Hradec Králové Region

Hradec Králové lies in an open plain, formed of fertile land along the Labe River and shady forests. It is a haven for cyclists – in fact, Hradec was the first town in which cyclist traffic grew to such an extent that bike paths with their own traffic lights and crossings evolved into a self-contained system. And Hradec Králové is also the best starting point for bike trips to its environs. Hradec also has plenty to offer water sport enthusiasts, horseback riders, golfers, mushroom pickers, and architecture buffs.

During the interwar period, Hradec Králové itself was known as the “salon of the republic”, especially owning to the large-scale planning of the town’s development and the work of architect Josef Gočár. The palette of architectonic styles here is unusually rich – from middle Gothic through Baroque, Secessionism right up to modern architecture.

There is plenty more to do in Hradec: you can visit its massive freshwater aquarium, which features a primeval forest, and a reconstructed water park with slides and a wave-making machine. One of the district’s more interesting technical monuments is a hydro-electric power plant with a bridge that crosses the Labe.

Cycling

Hradecko’s terrain is especially ideal for family trips. Considering there are practically no inclines here, even small children can handle the area’s bike paths. The network of bike routes is well-arranged and clearly marked and the trails run mainly along roads with very little traffic and paths with no traffic whatsoever.

Popular destinations include the crèche museum in Třebechovice pod Orebem and the Chateau in Hrádek u Nechanic .

In Hradec Králové you can rent a bike and hire a guide who will arrange and lead you on a romantic trip according to your group’s wishes and abilities. Your excursion may lead you to the vast forests towards Borohrádek (“Calm Forest” – Klid lesa – 25 km), or even to the border of the tourist area, for instance to the Orlické Mountains, to the stronghold in Náchodsko, or to Nové Město nad Metují.

Water sports

On Smetanovo nábřeží, oppostite the town spa, there is a dock from which the steam ships “Hradec” and “Queen Elisabeth” (Královna Eliška) set off. They are unique crafts that commemorate the ingenuity of the 19th century. The boats are operational from May to October. Children can take a ride on a pirate ship, and boats can be rented here as well.

True water enthusiasts head for the Orlice River. When the water levels are high enough, Wild Orlice is navigable from Trčkov in the Orlické Mountains, and along a 127 kilometre stretch to its confluence with Quiet Orlík (Tichá Orlík) there are two segments that have a difficulty rating of WW II+ and one rated WW I. Usually, however, it is navigable from the embankment below the Pastviny Dam.

When the water levels are high, experienced boaters will find the Quiet Orlík navigable from Lichkov (WW II-III), but generally they’ll be able to set out from Jablonná. The Wild Orlík from Klášterec nad Orlicí, running through Spojené Orlici to Hradec, meandering through flood-plain forests, is recommended for boaters seeking something calmer.

Towns located in tourist location

Babice, Barchov, Běleč nad Orlicí, Benátky, Blešno, Boharyně, Černilov, Černožice, Chlumec nad Cidlinou, Chudeřice, Čistěves, Divec, Dobřenice, Dohalice, Dolní Přím, Habřina, Hlušice, Hněvčeves, Holohlavy, Hořiněves, Hradec Králové (web ), Hrádek, Humburky, Hvozdnice, Jeníkovice, Káranice, Klamoš, Kobylice, Kosice, Kosičky, Králíky, Kratonohy, Kunčice, Lejšovka, Lhota pod Libčany, Libčany, Libníkovice, Librantice, Libřice, Lišice, Lochenice, Lodín, Lovčice, Lužany, Lužec nad Cidlinou, Máslojedy, Měník, Mlékosrby, Mokrovousy, Myštěves, Mžany, Nechanice, Neděliště, Nepolisy, Nové Město, Nový Bydžov, Obědovice, Ohnišťany, Olešnice, Osice, Osičky, Petrovice, Písek, Prasek, Praskačka, Předměřice nad Labem, Převýšov, Pšánky, Puchlovice, Račice nad Trotinou, Radíkovice, Radostov, Roudnice, Sadová, Šaplava, Sendražice, Skalice, Skřivany, Sloupno, Smidary, Smiřice, Smržov, Sovětice, Stará Voda, Starý Bydžov, Stěžery, Stračov, Střezetice, Světí, Syrovátka, Těchlovice, Třebechovice pod Orebem (web ), Třesovice, Urbanice, Vinary, Vrchovnice, Všestary, Výrava, Vysoká nad Labem, Zachrašťany, Zdechovice

Municipal associations active in this area

1866 Monument Zone Micro-Region, Bělohrad Spa Micro-Region, Černilov Micro-Region, Cidlina Union of Towns, Hustířanka Micro-Region, Nový Bydžov Micro-Region, Smiřice Micro-Region, The Nechanice Micro-Region , Třebechovic Micro-Region, Union of Plynofikace Towns of the Urbanice Micro-Region, Urbanice Micro-Region, Valdštejnova zahrada, Žacléř Region

Tourist information service

Journey back in time at historical celebrations (23.07.2008) Prague, July 2008 The illustrious pageantry of a historical procession, perilous duels, merry performances by tumblers, magicians and troupes of actors, long since forgotten old Bohemian dishes... unique... whole article

Top Print Recommend Add to favorites