Hlavňov lies directly below the Broumovské stěny and is considered an important starting point for trips in the Broumovsko region. This connection is central when choosing where to stay: marked trails to Hvězda and a cycling route that passes through Hlavňov offer clear direction for active days. At the same time, architectural history and a literary connection add a cultural dimension to the natural setting. You can therefore plan your trip around whether you would mainly like to hike, cycle, or combine nature with cultural history.
Hiking trails and natural surroundings
The Broumovské stěny have been a National Nature Reserve since 1956. Red- or blue-marked hiking trails to Hvězda can begin in Hlavňov; the elevation gain is approximately 300 metres. When planning, it is worth considering both details together: Hvězda indicates the direction of travel, while the approximate elevation difference provides another specific point of reference for the hiking day. Factor this elevation difference into your timing and energy planning rather than choosing your route based solely on its colour. The combination of a protected area, a starting point and a specific hiking option makes Hlavňov particularly appealing to travellers who want to shape their stay around the landscape.
Hvězda: architecture and visitor planning
The Chapel of Panny Marie Sněžné on Hvězda was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer in 1732–1733. Chata Hvězda has its own architectural history: built in 1855, it served as an inn and forester’s lodge. The two dates mark different chapters—the chapel’s design, and the construction and historical use of Chata Hvězda. If you would like to include architectural history in your trip alongside hiking, these details offer specific cultural points of interest.
Construction of a visitor shelter with a toilet began at the Hvězda car park in June 2026. It is intended for visitors to the Broumovské stěny, particularly those visiting the Hvězda area; the construction plots are in the Hlavňov cadastral area. Before your visit, check whether the shelter is now open for use.
Cycling and places to stop along the way
The Vyhlídková cesta cycling route follows red-marked cycle route No. 4000 from Police nad Metují via Suchý Důl and Hlavňov to Honské sedlo (Pasa). This gives you a different reference point for planning your trip than the hike to Hvězda: on the cycling route, the route number, sequence of places and endpoint provide orientation, while the hike focuses on its destination and approximate elevation difference. If you are choosing between the two activities, these specific details can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Hospůdka Na hrázi is located along a tourist route to the Broumovské skály, between two ponds. It has a sunny terrace overlooking the pond. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether it is currently open.
Historical traces in Hlavňov
There was once a residential house at Žitavec, where Jiří–Vostrý Žitavec lived until 1729; he is known from Jirásek’s novel Temno. This literary connection adds another historical perspective to the architectural history of the chapel and Chata Hvězda. For travellers who would also like to explore cultural themes during a nature-focused stay, it offers a different way to engage with local history than the hiking trails or cycling route.
Hlavňov is particularly worth considering as a place to stay if you want to make the Broumovské stěny the focus of your trip and choose between a hike to Hvězda, a ride on cycle route No. 4000, and historical attractions. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can therefore start by deciding which of these activities you want to shape your stay around.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Sendraž, Borová U Náchoda, Velká Jesenice, Chvalkovice V Cechách, Slavětín Nad Metují, Bozanov, Dolní Radechová, Horní Radechová.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.
