For a trip to Horní Nová Ves, nature and history offer two different starting points. A 13-kilometre nature trail runs through the village, while the remains of the medieval Dražná Fortress are also located here. The surrounding area also includes protected landscapes, and the village’s history stretches from the medieval lordship period to 20th-century astronomy. You can therefore plan your trip around a specific nature or history topic.
Protected landscapes along the Javorka
The Údolí Javorky Natural Monument covers the cadastral area of Horní Nová Ves. It protects the meandering course of the Javorka stream and marshy meadows with protected plant species. The stream and wet meadows together form the main landscape features of this natural monument.
The Kamenná hůra Nature Reserve is also located near Horní Nová Ves. It has been protected since 1956 and preserves a so-called open beech forest. The two protected areas have different emphases: here it is the beech forest, while there it is the winding stream and marshy meadows. If you are choosing nature-related themes for your trip, you can use these distinctive landscape features as a guide.
Exploring on foot or by bike
The Kamennou hůrou nature trail is 13 kilometres long, passes through Horní Nová Ves and has eleven stops. It combines varied natural surroundings with authentic examples of folk architecture, geological features and places associated with local legends. Along the route, you can learn not only about the landscape but also about architectural styles, geological history and local traditions. The trail’s length and number of stops give you a clear idea of its scope.
Another option is the Jižní okruh z Nové Paky. The cycling route is described as easy and approximately 17 kilometres long; mountain bikes or trekking bikes are recommended. At kilometre 11, the route reaches Horní Nová Ves along an unmarked road. The two options differ in their mode of transport and stated distance; the cycling route also includes an unmarked section of road. Before setting out, check the route and road conditions, as markings and path conditions can change.
Fortress history and astronomy
Dražná Fortress was located in Horní Nová Ves. The remains of the ruined medieval fortress lie on the left bank of the Javorka, on the boundary between the cadastral areas of Horní Nová Ves and Prostřední Ves. The site is also known as Na Drahách; the earliest records date from 1400 or 1396. During the Thirty Years’ War, Horní Nová Ves was permanently incorporated into the Bělohrad estate.
A memorial plaque on the birthplace of Emil Buchar at Horní Nová Ves 68 commemorates the Czech astronomer. Buchar discovered the first Czech minor planet and named it Tynka after his mother. In 1957, he used observations of Sputnik 1 to determine the Earth’s flattening more accurately. The plaque thus adds a distinct historical feature alongside the medieval fortress and the village’s natural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Židovice, Slatiny, Libun, Dolní Lochov, Holín, Doubrava, Brada-Rybníček, Hubálov.
For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.
