Kladsko Borderland

This colourful and hilly country on the border with Poland never fails to impress all who come here. Amazing rock formations, idyllic places of natural beauty, high plateaus, great opportunities for canoeists, climbers, cyclists and hikers, great windsurfing and other water sports and a myriad of ways to spend a fun summer are just some of the region’s draws.

There are enjoyable experiences to be had at Rozkoš Reservoir near Česká Skalice, the Merkur Museum (a brand of Czech Meccano) in Police nad Metují, at artillery positions with their mysterious and dark underground passageways, at fairytale chateaux and in wonderful Baroque and Renaissance buildings. And don’t forget other experiences such as relaxation at a spa or a tour of the brewery in Náchod, which includes a beer tasting session.

Adršpach rock formations – A 3.5km-long trail leads through the most interesting parts of the area and around waterfalls of varying heights. Another 1.5km circular route takes in the former sand quarry lake and the entrance to the rock formations. Another popular attraction is the ruins of Adršpach Castle on Starozámecký Hill, from the top of which there are great views of the rock formations and the nearby Krkonoše Mountains.

Broumov cliffs – Several marked hiking trails lead across the ridges and through the gorges of this set of cliffs. The outlook points at Božanovský Špičák (773m) and Koruna (789m) are particularly popular, as are the strange mushroom-like rock formations near the hamlet of Slavný, the Baroque chapel and the timber Hvězda chalet.

Josefov – This conservation area and former military fortress was built in the late 18th century as a self-contained town with streets laid out in a grid. You can admire the remains of the fortifications and works by the Baroque-era sculptor, Matyáš Bernard Braun, at the sculpture museum. Or why not walk along the ramparts past the artillery positions, take a look into the ammunition stores, built inside the fortress for safety reasons, or drop into the Military History Museum on the main square.

Broumov Monastery – The appearance of this impressive complex is the result of a Baroque makeover carried out by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. Part of the grand monastery can be visited on a guided tour, which takes in the Church of St Adalbert, the sacristy and the refectory where you’ll see a copy of the Turin Shroud.

Lázně Velichovky – This spa claimed its place in the history of the Czech spa industry in the late 19th century thanks to deposits of chalky mud possessing curative properties. Its composition is unique and not found anywhere else in the Czech Republic.

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