A nature trail more than seven kilometres long, with 25 stops, makes Babiččino údolí a place where you can discover landscape and cultural history together. The stops give the route a clear thematic framework. As its route may change, it is best to check it before your visit. The landscape itself also tells a story: Babiččino údolí preserves remnants of natural vegetation and part of the château grounds associated with Božena Němcová’s novel Babička.
Landscape, Literature and Château History
At Ratibořice Château, the visit centres on guided tours lasting approximately 45 minutes. Texts in foreign languages are available, and the ground-floor exhibition is accessible. This information helps you understand what a château visit involves without treating its different areas as the same. As visitor regulations may change, check them before travelling. The Bathildina Trail connects the château grounds in Ratibořice with Babiččino údolí. Its route may be revised, so it is worth checking the latest information here too.
The duration of a château tour and the length of the nature trail describe two different aspects of a visit: one is a guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes, while the other is a route more than seven kilometres long with 25 stops. This gives you a choice when planning: whether to focus mainly on a guided tour or spend longer exploring the valley and its cultural landscape.
Monastic Life and Garden Design
Klášter Broumov adds a religious and architectural perspective to the history of the châteaux. The monastery was remodelled into its present Baroque form in the 17th century. Interactive tours are offered in the medieval monastery scriptorium; the programme may change, so check in advance what is currently available. The monastery garden is open to the public free of charge. As visitor regulations may change, it is advisable to check before your visit. The monastery also offers practical guidance for getting there: bus and train stops are nearby, although local connections may change.
A different garden experience awaits at the château garden in Nové Město nad Metují. Its design recalls Italian Baroque gardens while also incorporating Art Nouveau elements. Comparing it with the monastery’s Baroque form reveals two different approaches to cultural heritage: at Klášter Broumov, the building’s history shapes the impression, while in the château garden, different design traditions meet.
Rock Formations, Viewpoints and Trails
The Adršpašsko–Teplické Rocks are described as the largest and wildest rock town in Central Europe. Adršpach Rock Town is open year-round; in winter, the sightseeing trail to the Great Waterfall is maintained. Seasonal access rules may change, so check the conditions in force before your visit. For guidance on getting there: the railway station is directly in front of the entrance to Adršpašské skály.
When planning a winter visit, it is important to note the difference between this area and Broumovské stěny and Ostaš: there, trails are not maintained in winter, and access is at your own risk. Božanovský Špičák is also in Broumovské stěny; at 773 metres, it is the highest peak in this rock area, and a marked circular trail runs along it. At Hvězda, the Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows adds to the natural and cultural heritage. It was built to a design by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
The fortifications near Dobrošov offer another perspective on the region’s history: the system comprises three completed bunkers and 56 other structures. If you prefer cycling, Route 4036 runs mostly along surfaced field and forest tracks, with some sections using third-class roads. Trail conditions can vary, so check them before your ride. The regional cycle network is signposted locally and includes information boards and rest areas. The 31-kilometre Dolní Metuje cycle route connects Josefov, Peklo and Náchod, providing another practical guide for choosing a route.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Mezilesí, Martinkovice, Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Broumov, Horicky, Hronov, Zlícko, Pekov, Šonov U Nového Města Nad Metují, Weckelsdorf, Zdonov, Zlic, Vernerovice, Mezimestí, Náchod, Bozanov, Machovska Lhota, Stolin, Chlivce, Hlavňov, Hermanice, Červený Kostelec, Jaroměř, Police Nad Metují, Černčice, Otovice U Broumova, Žďár Nad Metují, Žďárky, Bezděkov Nad Metují, Chvalkovice V Cechách, Dolany U Jaromere, Dolní Radechová, Česká Metuje, Hejtmánkovice, Heřmánkovice, Zaloňov, Horní Radechová, Jetřichov, Křinice, Machov, Nahořany Nad Metují, Rožnov, Nový Ples, Provodov-Šonov, Přibyslav Nad Metují, Rychnovek, Šestajovice U Jaroměře, Slatina Nad Úpou, Suchý Důl, Šonov, Studnice U Náchoda, Velichovky, Velká Jesenice, Velké Poříčí, Velký Třebešov, Vysoká Srbská, Vysokov, Slavoňov, Bohuslavice Nad Metují, Borová U Náchoda, Brzice, Bukovice, Červená Hora, Zábrodí, Lhota Pod Hořičkami, Hynčice, Jasenná, Jestřebí Nad Metují, Kramolna, Libchyně, Litoboř, Velké Petrovice, Mezilečí, Žernov U České Skalice, Říkov, Sendraž, Slavětín Nad Metují, Vestec U Hořiček, Vlkov, Vršovka, Horní Adršpach, Starkov, Běluň, Česká Čermná, Rasošky, Nový Hrádek.
For the broader travel overview: Hradec Králové Region.
