Visitors to Hronov encounter the town’s theater tradition, the legacy of writer Alois Jirásek and trails leading down into the Metuje Valley. The town’s history is reflected in different ways: in its theater and museum, traditional folk architecture, a former cemetery and exhibitions on other literary themes. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus your stay mainly on culture and architecture or include a hike as well.
Theater, Festival and Jirásek’s Footsteps
The Jiráskovo divadlo is the prominent building on the square in Hronov and was built to a design by architect Jindřich Freiwald. Since 1931, it has been the venue for the international amateur theater festival Jiráskův Hronov every year. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for your visit. The Jiráskovo muzeum is also located in the theater, on the second floor. It focuses on the history and folklore of the Hronov region, as well as the life and work of Alois Jirásek.
The museum also has an interactive theater exhibition for families with children. Visitors can try out different theater professions and engage in creative play. Since exhibition details may change, check in advance which activities will be available during your visit. A Baroque Marian column group dating from 1725 stands on the same square.
Folk Architecture and Other Cultural Themes
Jiráskův rodný domek brings together a specific biographical site and an example of traditional folk architecture from the late 18th century: Alois Jirásek was born there on August 23, 1851. The exhibition evokes the atmosphere of a family bakery, with folk-style furnishings and baking equipment that are not original. Here, a life story and the portrayal of a traditional craft sit side by side, though the tools on display do not come from the bakery of that period.
Another rare example of folk architecture is the svobodný dvůr. It stands on the site of a former medieval water castle. Beside the Church of All Saints, the former cemetery is now a meditation garden with Stations of the Rosary. These places offer different points of focus: one is about architectural history and former uses, while the other is a present-day garden with religious stations.
At Stará papírna – Čapkův mlýn, an exhibition explores the childhood of the Čapek siblings and the surrounding area that inspired numerous fairy tales. This adds a theme of childhood and literary inspiration to the places in Hronov associated with Jirásek.
Springs and Hiking Trails to the Metuje
The Hronovka and Regnerka mineral springs are alkaline, iron-rich springs. They emerge near the banks of the Metuje from a shared spring structure, which was reconstructed in 2013. A sign nearby provides information about the springs; if you would like to use it as a guide during your visit, check whether the information is available on site.
For a hike from Hronov, the moderate Kolem Turova do Maršovského údolí route passes through Velký Dřevíč, by Blaník Jiráskova kraje and Turov, and reaches a plateau above the settlement of Maršov nad Metují. It then descends into the Metuje Valley. Cesta psa Voříška runs mostly downhill towards the former hronovský mlýn, which was once used as a paper mill. Jiráskův rodný domek and the mineral springs in the adjoining park are nearby. This means you can choose between a route rated moderate with a described course and a trail that runs mostly downhill. If needed, check trail conditions and waymarking in advance.
Discover more destinations: Litoboř, Černčice, Velké Petrovice, Nový Hrádek, Červená Hora, Velký Třebešov, Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Zaloňov.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.
