Červený Kostelec offers several different ways to enjoy a stay: the Božena Němcová Fairy-Tale Trail combines a forest path with puzzles and a theatrical scene, historic sites tell stories of different periods of construction, and the Červenokostelecké rybníky route leads to the dam of the Špinka. There is also an annual international folklore festival. When choosing accommodation, it helps to consider whether nature, architectural history, or a festival visit will be your main focus.
An activity trail with six stops
The Božena Němcová Fairy-Tale Trail has six stops and runs through a forest near the town center. Wooden features, activities, and puzzles shape the experience; it also includes a theatrical scene. The trail is freely accessible and suitable for strollers. This makes it different from a visit focused on a single building or its history: here, you can explore several stops themed around a fairy tale, combining a walk in the forest with activities and puzzles.
Architectural history and culture
The Church of St. James the Greater (sv. Jakuba Většího) is listed as a cultural monument. Its original structure is Gothic and dates from the 14th century; it is documented as a parish church as early as 1362. The J. K. Tyl Amateur Theater (Divadlo J. K. Tyla) was built in 1924–1925. Its auditorium seats 398 spectators without any extensions. The Žižka Congregation Hall (Žižkův sbor) was completed in June 1927 and can only be viewed from the outside. These dates mark different historical reference points, from the medieval record of a parish church to buildings from the early 20th century.
The home of Božena Němcová is also listed as a cultural monument. The exhibition includes historical furnishings and examples of spinning practices that were typical of Červený Kostelec in the first third of the 19th century. Domestic life and a locally distinctive working practice are thus presented side by side.
Chapel, cemetery hill, and greenery
The cemetery with the Chapel of Sts. Cyril and Methodius (sv. Cyrila a Metoděje) is on Chrby Hill near the town center. With its abundant greenery, it forms an extension of Smetana Gardens (Smetanovy sady). The chapel was completed and consecrated in 1865; its organ dates from 1873 and can also be used as a concert instrument. The Stations of the Cross at the cemetery chapel comprise fourteen stations by V. Střihavka, dating from 1875.
Route and folklore festival
Route No. 010 – Červenokostelecké rybníky follows a red-marked hiking trail and a cycle path to the dam of the Špinka, the largest pond on the route. The International Folklore Festival in Červený Kostelec is held annually and brings people together through music, dance, and traditions. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for your chosen year in advance.
Visiting conditions also vary among the excursion options: the fairy-tale trail is freely accessible and suitable for strollers, while the Žižka Congregation Hall (Žižkův sbor) can only be viewed from the outside. This lets you weigh cultural history, nature, and event dates as different priorities when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hlavňov, Mezimestí, Rasošky, Velká Jesenice, Velké Poříčí, Zlícko, Heřmanice, Dolní Radechová.
Go to the overview of the wider area: Náchod District.
