An unusual round tower, a castle complex on a rocky promontory and views from Šibeník give Nový Hrádek a varied character. The destinations offer different points of interest: Frymburk and the buildings on the square draw attention to architecture and history, while the lookout tower and the Stations of the Cross focus on the landscape. When planning your trip, you can consider these cultural and historical details and panoramas as distinct highlights.
Frymburk Castle and its architecture
The ruins of Frymburk Castle, also known as Frimburk, lie near Nový Hrádek. The two-part complex stands on a high rocky promontory surrounded by the Olešenka River. Its location and divided layout shape the appearance of the ruins. The castle was in use from the 14th to the 17th century.
One distinctive feature of the complex is its irregularly shaped round tower. It is about 18 metres wide, and its masonry is up to four metres thick. These measurements give an idea of the tower’s dimensions and offer a concrete reference point when exploring Frymburk’s architectural history.
Lookout tower on Šibeník
The Rozhledna na Šibeníku is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. As access arrangements may change, check the conditions before your visit. The tower is 47 metres high, while the observation deck is at a height of 32 metres: the two measurements therefore describe the structure’s overall height and the height of the viewing point.
There is a car park by the Šibeník Tourist Information Centre, 200 metres from the lookout tower. The Nový Hrádek-škola and Nový Hrádek-náměstí bus stops are also useful landmarks. A marked footpath leads from Nový Hrádek square. This information can help you factor in a visit to the viewpoint when planning your time in the area.
Landscape along the Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross on Šibeník also offer a sequence of different views. At first, the panorama stretches towards the Orlické Mountains and into the Olešenka valley; at the end of the route, it turns towards the Krkonoše Mountains. This is not just one viewpoint, but a succession of landscapes that change as you walk.
Historic buildings on the square
A late Baroque sandstone Marian column stands in Nový Hrádek square. It is about six metres high and bears a statue of the Virgin Mary dating from 1747. In May 1958, the column was designated a protected cultural monument. Its height, material and date give the square a clear historical connection.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands on the north-west side of the square. Its interior contains furnishings from several stylistic periods, from the Early Baroque to the present day. The side altar of Saint Joseph dates from the late 17th century. The square’s buildings thus feature different historical details: the freestanding Marian column and the church’s varied furnishings complement each other without sharing the same architectural emphasis.
For your own itinerary, you could compare the two themes: Frymburk and the buildings on the square represent castle architecture and historic furnishings, while Šibeník offers elevated viewpoints and changing landscapes. Which you focus on more depends on whether you are more interested in architectural forms and history or in taking in the views.
Discover more destinations: Provodov-Šonov, Velichovky, Vernerovice, Litoboř, Studnice U Náchoda, Broumov, Říkov, Hořičky.
For the broader travel overview: Náchod District.
