Pardubice region

The region is the beginning of the golden belt of the Czech lands, which includes the most fertile part of the Polabí flatlands: A land of sunny meadows, majestic parks, stately rivers, ancient channels and lovely ponds, their banks full of flowers and birdsong. All the land’s delights are brought to you on horseback, with the aroma of honey and cinnamon.

A horse is also depicted in the crest of the city of Pardubice, the region’s main city. The local race course has held the most difficult horse race in continental Europe, the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase, for over a century. A few kilometers from here is the famous stud farm in Kladruby, and a number of other places ideal for a vacation in the saddle. Be sure to take a trip to the château in Choltice, a wooden church in Veliny, or Kunětická hora. The village surrounding the local castle is the seat of the Gingerbread Headquarters, a unique museum of gingerbread, located in fairytale-like countryside. And believe us, the delicious Pardubice Gingerbread is truly irresistible.

Kladruby nad Labem – the oldest stud farm in the world was founded in 1562 by Emperor Maximilian II. A world-famous breeding farm of Oldkladruby horses, used for ceremonial and representative purposes. Coach horses from Kladruby are highly sought-after by royal families from all over the world.

Lázně Bohdaneč – a peat spa in a region of ponds and greenwoods in the near vicinity of Pardubice. The spa buildings are connected to shops by a roofed colonnade. A valuable complex of Functionalist buildings, including the spa pavilion, designed by the architect Gočár.

Castle Kunětická Hora – the impressive Late Gothic residence of the Lords of Pernštejn is a dominant feature of the Pardubice area and a popular tourist destination. The castle interiors hold archeological collections, and the game preserve below the castle houses the Museum of Gingerbread and Fairytales, with forest grounds holding an exhibition of fairytale locations and characters.

Opatovice Channel – a technological monument of the Renaissance, built by the Lords of Pernštejn at the turn of the 15th century, used to supply water to some 250 ponds, with the total area of 2,700 hectares. The channel forms an artificial, 35-kilometer-long branch of the Elbe River between Opatovice and Semín.

Pardubice – a city with a historic center, famous for its production of traditional gingerbread. The Renaissance castle holds a gallery and museum with a permanent exhibition of weaponry and modern glass; the Renaissance Green Gate, and a number of historic buildings.

Velká Pardubická Steeplechase – the oldest horse race in continental Europe (established in 1874), and the second most difficult steeplechase cross-country run in the world, after the Grand National Liverpool Steeplechase. The race course is 6.9 kilometers long, with 31 fences, including the famous Taxisova Ditch.

Holice – a memorial to the famous traveler Emil Holub (1847-1902) with a vast exhibition of African fauna. Stuffed animal exhibits, Holub’s study, and an African village scene.

Chateau Choltice – a Baroque chateau and the octagonal Chapel of St. Romedius with unique paintings, carvings and stucco decorations. An interesting museum exhibition of a Baroque apothecary.

Veliny – a beautiful complex of wooden sacral buildings: the Baroque St. Nicholas Church with a wooden choir, a wooden charnel house, and an octagonal wooden bell tower from the 18th century.

Přelouč – one of the oldest historic sites in the Pardubice region. The Romanesque St. James Church, rebuilt in Baroque style; the Holy Field cemetery complex with the Church of the Annunciation, the resting place of František Veverka, inventor of the turning plow. Birthplace of actor František Filipovský, in whose honor annual dubbing awards are held here.