Kounov lies in the valley of the Zlatý potok and Hlucký potok streams. The village’s history includes traditional linen weaving and iron ore mining; several folk-style wooden buildings from the 19th century have been preserved. Hiking trails along the edges of the planning area and a regional cycling route add to the ways of exploring the area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kounov, you can start by deciding whether local history, hiking or cycling will be the focus of your stay. The route descriptions and bus service then provide concrete points of reference for planning.

Local history between the stream valley and traditional architecture

The former Kounov Castle stood on a promontory above the confluence of the two streams. Linen was traditionally woven in Kounov, and the village also has a history of iron ore mining. Together, these subjects point to different chapters in its history: textile crafts, mineral extraction and the former castle site. Several folk-style wooden buildings from the 19th century have been preserved, adding the village’s architectural heritage to this picture.

Hluky Castle is a separate site. Its remains lie above Hluky, a district of Kounov, about 300 metres along Road 309 towards Deštné. The foundations of a defensive tower can be seen on a conical hill; nothing remains of the former palace. The local history therefore includes two distinct castle sites: the former Kounov Castle on the promontory and the remains of Hluky Castle above the district of the same name.

Hiking trails along the edges of the planning area

Along the north-western edge of the planning area runs the long, green-marked KČT hiking trail from Dobruška via Bačetín and the Dědina Valley to Dobřany, or onward to the castle ruins. The description thus gives two possible destinations: Dobřany or the continuation to the castle ruins. For orientation, this distinction is as useful as the route via Bačetín and the Dědina Valley.

Along the south-eastern edge, the medium-length, green-marked KČT hiking trail leads from the Kounov-Šediviny-odb. Práz. Bouda bus stop, past the Bažiny Nature Reserve and uphill to Prázova Bouda. Bažiny lies outside the built-up area of Kounov. The starting point, nature reserve and destination give this route description different reference points from those of the north-western trail.

Also along the north-western edge runs the short, green-marked KČT hiking trail from the church in Šediviny via Špičák to the Plasnice-Úhor signpost. The two north-western route descriptions can be distinguished by their starting and finishing points: the long trail begins in Dobruška and goes via Bačetín and the Dědina Valley, while the short trail starts at the church in Šediviny and ends at the Plasnice-Úhor signpost. This lets you match the respective waypoints to your interests without combining the different routes into a single tour.

Cycling route and travel options

Regional cycling route 4243 runs through the planning area of the municipality of Kounov, from Skuhrov nad Bělou via Prázova Bouda and Šediviny-kostel to Plasnice-Úhor. Unlike the green-marked KČT hiking trails, it is identified by its number and the sequence of named places. This information helps distinguish the cycling route from the individual hiking route descriptions and choose the focus of your stay.

Bus route 264 runs between Dobruška, Bačetín, Kounov and Deštné v Orlických horách. Check the route and timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Lípa Nad Orlicí, Jahodov, Val U Dobrušky, Tutleky, Hřibiny-Ledská, Semechnice, Borohrádek, Deschney.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.