Discover the Hradec Kralove Region: unhurried and nature-friendly
Sustainable development shapes the modern world and has become an integral part of tourism. The Hradec Kralove Region (Czech: Královéhradecký kraj), bordering Poland, supports nature conservation and local development, promotes the use of ecological means of transport and respect for cultural heritage.
For example, the Karkonosze mountain range (the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic), especially in the summer months, struggles with a very intense influx of tourists. Therefore, the Regional Tourist Organization of the Hradec Kralove Region has chosen a direction that encourages visitors to discover unique, but less crowded places.
In cooperation with the Polish influencer Magda Kuchta, we have prepared four proposals for trips to the border region. These are scenic routes with tourist attractions and beautiful nature. The routes can inspire you to get to know the Hradec Krai better – its mountain landscapes, lowlands, castles, palaces and delicious local cuisine.
Directly on the border with Poland there is the mountain town of Neratov – a place dominated by a magical church with a glass roof. The glass roof set on raw walls symbolizes the combination of the past and the present. On the backs of the chairs you can read the names of donors from various countries, thanks to whom the monument was largely preserved for future generations. Neratov in the Orlické Mountains is the place of operation of the Neratov Association, which has been helping disabled people for years. In Neratov you can try regional beer specialties from the Neratov Brewery, and the local inn offers the best of Czech cuisine.
Neratov is located on the marked Czech-Polish ridge trail “Hřebenovka” – a hiking route leading along the ridges of north-eastern Bohemia, connecting the Karkonosze Mountains, Broumovsko, the Orlické Mountains and other border areas. From spring to autumn, it is an ideal place for hiking or cycling, and in winter for cross-country skiing.
If you are looking for cultural experiences, you can follow the trail of palaces located on the Orlice River. Within a radius of just a few kilometers there are as many as four private noble residences, which is why this area is called the “Bohemian Loire”. You can visit all these monuments in one day – by bus, bike, train, or even on a kayaking trip on Orlica.
The Renaissance palace in Častolovice will certainly delight you, which, through its connection with George of Poděbrady, is connected with the Polish castle in Oleśnica in Lower Silesia. The palace has a large park with a pond, a rose garden and a mini zoo. However, what is most impressive is the palace interior, which has preserved its original coffered ceilings, furniture and portraits. At the local chateau café you can enjoy something sweet to refresh yourself before heading out to other attractions in the Hradec Kralove Region.
All tour tips, in the form of short video guides, can be found on the website www.hkregion.cz
