Between the wet meadows of Kalské údolí, St. Nicholas Church and routes to Zvičina, Horní Brusnice reveals several facets: protected nature, a long history and opportunities to explore the area on foot or by bike. If you are looking for a hotel in Horní Brusnice, you can plan your stay around the things that interest you most.

Nature along the Bystřice stream

The Kalské údolí Natural Monument covers part of the cadastral area of Horní Brusnice. It protects the valley of the Bystřice stream, with its natural course, riverside vegetation and wet meadows. Endangered and protected plant and animal species are found there. The natural area therefore includes the stream, wet meadows and waterside areas.

In the valley, the Bystřice meanders naturally between trees and meadows, providing a habitat for rare aquatic animals. The stream’s source lies on the boundary between Horní Brusnice and Vidonice; there, the Bystřice also forms a natural cadastral boundary. The stream, valley and boundary are thus closely connected to the same body of water, though they do not describe the same thing: the natural monument protects a section of the valley, while the source marks a specific boundary point.

Church and folk architecture

St. Nicholas Church combines an art-historical detail with a long history: its main altar was painted by Countess Gabriela Deym. A parish church is documented in Horní Brusnice as early as 1384. This early date refers to the documented parish church; the altar adds another specific facet to the town’s history.

Folk architecture is also part of the area’s traditional character. Rural homestead No. 169 is a timber folk building with wooden gable decoration. Horní Brusnice is also home to folk buildings known as “Zvičinské chalupy.” At No. 169, the construction and gable decoration are the focus; the Zvičinské chalupy add a distinct name for local architecture to the topic.

Head towards Zvičina on foot or by bike

Kostelní cesta is a restored historic route between Horní Brusnice and Mount Zvičina. It is 3.5 kilometres long and runs alongside the red tourist trail, following green-and-white stripes.

Along Kostelní cesta, the forest educational trail features wooden interactive elements, stations for the frottage technique and a mobile app for collecting animal calls. A description published in 2021 also places the interactive Lesní naučná stezka station on the Kostelní cesta educational trail route, which leads from Horní Brusnice to the summit of Zvičina. It names forest life as its theme; details may change.

As an alternative, a cycling tour between Horní Brusnice and Zvičina follows Route 4086. These are two different options: the historic Kostelní cesta, with its stated length and trail markings, and a cycling route identified by its route number. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether the valley and its natural environment, the church and architectural history, or a route on foot or by bike matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hostinne, Prkenný Dul, Dolníky, Starobucke Debrne, Vlcice, Horní Staré Buky, Kuks, Markousovice.

For the wider travel overview: Trutnov District.