Nový Ples can be explored through different questions: How did the present-day town come about, what traces of fortress history are associated with it, and what shapes the landscape? There is also a cycling route along the northern edge of the area, paved walking paths outside the town, and the Pivní Štreka, a team competition around Nový Ples. For your stay, you can therefore choose a focus: history, landscape or an event.
Ples, Nový Ples and the story of their founding
The story goes back to the old settlement of Ples. Its residents lost their farms during the construction of Josefov Fortress. About 48 farmers, whose former farms, houses and plots had been taken away, received new building plots and fields. Nový Ples and Rasošky were established on clearings in the Rasoška forest. The founding of both settlements is therefore part of the history of resettlement following the construction of the fortress.
The original center of Ples was located in the area of the former parish church of St. Giles and two fortresses. The historic settlement developed on the left bank of the Metuje, the Labe and the Jasenský potok. The town’s history and the names of the waterways thus tell of an older settlement, while Nový Ples and Rasošky are associated with their later establishment.
Josefov and other historical traces
The protected zone of the Josefov near Jaroměř Heritage Reservation extends into the northern part of the Nový Ples area. Josefov Fortress was completed in 1787 and today offers guided tours of its underground complex. The fortress is therefore connected both with the history of the settlements’ origins and serves as a destination in its own right.
A bell tower with a crucifix monument stands on a road in the town. There is also a military triangulation point near the airport by Nový Ples, one of the three points of the Josefov base. This point and the other two were established in 1863; triangulation was carried out from 1862 to 1898. These two features highlight different aspects of history: a religious monument in the town and the technical surveying history of the Josefov base.
River landscape and trails
Nový Ples lies in a low, hilly landscape in the Labe catchment area, at an elevation of about 250 to 280 meters. River terraces and floodplains are part of the landscape. Floodplains, wetlands, ponds and forests are also recognized as significant landscape features. The Novopleský potok rises above Nový Ples, drains the built-up area to the northwest and west, and flows into the Labe.
There are two specific details to consider when planning routes: Cycling route 4034 runs along the northern edge of the area. Outside Nový Ples, paved walking paths provide access to the surrounding landscape.
The Pivní Štreka around Nový Ples
The Pivní Štreka is a team competition for teams of two or more, covering about 24.5 kilometers around Nový Ples. Each team carries a 10-liter keg of beer, which must be finished by the time they reach the finish line. The route length, format and participation requirements may change from one edition to the next. If the competition is the reason for your trip, check the details for the relevant edition.
The specially brewed lager Bakovský Štrekoun was created for the Pivní Štreka in collaboration between the organizing team and Bakovský pivovar. The event beer may also change between editions. The event and the landscape offer different ways to enjoy your stay: the team competition with its special rules, or the trails and landscape features around Nový Ples.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Litoboř, Pekov, Jasenná, Slavoňov, Borová U Náchoda, Česká Čermná, Vysoká Srbská, Šestajovice U Jaroměře.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.
