a clubhouse with simulators.
Czechoslovak Defensive Line from 1935-1938 – When first built, this series of defensive fortresses and bunkers extending from the Jestřebí and Orlické Mountains was the most advanced defensive system in Europe. The design of this huge set of ferro-concrete ramparts along the border with Germany was based on the French Maginot Line and has become a site which reminds us of the technical prowess and skill of our forebears. A number of smaller sites sit alongside artillery positions called
Bouda,
Hanička and
Dobrošov, all open to the public.
