The Divoká Orlice forms the Czech-Polish border at Bartošovice v Orlických horách. For planning your trip, you can choose from several highlights: a nature trail through a protected area, churches with distinctive historical features, and a fortification that visitors can explore. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, choose based on what you want to focus on during your days: nature and walking, sacred architecture, or the history of technology.

The Zemská brána nature trail

The Zemská brána nature trail starts at the stone bridge in Bartošovice v Orlických horách. The route is 5.2 kilometres long and can be walked in either direction. It passes through the Zemská brána Nature Reserve and offers a glimpse of the local natural environment, as well as several cultural and technical attractions. The route thus brings together the landscape and features shaped by people, rather than focusing on just one perspective.

The nature trail has 22 information panels, which are installed only during the summer season, from May to October. If you want to include the panels in your visit, take this time frame into account and check seasonal information before travelling. The route’s length and the option to walk it in either direction can help you choose which way to go; for the information panels, however, the period from May to October is what matters.

Churches and different historical periods

The Baroque church of sv. Máří Magdaleny in Bartošovice was built between 1731 and 1746. Its exceptional Late Baroque furnishings also inspired the name given to the interior: it is called “Duše baroka” (“The Soul of the Baroque”). The construction date and the furnishings offer two distinct points of reference for appreciating the church. The date points to the first half of the 18th century, while the name “Duše baroka” reflects the interior’s distinctive design.

In Neratov, the church Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie received its characteristic glass roof in 2007. Neratov has been an important pilgrimage site since the second half of the 17th century. These two historical references are quite distinct: the glass roof is a feature dating from 2007, while the pilgrimage tradition goes back much further. The cultural options therefore include both a specific architectural feature and a long religious history.

Fortifications and winter sports

Near Panské Pole in Bartošovice v Orlických horách is the “Lehký objekt vz. 37 (řopík),” a light fortification that visitors can explore. It has been restored with its full interior armament and equipment. This makes it an interesting stop for travellers who are interested in the history of fortifications and technology as well as churches and nature trails. Visiting opportunities may be seasonal, so check access arrangements in advance for your intended visit.

For snowboarders, the Nella ski area has a snow park with obstacles and jumps. Here, the focus is on specific snowboarding features, while the churches and fortification offer other historical and cultural highlights. Individual features of the snow park may change, so check the latest information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Dobruska, Borohrádek, Nebeská Rybná, Pěčín, Chleny, Olešnice U Rychnova Nad Kněžnou, Kounov, Bohdašín.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.