A 1924 motorised horse-drawn fire engine offers an introduction to the history of technology in Žďár nad Metují. Archaeological traces, religious traditions and the Samaritánka spring also give the place a range of historical and landscape features. You can shape your trip around the topics that interest you most.

Technology history along cycling route 4003

The Museum of Agricultural and Firefighting Technology is housed in the former agricultural building No. 223 in Žďár nad Metují. It lies along the main cycling route 4003, which runs from Žďár nad Metují railway station to Ostaš. One of the exhibits is a combined motorised horse-drawn fire engine made by R. Herold, with an engine by Laurin & Klement, dating from 1924. For cycle tourists, the route provides a clearly defined connection between the railway station, the town and Ostaš. As route conditions and signage may change, check the latest information about route 4003 before planning your trip.

Hrad Vlčinec and the religious history of Ostaš

Hrad Vlčinec in Žďár nad Metují is listed as an important archaeological site and the ruins of a High Medieval castle. The remains of walls, ramparts and ditches are visible. These surviving structures give the site its archaeological character and are distinct from the religious traces associated with Ostaš. After indulgences for pilgrims were granted in 1515, processions to the Chapel of the Holy Cross took place on Ostaš several times a year. The present-day chapel was consecrated in 1859 and has survived to the present day. During religious persecution, secret gatherings of followers of Utraquism were held in Sluj Českých bratří. Together, these traditions illustrate different chapters in religious history: the recurring pilgrimages, the chapel consecrated later, and the secret meetings in the cave.

Samaritánka: spring and local history

Samaritánka, a plentiful spring with a historic sandstone relief, lies on the southern slope of the Ostaš table mountain. It was used for Žďár nad Metují’s first water supply. The associated water pipeline was completed and consecrated on 3 August 1856. The spring therefore links a landscape feature with a specific chapter in the history of local infrastructure. Today, its history can also be paired with a practical detail: water can be tasted at an overflow on a forest path below the water reservoir near Samaritánka. In dry seasons, however, the overflow may be very low. Bear this limitation in mind if you include the site in your plans.

Choose the focus of your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment for a trip to Žďár nad Metují, the different themes can help guide your choice of destination. Technology and cycling route 4003 offer an introduction through the museum and its fire engine. Those interested in archaeology and religious history will find other historical highlights in Hrad Vlčinec, the pilgrimages and Sluj Českých bratří. Samaritánka, in turn, connects the history of the water supply with a spring and sandstone relief; the low water flow in dry seasons is a specific seasonal feature to bear in mind. This selection can help you clarify the purpose of your trip without combining the different places and stories into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Slatina Nad Úpou, Hynčice, Běluň, Rožnov, Dolní Radechová, Velký Třebešov, Weckelsdorf, Zdonov.

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Náchod.