Náchod combines military history with cultural events and the recreational facilities in Běloves. For your trip, you can choose between different historical perspectives, a festival with links to the 18th century, and mineral springs. Each topic offers a different focus; your travel dates matter most for the Kuronské slavnosti. First, consider whether you are particularly interested in the history of fortifications, the Battle of Náchod, or the Malé lázně Běloves recreational area.
Military history in Běloves and along the educational trail
The N-S 84 Voda infantry bunker is the entrance to the Běloveský pevnostní skanzen in Náchod-Běloves. The bunker houses a collection on the history of the Czechoslovak Army and the struggle for freedom. Alongside the fortifications, the focus is therefore also on the history of the army and the fight for freedom. For a broader perspective on the significance of the fortification line, visit the “Po vojenském opevnění z let 1936–38” educational trail. It begins in the Běloves district and explains the line’s role in Czechoslovakia’s defence strategy before the Second World War. The bunker collection and the trail offer different emphases: one explores historical topics through a collection, while the other places the fortification line in its strategic context.
Another site connected with this history is N-S 82 Březinka. It has been fully restored to its 1938 condition, including its equipment and weapons. If you are exploring the history of the fortifications, this offers a different kind of insight from the collection at N-S 84 Voda or the trail’s strategic perspective: the focus here is on the reconstructed site, including its equipment and armaments.
A different historical perspective: the Battle of Náchod
Not every historical route in Náchod covers the fortification line. The “Náchod–Vysokov–Václavice 1866” route leads to places where the Battle of Náchod was fought. This lets you choose between two clearly distinct topics: the educational trail explains the defence strategy before the Second World War, while the Náchod–Vysokov–Václavice 1866 route focuses on the battle sites of the Battle of Náchod. Your choice therefore depends on whether you would like to learn more about the function of a fortification line or about the places where a battle took place.
Kuronské slavnosti: an event in early September
The Náchodské Kuronské slavnosti traditionally take place in early September. Their historical setting is inspired by the history of Náchod Castle and the figure of Duke Peter Biron; the festivities evoke the atmosphere of the 18th century. The programme includes craft markets, although individual editions may vary. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates and programme for the edition you plan to attend. Unlike the historical sites described here, the slavnosti take place during a recurring period, so the date is especially important when planning your trip.
Relaxation and mineral water at Malé lázně Běloves
Malé lázně Běloves is a recreational area in the Běloves district, opened by the City of Náchod in 2019. Its most distinctive building is the restored Vila Komenský. Visitors can sample mineral water from the natural healing springs Jan and Běla; the site also features a Kneipp massage path. Běloves thus complements the historical themes with a different focus: relaxation, springs and the Kneipp path. As access to the springs and opportunities to sample the water may change, check the current conditions before visiting.
There are several ways to shape your trip: fortifications and defence strategy, the sites of the Battle of Náchod, a festival with historical connections, or the recreational facilities in Běloves. If the Kuronské slavnosti are important to you, first check the dates in early September. For the other topics, choose according to your interests which historical perspective or attraction you would like to explore further.
Discover more destinations: Mezimestí, Horní Adršpach, Slatina Nad Úpou, Vernerovice, Hlavňov, Velké Poříčí, Starkov, Žďár Nad Metují
See the full travel overview: Okres Náchod.
