Opočno brings together an extensive castle park and traces of several centuries of urban and architectural history. The park was transformed into an English landscape garden at the beginning of the 19th century and covers 22 hectares. Paths and stone stairways lead through the grounds, whose features include romantic viewpoints, waterfalls, a belvedere, exotic trees, a summer pavilion and a palm house. This makes the park a destination in its own right, alongside the town’s historic interiors and buildings.

Gates leading into the park are located on Zámecká, Hradecká and Švamberk streets. During the castle’s opening hours, the park can also be accessed through a gate from the arcaded courtyard. Check access arrangements before your visit. The summer pavilion is currently not open to the public; you should check its status again before your trip.

The Castle and Historical Heritage

Opočno State Castle has a history dating back to the 11th century. It developed from a Gothic castle into a representative Renaissance residence of the Trčkové z Lípy family; it later became the property of the Colloredo-Mansfeld family. The castle houses a historic collection of weapons and armour, one of the most significant in the Czech Republic. The tour routes include rooms on the first and second upper floors. Find out about current tour options and seasonal opening arrangements before your visit.

Opočno’s summer pavilion was built in 1601–1602 as a building originally designed in the Renaissance style. A 270-metre-long covered passage connects it to the castle. Its building history should be distinguished from the current visitor arrangements: the summer pavilion is currently not open to the public.

The exhibition “Opočno Through the Ages” is housed in the authentic rooms of one of Opočno’s oldest townhouses; the building itself serves as an exhibit. Historical materials about the town are on display, including photographs, illustrations and three-dimensional exhibits. The exhibition thus draws attention not only to individual objects but also to the historic house itself.

Other buildings make their own mark: the Zvonice is a Renaissance tower built in 1594 in the grounds of the Church of the Virgin Mary. On Kupkovo náměstí stands the Mariánský (morový) sloup, a work by Italian sculptor Giovanni Battista Bulla dating from 1718. The history of Opočno Capuchin Monastery and the Church of the Nativity of the Lord dates back to 1674, when the foundation stone was laid for the Baroque complex.

Circular Trails and Seasonal Activities

The Opočenská educational trail consists of three colour-coded, overlapping circular routes with a total of 14 information boards or stops. The main green circular route is 11 kilometres long and passes through the town, the park and the wildlife enclosure. This gives you different options for planning your visit: tour routes featuring the castle interiors and a measured circular trail through several parts of the town.

The Opočno Game Reserve is home to mouflon, fallow deer and Dybowski’s sika deer. The mix of animal species may change. The main green circular route passes through the wildlife enclosure; the species listed give an idea of the animals that may be found there, without promising a fixed list.

For a seasonal activity on the water, Koupaliště Broumar has a large pool with a slide and other attractions, as well as a small children’s pool. Pedal boats, rowboats and canoes are available to rent on site. Check that the facility is open and that boat rentals are currently available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Podbřezí, Borohrádek, Semechnice, Osečnice, Rokytnice V Orlických Horách, Rohenice, Synkov-Slemeno, Bartosovice V Orlickych Horach.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.