Day 3: Through Grandmother’s Valley to Hronov – for Stories and Serenity

Babiččino údolí near Česká Skalice is a picturesque destination ideal for a leisurely trip, delighting both literature lovers and nature enthusiasts. The barrier-free trails take you past the Ratibořice Chateau, the statue of the Grandmother with her grandchildren, and the Old Bleaching Ground – all iconic settings from the works of Božena Němcová. In Hronov, you can visit the birthplace of writer Alois Jirásek or soak in the atmosphere of Čapek’s Mill, featuring an exhibition dedicated to the childhood of the famous Čapek siblings. Along the way, stop for a coffee and absorb the tranquil spirit of this region.

Trips without barriers for seniors, wheelchair users, and families with strollers – enjoy a holiday without obstacles

Podkrkonoší, Kladské pomezí, Hradecko

OUR TIP: Safari Park Dvůr Králové

Trips without barriers for seniors, wheelchair users, and families with strollers – enjoy a holiday without obstacles

Podkrkonoší, Kladské pomezí, Hradecko

OUR TIP: Safari Park Dvůr Králové

Babiččino údolí

Babiččino údolí, near Česká Skalice, is ideal for both grandmothers and grandfathers. In the vast area, through which the Úpa River flows, you will find numerous paved trails for both pedestrians and cyclists. However, most of the tourist attractions are also accessible for visitors in wheelchairs. In Ratibořice castle there is a barrier-free tour route on the ground floor rooms that are accessible for wheelchair users. An adapted accessible toilet is located in the operational wing of the chateau. With assistance, visitors can also enjoy the educational trail through Grandmother’s Valley.

TIP: The Babiččino údolí nature trail is 7 kilometres long, features 25 stops starting at the Barunčina School and leads past the Museum of Božena Němcová, through Babiččino údolí past the château, the sculpture of Babička with the children to the mill and to Staré Bělidlo, and then around the Úpa River to the Rýzmburský gazebo. Along the way the information panels will not only introduce you to the Babička novel and its characters, but to the local countryside.

WHERE TO GO FOR COFFEE? Great cakes, coffee and homemade lemonades are offered by the Bohatka Café in Česká Skalice. You can also enjoy a rich breakfast or a sandwich board and good wine there.

Hronov

In the town of Hronov they think of visitors who come to learn about the life of famous writers – local native Alois Jirásek and the Čapek brothers. They used to spend their childhood there with their grandfather and grandmother in the mill. A local pastry shop invites you to sit down in the square, while various concerts and performances take place in the park a little further on. In addition, it is possible to taste or drink the Hronovka and Regnerka healing mineral waters. In the evening, you can visit Jirásek Theatre for a play or exhibition. Guests are welcome in both the theatre and the Karel Čapek Hall (which hosts exhibitions); however, accessible toilets are available only in the Čapek Hall.
The newly reconstructed Čapek Mill – Old Paper Mill invites you to its exhibition dedicated to the childhood of Helena, Josef and Karel Čapek, which is complemented by other exhibitions. This building including restrooms feature wheelchair access.