More than ten dragonfly species live in the old riverbed of the Stará Metuje. Rychnovek brings this tangible connection with nature together with historical traces ranging from a mention in written records to churches and monuments. When considering the area for a stay, you can treat nature, local history and seasonal sports opportunities as distinct points of interest.
River Landscape and Natural Features
The Stará Metuje lies within the cadastral area of Rychnovek and is designated a protected natural monument. More than ten dragonfly species live in its old riverbed. The Úpa flows north of Rychnovek; Zvolská stráň in Rychnovek is also designated a significant registered landscape feature. These natural features are therefore spread across the riverbed, the river to the north and a designated landscape feature. This offers a different perspective on Rychnovek from the buildings and memorial sites in Zvole.
Local History and the Kladská Trail
Rychnovek was first mentioned in written records in 1497. The historic Kladská Trail ran from Jaroměř via Zvole and Doubravice, between the Úpa and the present-day railway line; it connected Bohemia and Silesia. This should be distinguished from the Kladská Trail project, which includes a route from Jaroměř to Rychnovek connecting to the Labská Trail. The Kladská Trail thus comes up in two different contexts: as a historic connection between Bohemia and Silesia, and as a project with a route to Rychnovek and a connection to the Labská Trail.
Church, Crosses and Memorial Sites
In Zvole, the Church of Saint Justus stands on the site of a former feudal manor. A catalpa protected as a natural monument stands in the square in front of the church. A monument erected in Zvole in 1926 commemorates soldiers who fell in the First World War. A stone cross dating from 1861 depicts the tormented Saviour. The two memorial forms have different purposes: the monument commemorates fallen soldiers, while the cross presents a religious image. In Malá Strana, there is a Baroque stone cross with a small bell tower. A chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary is located near Na Vokolku.
Sports and Cycling
The SK Rychnovek sports complex is open to residents and visitors to the municipality, mainly during the summer months. It has three clay tennis courts and a multi-purpose court for volleyball and nohejbal. All sports facilities can be reserved; check the reservation details before your trip. Seating and food and drink options are also available, including for visitors on a cycling trip. The complex can therefore be seen not only as a place for sports, but also as a rest stop with food and drink options for a cycling trip.
Rail and Getting Around
Rychnovek railway station is in the centre of the municipality on the Jaroměř–Trutnov line and is the first stop from Jaroměř. The Church of Saint Justus is about 500 metres from the station. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before your trip; the distance to the church should be taken as an approximate guide.
Discover more destinations: Jetřichov, Vršovka, Machov, Libchyně, Zlícko, Stolin, Lhota Pod Hořičkami, Přibyslav Nad Metují
For the broader travel overview: Náchod District.
