The highest Czech mountains of Krkonoše, Český Ráj, the romantic area of sandstone rock towns, and the attractive labyrinth of the Teplice-Adršpach Rocks are all situated in East Bohemia. There are also places and monuments of historical significance, beautiful rustic architecture and the industry that stretches its importance beyond the borders of the Czech Republic.    

It is represented by the Škoda-Volkswagen company located in Mladá Boleslav. Built on a greenfield site, the factory’s current huge area and the layout engineered to the last detail resembles a town in a town. In 1895 Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started to manufacture bicycles under the brand “Slavia” and the factory’s success grew further with the production of motorcycles, soon to be replaced by automobiles – the first Voiturette model was made in 1905. The production of Škoda cars followed this tradition, and they are still manufactured here today - by the Škoda-Volkswagen company. You can learn about the past and present manufacture of Škodas in the Museum of Škoda Auto.

Several kilometres to the east of Mladáa Boleslav is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Czech Gothic castles - Kost . The castle’s location is very interesting: unlike most castles which dominate the landscape from hills where they have been built, Kost Castle is hidden in a valley in the ragged terrain of Český Ráj and is invisible from the open countryside. If one decides to take an hour’s tour of the castle, the guide will introduce you to Renaissance cuisine, historical arms and the collections from the Kinský dynasty. In summer, the settlements around the castle host fencing tournaments and other events. You can also visit the exhibition of torture and other interesting sights.

The rock towns of Český ráj are one of the main attractions of East Bohemia and the Prachovské skály (Prachovské Rocks) are one such example to the visitor. The most popular tourist paths lead through the Emperor’s Corridor and marked routes offering amazing sights. 

Another symbol of the Český Ráj area is the ruins of Trosky Castle. The most preserved parts of the ruins are two towers standing on basalt rocks. Today they serve as observation towers and a view terrace.

The observation towers of Trosky offer a beautiful view of Hruboskalské Rock Town. This romantic area is formed by nearly 400 sandstone towers reaching the height of up to 60 metres. The selective weathering of the sandstone gave rise to rock windows, tunnels and mainly rock gates, the most beautiful of which is Bránická Tower in Dračí Rocks with its perfectly arched ceiling. The Rock Town was inhabited as early as in 5000 BC and in medieval times several castle fortifications were built (Valdštejn, Hrubá Skála). Today the local rocks are a popular destination for rock climbers. A Golden Route that leads through the Rock Town shows the visitor many interesting sights.   

To the north of Český Ráj the town of Turnov is situated with the most beautiful entrance gate to this lovely area. The town has a long tradition of jewellery making and the processing of precious stones. A burgher house in the town centre is the site of the Český Ráj Museum. It contains a precious-stone exhibition and a unique painting by Mikoláš Aleš called “The Massacre of Saxons Under Hrubá Skála”.

The Krkonoše , the highest Czech mountains, are also located in this region. The most significant of Krkonoše´s centre is Harrachov. It was founded back in the 17th century and in 1712, glassworks were established here, whose famous tradition has been maintained up to this day. The fine works of local glass makers can be seen in the museum located near the glass factory in Nový Svět.      
However, Harrachov is the most popular with winter-sports and mountain-hiking enthusiasts as it prides itself on a wide area with downhill and cross-country skiing facilities. The first ski-jumping hill in Bohemia was built here back in 1920. Harrachov´s ski-jumping hills have hosted numerous World Cup events. Mumlava Falls are a popular tourist destination and one can also take trips through the Mumlava Valley from where fitter hikers may continue in a more challenging climb up to Vosecká bouda. The town of Jilemnice saw the production of the first skis in the Krkonoše. Now the town has The Krkonoše Museum and a reconstructed Neo-renaissance castle.

In nearby Vrchlabí, one can find a nice example of rustic architecture in the shape of three houses (No.´s 222, 223 and224) in Mír Square. The houses with archways and shingled roofs are today used as the Information Centre for the KRNAP Administration and for the exhibitions and expositions of The Krkonoše Museum. Behind the town in the direction of Trutnov, is an airport where a sightseeing flight can be arranged.

The most popular and significant destination in The Krkonoše is Špindlerův Mlýn. This municipality was discovered for tourism at the end of the 19th century. Today it offers a modern ski resort and numerous hotels, inns and family-run B&B´s.

Another important tourist and ski centre of The Krkonoše is Pec pod Snežkou. A chair lift to Mount Snežka, the highest Czech mountain, was put into operation here in 1949. The most unique and most attractive site of this area is Obri Dul (Giant Mine), which was formed from ancient iceberg activity. Through Obří Důl leads the most beautiful but also the most challenging tourist route to Mount Snežka. This difficult journey is about 14 kilometres long and it is impossible to take in winter time. Hikers who are not so fit should take the chair lift to negotiate the steepest incline. 

The name of the Krkonoše´s highest mountain – Mount Snežka (1,602 m) – means snow or snow covered. The first historically recorded climb of Mount Snežka was made in 1456 by an unknown Venetian looking for precious stones.

