Chrudim-Hlinsko Region

An ideal place to live and to relax, not only on a family holiday – this is how the natives of the Chrudimsko-Hlinecko region characterise their home. Do you love charming countryside that remains untouched by industry? Then this area has plenty of nature reserves to offer, such as the one in the Iron Mountains (Železný hory). You find historical monuments more fascinating than nature? Then visit sights such as the outdoor museum in Veselý Kopec, or check out some of the district’s massive castles. Are you a more sport-oriented traveler? Then why not hop on your bike and take on some of Chrudim’s celebrated bike paths? Yes, Chrudimsko-Hlinecko really has something for everyone…

A fleeting glance at a map of the Czech Republic is enough to see that the Chrudimsko-Hlinecko region is shielded by two highland objects – the Žďár Peaks and the Iron Mountains. They are not among the highest in the Czech Republic, but they will captivate you with their diversity. In addition to this, they form a sort of frame for the local jagged countryside. The tall hills gradually drift down into a landscape of fields and meadows, through which small paths meander. On the sites of former rock quarries there are small lakes inviting travellers to indulge in a refreshing summertime swim. And rivers and streamlets wind and weave through the entire region – the Chrudimka with its tributaries, Doubrava, Bylanka…

To this day you can find many reminders of ancient times in this district. In traditional log cabins dwelled people who initially supported themselves through hard labour on practically infertile, stony and clay lands. With time they came to realise that the region offered them another way of making a living – they began to bake clay pots and plates. In addition to pot-makers, the region was home to plenty of glass-blowers and wood-carvers, who used high-quality wood from the Žďár Peaks and Iron Mountain to make toys, among other things.

Does all that sound very romantic to you? Then it would probably come as no surprise to you that from time immemorial the countryside here has inspired artists; to this day they continue to walk its paths. The famous painter Antonín Chittusi was born and worked in Ronov nad Doubravou, and Antonín Slavíček, another master of the brush and canvas, also created his works in the region. Writer Karel Václav Rais drew inspiration from his rambles through Hlinecko. All of these artists were fascinated by the beautiful countryside, traditional rustic architecture, and the hospitality of the locals. We believe that Chrudimsko-Hlinecko will stir up the same fascination in you.

Hiking

The jagged landscape and its dense network of clearly marked hiking trails attract many hikers to the Chrudimsko-Hlinecko region. Several of the trails lead to mountains, but along the way you may arrive at the k Sečská Dam (reccommended), or you can take a stroll through the charming valley of the Doubravka River, along one of the region’s three educational trails – The Chrudim Educational Trail.

Cycling

The mass popularity of cycling has not skipped Chrudimsko-Hlinecko, which boasts a dense network of trails connected to national paths. The local trails are in no way demanding on a cyclists physical condition as they are generally have difficulty levels of easy or medium. Most of them run along roads with asphalt surfaces, while in the Iron Mountain district cyclists can ride along trails that go through forests or fields. A frequently recommended path runs from Horní Bradlo past the chateau in Slatiňany to Sezemice – along the ridge of the Iron Mountains.