For over 100 years, Hradec Králové has boasted the Salon of the Republic and the ‘Best City for Life’ titles for its architecture. And deservedly so. The town at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers also offers a number of parks, cycle paths in the centre and in the surroundings, extensive urban forests and cultural facilities. Despite all these attractions, Hradec retains its quiet atmosphere and its brand as a city where there is no hurry. That is why it is best to enjoy it slowly – on foot, by bike or from the deck of a steamboat that will take you from the city centre upstream of the Elbe to Předměřice and back.
The architectural gems of Jan Kotěra and his pupil, Josef Gočár, are easily recognisable thanks to walking tours of the historic and modern city centre. The most beautiful building, at least according to the locals’ vote, is the Kotěra Museum of East Bohemia with exhibitions about the town’s history and a cosy café.
Josef Gočár left the ‘exhibition’ set of school buildings near the Hučák hydroelectric power station and the Sbor kněze Ambrože with its bell tower.
Exhibitions of important regional artists, as well as important contemporary artists, can be found in the Gallery of Modern Art, where you can also enjoy a great view of the historical landmarks of Hradec – the White tower and Cayhedral of the Holy Spirit.
TIPS FOR GREAT CULTURAL EVENTS: Regiony and Čekání na Václava theatre festivals, Rock for People, Jazz Goes to Town, etc.
WHERE TO STAY IN HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ? Penzion Nad Oborou offers quiet accommodation in a newly renovated building on the outskirts of the town. Wooden cabins, facilities for caravans and sites for tents near the forest on the route of several cycle paths are available at the Kemp Stříbrný rybník camping site.
If you're intrigued by the large number of castles in this region, you can explore a unique tourism product offered by the Orlické hory and Podorlicko Destination Management Organisation: Castles on the Orlice River – The Czech Loire. This project highlights a remarkable feature of the region – a cluster of noble residences situated along the Wild Orlice River, earning it the nickname the Czech Loire, just like the famous Loire Valley in France. Within a radius of 9 kilometers, you’ll find four romantic chateaux and two majestic castles so close to each other that you can easily explore them by bike or on foot, or even by train.
In the Hradec Králové region, you can discover another tourism initiative by the Hradecko Destination Management Organisation: Hradecko – A Socially Responsible Destination. This initiative promotes environmental awareness and educational activities while presenting Hradecko as an ecologically conscious and sustainable region.
