KUDYZNUDY.CZ

Podzvičinsko region

A region with vast forests and well-preserved examples of folk architecture, interwoven by a dense network of marked tourist and cycling trails, offering its visitors the possibility to explore culture and enjoy natural sights at the same time. Precious cultural treasures may be found in the Klenotnice [Treasury] in Nová Paka, as well as at the Kuks premises, which hold a unique collection of Baroque sculptures, complete with the nearby wood Nativity scene. The Bělohrad Peat Spa owes its existence to the peat reserves in the region.

Other sights include the Castle of Pecka, linked with the name of the famous traveler and writer Kryštof Harant; Les Království, a fairytale-like dam on the River Elbe with romantic turrets; and the famous Zoo and Safari in Dvůr Králové. The countless hiking and biking tourist destinations offer beautiful scenic lookouts, as well as an opportunity to meet the local people, and experience the culture and traditions. You may also try out the local culinary specialties: genuine Hořice rolls, Miletín prayer cookies, or Nová Paka beer.

Dvůr Králové Zoo and Safari – an all-year zoo and seasonal safari. The unique grounds are made to resemble the animals’ natural habitat. Sightseeing train rides, a restaurant, shop and gallery with the exhibition Prehistory through the Eyes of Zdenek Burian.
Hořice – a town with a long tradition of the stone-cutting industry. Gothard Hill holds a sculpture gallery with a permanent exhibition of early 20th century Czech sculptures. The unique outdoor exhibition grounds present the works of participants in Hořice sculpting symposiums.
Masaryk Independence Tower – an interesting monument to the anti-Communist resistance on Hořický Chlum (altitude 449 meters) with a 20-meter-high lookout tower. Another modern lookout tower (41 meters) is located 1.5 kilometers from the Masaryk Tower.
Kuks – a set of Baroque buildings with a former Hospital of Merciful Brethren and the Holy Trinity Church, located in the valley of the River Elbe. The allegorical sculpture cycles depict the twelve vices and virtues. The premises also include an apothecary museum, a Baroque apothecary, garden and gallery.
Bethlehem – sculptures made of rock blocks and reliefs sculpted in rock walls by M.B. Braun, located approximately 2 kilometers west of Kuks. The central section consists of the Bethlehem cave, depicting the Nativity and the arrival of the Magi.
Lázně Bělohrad – a small spa town. The St. Anne peat spa premises are surrounded by a natural park and a sports ground. There are a number of hiking and biking trails in the vicinity.
Zvičina – the highest peak of the Krkonoše foothills (altitude 671 meters), with the Church of St. John of Nepomuk and the Rais Lodge with a lookout tower on top. The location offers panoramic views of Krkonoše, Orlické hory, Podkrkonoší, and Český ráj.
Byšičky – a popular trip destination near Lázně Bělohrad with the ancient Church of SS Peter and Paul, and the place where writer and poet K.J. Erben located his famous poem The Wedding Shirts from his collection Kytice [The Bouquet].
Nová Paka – a treasury of precious stones with an exhibition of gemstones. There are numerous precious stone deposits in the town’s vicinity: agates, amethysts, jaspers, and petrified wood. The nearby Levín Hill is a well-known agate deposit.
Pecka Castle – a Gothic castle, rebuilt as a Renaissance chateau, and a former seat of Kryštof Harant. The Harant Palace holds an exhibition on the castle history and Kryštof Harant’s life. There is an exhibition on Criminal Law and Justice in the castle dungeons.
Les Království Dam near Bílá Třemešná – a dam on the River Elbe, built in the years 1910 – 1919, decorated with fairytale-like turrets. The technological monument is the oldest water dam of its type in Central Europe.