Pardubice: Where history meets sweet treats

Welcome to Pardubice, the gateway to East Bohemia, a city that enchants not only with its charming pastel-colored houses but also with the enticing aroma of gingerbread. Easily accessible by train from Prague, this city is also renowned for its stud farms and the annual horse race, which has been held since 1874.

The magic of the gingerbread city

Pardubice is a place full of magic, and this is reflected not only in its colorful streets but also in its culinary specialty: gingerbread. Here you’ll find gingerbread houses, artistic gingerbread figures, and even delicious gingerbread horses! The city’s symbol, a “half horse,” underscores the importance of horse breeding in the region.

Racecourse and stud farms

Visit one of the stud farms or the racecourse, which is among the most famous in the world. This is the heart of horse breeding, and the annual horse races in Velká Pardubická are an event you shouldn’t miss.

Kunětická Hora Castle: Romance on the castle hill

A special place in Pardubice is Kunětická Hora Castle, perched atop a hill. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, the hill offers a fantastic viewpoint, especially at sunset. Enjoy a dreamy evening here and let yourself be enchanted by the romantic atmosphere.

Castles and palaces

Immerse yourself in history by exploring the various castles and châteaux in the region. Each tells its own fascinating story and offers insights into the past of Pardubice and East Bohemia.

Seč: A natural paradise with an abandoned castle

Just a short trip from Pardubice, Seč awaits, a small paradise for nature lovers. The majority of the region is covered in dense forests, and Lake Seč, formed by the Seč Dam, is a true gem.

Seč Dam and beach

Rent a pedal boat at Seč beach and explore the picturesque lake. The view from the water is breathtaking, especially when you reach the small island in the middle of the lake. Spend relaxing hours at Seč beach and let nature work its magic on you.

View from the abandoned Oheb Castle

For panoramic views, the abandoned Oheb Castle is a must-see. Climb the hills and reach the top for a spectacular view of the dam. Especially in the evening, as the sun sets, you’ll witness the water changing color – a sight you won’t soon forget.

Litomyšl: Art, history and contemporary elegance

Litomyšl in East Bohemia is a hidden gem for art lovers, a city that offers a perfect blend of ancient art and contemporary elegance.

Litomyšl Chateau: An architectural masterpiece

Visiting Litomyšl Castle is like stepping into an old movie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is impressive from the outside, but its true magic is revealed upon entering. Stay directly opposite the castle at the Litomyšl Chateau Apartment and immerse yourself in contemporary art in themed rooms.

Artistic diversity: Olbram Zoubek’s sculptures

Litomyšl also surprises with its contemporary art. Discover the city’s art scene and visit the house of the famous Bohemian composer Bedřich Smetana, who was born here. A truly outstanding experience is the art exhibition of Olbram Zoubek’s sculptures in a wine cellar. His sculptures, a contribution to the restoration of the castle, lend the city a unique artistic touch.

Swojanov: An Adventure in Svojanov Castle

Welcome to Swojanov, a small town best known for its majestic castle. The unique feature? Here you can not only admire the castle from the outside, but also spend the night inside! But that’s not all – experience the one-of-a-kind “night tour” with a costumed guide who serves not only funny stories, but also cinnamon pancakes. Rumors of ghosts add to the excitement, and who knows, maybe your visit will even be immortalized in a ghost-hunting video online!

Overnight stay at Svojanov Castle

The castle offers not only stories but also a watchtower with breathtaking views. Don’t miss the climb at sunrise or sunset – the view of the town of Svojanov is simply enchanting.

Prachov Rocks in Jičín: A natural wonder from prehistoric times

If you love natural wonders, then the Prachov Rocks Nature Reserve is an absolute must-see. These spectacular rocks were formed 60 million years ago and today create a unique panorama. Spend the day in the nearby town of Jičín, just 5 km away, and explore the area early in the morning to avoid the crowds. With marked hiking trails, dramatic viewpoints, and even a stroller-friendly route, there’s something for everyone.

A day in nature

There are short and long hiking trails, depending on how much time you have. The longer trail offers eight viewpoints and takes about two hours. After your hike, you can swim in the Jinolice ponds and refresh yourself at the local cafes. A tip: only visit the cafes during the high season, as they are closed in winter.

Chrudim: The home of Czech puppetry

Welcome to Chrudim, the city of Czech puppetry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can visit the Chrudim Puppetry Museum, which showcases various puppets and theatrical scenes. Discover the art of puppetry and even try operating your own puppet. Chrudim is reminiscent of Pardubice, but with its hilly streets and ancient cathedral, it has a charm all its own.

Podhůra Recreation Forest: Nature and Adventure

Not far from Chrudim, the Podhůra recreational forest awaits you with a variety of attractions. A climbing park for young and old, the Bára lookout tower with its unique triangular wooden structure, and a miniature castle called Cat Castle, dating back to the 19th century, offer a perfect blend of adventure and history.

Enjoy nature and cycle paths

Explore the forest’s many cycling trails and take a break at the café with free Wi-Fi. A miniature castle, viewpoints, and a wide range of cycling routes make Podhůra a perfect day trip destination in East Bohemia.

Nové Hrady: A Czech fairytale castle

Welcome to Nové Hrady, where history comes alive and a castle majestically overlooks the landscape. But wait, before you think it’s just another castle, let me correct you: it’s not just any castle; it’s the Czech Versailles, and it’s orange and peach! Built in 1777 by Count Jean-Antoin Harbuval de Chamaré, the castle enchants not only with its French-inspired architecture but also with a touch of Versailles chic.

The mysterious labyrinth behind the walls

Behind the gates of Nové Hrady lies not only history, but also a genuine labyrinth. Enter at your own risk – you might get lost! But fear not, there are viewpoints from which you can admire the labyrinth from above. A fascinating perspective that offers a glimpse into the past and the surrounding nature.

The castle is privately owned, but it opens its gates to visitors. Stroll through the gardens and admire the well-tended kitchen garden with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and more. Nové Hrady is located near the charming town of Churdim, perfect for a day trip.

Walled city of Polička: A charming relic of the past

Polička, a small walled town in East Bohemia, is like a well-kept secret. While Dubrovnik is overrun by Game of Thrones, Polička retains its historical charm. The old town, surrounded by an ancient wall with 19 towers, tells stories of bygone eras.

A journey through time in Polička

Founded by the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II, Polička was once a flourishing town. Today, you can stroll through its ancient walls and towers with a guide. But Polička’s beauty extends beyond the city walls. A garden outside the walls and a picturesque lake invite you to linger, while families steer their boats across the water.

If time allows, plan an overnight stay in Polička, or make it a day trip and explore the surrounding village in the Ústí nad Orlicí district of the Pardubice region.

Veselý Kopec, Hlinsko: A village of the past

A village that looks like a living museum? That’s Veselý Kopec in Hlinsko, an open-air museum of folk architecture. Here, wooden houses, a pub, mills, and a small church come to life. A walk through this village is a journey back in time to the beginnings of rural culture.