Kladsko borderland

The Kladsko Borderland is one of the most sought-after vacation areas, offering a true multitude of leisure activities: there are several natural preserves, including the famous Adršpašsko-Teplické Skály, the Ratibořice Chateau and the Rozkoš dam, offering a variety of water sports and amusement activities; the chateaux in Náchod and Nové Město nad Metují with ghost exhibitions, and an artillery fort. The region has wonderful canoeing, mountain climbing, cycling and hiking locations.

Add to that numerous wooden churches, monumental chapels and monasteries, beautiful scenic lookout points, several spa resorts, the amazing scenery of the Peklo valley of the River Metuje, and the former Josefov fortress with a network of underground passages open to the public, and you will see a picture of a region whose attraction is truly irresistible.

Adršpaško-teplické skály (Rocks) – this rock city with numerous rock formations, an artificial lake and waterfall is a popular vacation spot. Guided tours or sightseeing boat cruises are available.

Ratibořice – a summer house in the Empire style and a former residence of Duchess Zaháňská, who inspired the character of “the Duchess” in Božena Němcová’s famous book Babička [The Grandmother]. The castle gardens extend into the valley around, known today as Babiččino údolí (Grandmother’s Valley).

Babiččino údolí – the location of Božena Němcová’s book Babička [The Grandmother]. The tourist trail leads from the sculpture of the Grandmother with grandchildren, around the Master Inn, a water mangle with a drapery exhibition, Ludr’s Mill, toward Staré Bělidlo and Viktorka’s Weir.

Broumov Monastery – a Benedictine Priory, established in 1322, restored in the Baroque style by architect K.I. Dientzenhofer. Areas open to the public include the historic interiors, a library, a refectory, and the monastic church of St. Adalbert with V.V. Reiner’s paintings. The monastery collections contain a unique imprint of the Turin shroud.

Broumovské stěny – a vast, ragged rock massif on the Polish border. Its most popular spot is the scenic lookout point on the gallery of the Baroque chapel on Hvězda. There are countless rock cavities, passes, caves and minor rock formations.

Dobrošov Artillery Fortress – a part of the Czech military fortifications built in the years 1935 – 1938. The 400-meter long guided tour will take you through underground halls and passages holding a permanent exhibition of military artifacts. The underground exhibition is complemented by an above-ground educational tourist trail.

Jaroměř – Josefov – a historic preserve: a military fortress from the late 18th century, constructed as a city with right-angled streets. Fortifications; a guided tour through the underground passages; a collection of sculptures by M.B. Braun; museum of military history.

Náchod – a town with numerous historic monuments and a rich literary tradition (Alois Jirásek, Josef Škvorecký), dominated by a Renaissance chateau with period interiors, a lookout tower, a bear’s moat, and a dungeon. Be sure to visit the ghost exhibition in the Gothic cellars.

Rozkoš – the dam near Náchod is a popular vacation and water sports resort, as well as an important ornithological location and a rest area for rare waterfowl species during spring and fall migration.

Nové Město nad Metují – a historic urban preserve, with a square built in the Venetian Renaissance style. The interiors of the beautiful Renaissance chateau have been uniquely remodeled by D. Jurkovič in the folk Art Nouveau and Art Deco style.

Lázně Velichovky – a health resort for patients with diseases of the locomotive system, famous especially for its thick peat with unique composition.

Hronov – a town inextricably linked to the name of Alois Jirásek, a famous Czech writer who was born there. The local Jirásek Theater holds an annual European festival of amateur theater – Jiráskův Hronov. The theater premises also house Jirásek’s museum.