Another destination to visit in this area is Dvůr Králové nad Labem, a royal town founded around the year 1270. Although the town has a range of interesting historical sights, the biggest attraction is the zoo established in 1946. Since 1967 the zoo has gradually been developed into an “East Bohemia safari park” specializing in African wildlife living in open pens.

If you are interested in history, architecture and art, set off for Kuks . The most attractive sight here is the gallery of Virtue and Wisdom sculptures, mostly the works of M.B. Braun.

The genuine center of sandstone sculpture is just few kilometers away to the south. It is called Hořice, a city of stone beauty. In the park, one can admire works of art created at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

A unique sandstone lich-gate is located at the Gothard hill that serves as a natural „art- gallery“ displaying sculptures created by participants of international sculpture symposiums, which have been organized in Hořice since the 1960s.

Another speciality of this location is special baked rolls from Hořice. They are worth tasting!

Not far from the Rozkoš Dam is the town of Česká Skalice, which is strongly connected with the famous Czech writer Božena Němcová. The premises of the former pub U Bílého Lva are now the site of the Museum of B. Němcová . 
Between Česká Skalice and Havlovice stretches a lovely valley called Babiččino (Grandmother’s). It was named after the most famous book (Babička – Grandmother) by the above-mentioned author and it offers to visitors a 7.5 km educational trail with 25 stops.

Broumovsko is another conservation area in East Bohemia. The town of Police nad Metují, with a road climbing to Broumovské Walls, is an ideal starting point to the beautiful rock towns. A remarkable Swiss-style tourist cottage on the Hvězda peak (674 m) offers accommodation or you can just have something to eat there and enjoy the beautiful view of Broumovsko and The Javoří Hory or take interesting trips.  

The small town of Teplice nad Metují is the entrance gate to the romantic area of Teplické Rocks. Every year it hosts the Festival of Mountain climbing Films founded by the world-renown climber - Marek Šmíd. Just a stone’s throw from the Teplice nad Metují-Skála train stop is a car park and the main point of entry to Teplické Rocks. The basic, 6-kilometre-long hiking round route will take you through the most interesting sights of the area.  

Not far from there is another rock town. It is reached via the small town of Adršpach, where one can find a wide range of accommodation, together with an information centre. The area attracts many visitors and it can become very busy, especially in summer. The romantic rock town not only offers beautiful rock formations, but also the lovely Adršpach Lake and a range of various plant species. There are a lot of marked hiking paths through the rocks while cycling is limited in many places due to protection of the countryside.

Other historical jewels of East Bohemia are the castles of Nové Město nad Metují a Opočno. 

Military enthusiasts and fans of military fortresses should visit Jaroměř. The local Josefov Fortress was built between 1780 and 89 and its total area amounts to 289 hectares. 

One of the oldest and most significant Czech towns is Hradec Králové . The construction history of the town is a matter of interest: in the 18th century Hradec was turned into a Baroque military fortress. However, the military mission of the town was not fulfilled, the fortress was cancelled and the buildings were knocked down. The contemporary face of Hradec Králové was largely influenced by Professor Jan Kotěra, who had been the leading figure for the whole generation of architects up to the 1930s. The constructional period of those years is represented for example by the New Town Hall, Klicpera Theatre, Prague Bridge and mainly the Museum of East Bohemia. 

When one sets off from Hradec Králové due south, you find the quiet spa resort of Lázně Bohdaneč in the landscape of ponds and deciduous forests. In 1896, Dr. Veselý founded a peat and carbonic spa, which has been treating illnesses like rheumatism and vascular diseases up to this day. The spa park has an artesian spring whose source is 347.5 metres deep.

A trolley bus line connects Lázně Bohdaneč with Pardubice. The town is renowned for its delicious ginger bread and prestigious horse races – the oldest and most difficult steeplechase race Velká Pardubická takes place here. Pardubice is dominated by large castle premises, which today contain the collections of The Museum of East Bohemia. Kladruby nad Labem is also linked to horses. Austrian Emperor Maxmilian II had several Spanish horses shipped there in 1552 and the breeding of Old Spanish and Old Italian horses, the famous Kladruby white and black horses, has been continuing ever since.  

Litomyšl , the centre of culture and education for millennia, is a momentous town. One of the most significant historical buildings is the castle built between 1568 and 1582. A massive four-wing block became one of the first Renaissance displays in Bohemia. The unique castle theatre from the end of the 18th century is one of the oldest preserved theatre complexes in Europe. The former riding-hall has now been turned into a museum. Another exhibition can be seen in the castle brewery, where the world-famous composer Bedřich Smetana was born in 1824. 

Tags: Broumovsko, Český ráj, East Bohemia, Hradec Králové, Hruboskalské Rock Town, Kost, Kuks, Lázně Bohdaneč, Litomyšl, Museum of Škoda Auto, Turnov