Castle architecture, church art and nature trails give Kostelec nad Orlicí a distinct cultural character; the Divoká Orlice adds natural and water-related attractions. This offers different priorities for planning your trip: you can focus on architectural and urban history, or set aside time for trails and the river. Which option suits you better depends on whether you are looking for exhibitions and historic churches or outdoor activities.

Castle history and exhibitions

Nový zámek is an architectural ensemble designed by Heinrich Koch in the 1830s in the Classical and Biedermeier styles. It belonged to the Kostelec branch of the Kinský family. The permanent exhibition “Život v biedermeieru” is devoted to the Biedermeier period; the basement also houses a museum exhibition about the town of Kostelec nad Orlicí. The same castle ensemble thus brings together two distinct exhibition themes: an artistic period and the history of the town.

The cultural offerings also include the Kinský Gallery, exhibition openings and art exhibitions. Nový zámek also has 13 exhibition rooms; individual exhibitions may change. The castle park is open year-round and free to enter. Access may be temporarily restricted during special events, so check whether the park is accessible before your visit.

Another stop on a tour of the town’s architectural history is Starý zámek. A fortress founded before 1620 once stood on its site. After a fire in 1668, a Baroque castle was built there. The site’s history therefore encompasses both the Neoclassical and Biedermeier ensemble of Nový zámek and the earlier history of a fortress, later followed by a castle.

Churches and memorials

The late Baroque Church of St. George was built by František Kermer between 1769 and 1773. Its furnishings include late Baroque and Rococo elements, including a Late Gothic Madonna. Its construction and furnishings offer different points of interest: the 18th-century construction defines one aspect of the church’s history, while older and varied art-historical elements are also preserved inside.

The present-day Church of St. Anne replaced a cemetery chapel founded in 1572 and was built between 1685 and 1691. The early Baroque Church of Jan Amos Comenius dates from the late 17th century and was formerly known as the Church of St. Wenceslas. It is accessible, but visiting arrangements may change. Check current access information before your visit. As memorials, the Kameny zmizelých, also known as Stolpersteine, commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime.

Nature trails, cycle path and water

Lesopark Lípová stráň lies beside the Divoká Orlice, which flows through Kostelec nad Orlicí, and has three signposted nature trails. Two of the routes offer a clear comparison: the K. J. Erben Nature Trail is of moderate difficulty and 3.1 kilometres long; the Mistr Jan Hus Nature Trail is described as an easy walking route and is shorter, at around 1.9 kilometres. You can therefore choose based on both length and stated difficulty.

The signposted Městské lesy Kostelec nad Orlicí nature trail is also located on the outskirts of town. It is 3.3 kilometres long and has twelve interactive information panels. As trail facilities may be updated, it is advisable to check the trail’s condition before your visit. There is also a 2-kilometre cycle path from Kostelec nad Orlicí to Doudleby nad Orlicí for cycling and inline skating. The trails and cycle path offer different ways to spend time outdoors without requiring you to follow a set route.

Koupaliště Kostelec nad Orlicí outdoor swimming pool is in a peaceful setting by the Orlice and operates seasonally. Check its opening information before your visit. Kostelec nad Orlicí can also serve as a starting point for a trip down the Divoká Orlice. River conditions and navigability can vary with the season and weather, so check the conditions in advance.

A taste of local food culture

The Food Festival also has a connection to cultural history: at one edition, the Český královský institut presented the “Ochutnejte historii” stand, featuring a historical menu. It drew on tradition, seasonal ingredients and the roots of Czech cuisine. The stand and menu may vary from one edition to another. The eighth edition of the Food Festival took place in 2026 on the last Saturday in August in the gardens of Nový zámek, where visitors could sample selected delicacies. Dates and programmes may differ from one edition to the next.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Olešnice U Rychnova Nad Kněžnou, Plasnice, Svídnice U Kostelce Nad Orlicí, Dobruska, Slatina Nad Zdobnicí, Přepychy, Chmelište, Podbřezí.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.