Brada-Rybníček can be explored through different traces of the past: Brada Castle evokes the Middle Ages, while the 1866 battle marks a clearly dated event of the 19th century. The village also has the Early Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew, a summit rest area with views, and routes with specified lengths. When planning your trip, you can focus on different themes: local history at the castle, church and monuments; the landscape from the summit; or choosing between a circular route and a day-stage route.

Brada Castle and Its Traces

Brada Castle was founded in the 13th century; today, only slight remains survive. A ditch runs along the eastern edge of the castle grounds, with a rampart in front of it. The ditch and rampart are specific features of the terrain that bring the medieval castle site to life beyond its mere dating. The ruins are accessible via the blue-marked hiking trail towards Jičín – Prachovské skály.

Church, Battle and Remembrance

The Early Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew is very well preserved and is one of the oldest cultural monuments in the Jičín District. In contrast to the slight remains of the castle, a well-preserved religious building takes centre stage here; together, the two sites illustrate different forms of architectural heritage. A battle in the Austro-Prussian War took place in the cadastral area of Brada-Rybníček on 29 June 1866. In 2021, the monuments commemorating the battle were reconstructed and ceremonially unveiled at a memorial event.

Landscape and Views

Since 2002, most of the cadastral area of Brada-Rybníček has been within the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area. On the summit of Vrch Brada, there is a well-maintained rest area with benches and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Panels displaying labelled panoramic photographs of the view also stand at the summit. The labelled photographs give the expansive view a specific point of reference.

Comparing Routes

A municipal plan from 2018 describes cycle route No. 4365 as a marked route that passes through Brada and Rybníček and forms a circular loop of about 23 km north of Jičín. Check the current route markings before setting out. The seventh day of the Zlatá stezka Českého ráje follows a 26.5 km route from Jičín via Brada and Kbelnice and back to Jičín. The difference is clear when choosing a route: No. 4365 is a circular loop through Brada and Rybníček; the day stage of the Zlatá stezka starts and ends in Jičín. The distances also differ in precision: about 23 km is given for the loop, and 26.5 km for the day stage.

A Fairytale World

The Rumcajsova Cave adds a fairytale touch alongside the historical themes. Its interior is associated with Rumcajs, Manka and Cipísek and is designed as the characters’ world, where they sleep, cook and play. This adds a storybook world to the history of the church and castle.

Discover more destinations: Lazne Belohrad, Ohařice, Samšina, Chyjice, Kostelec, Lukavec U Hořic, Butoves, Vřesník

For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.