Upice brings together three different reasons to stay: guided observations at the observatory, the cultural and historical Dřevěnka, and two circular routes on the Stezka Úpice. To plan your visit, it is worth first deciding what matters most to you: stargazing, the history of the town, or choosing a route?
Observatory: Daytime and nighttime observations
The observatory in Úpice offers guided observations of the night sky. A special feature is the opportunity to observe the Sun during the day. You can therefore choose between a nighttime view of the sky and the daytime solar program; the two options give your plans different time-of-day focuses. The observatory is set in natural surroundings on a hill above the town. If this visit is the main reason for your stay, check the current arrangements for visitors before you travel, as they may vary.
Dřevěnka: Building and exhibition
Dřevěnka offers a different way to explore the history of the town. It is the oldest building in Úpice; the earliest surviving record dates from 1559. It is also a national cultural monument. Dřevěnka features an immersive, hands-on exhibition in the style of an open-air museum. It explores life in a small town in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The exhibition’s time frame complements the building’s early documented history with a later look at everyday urban life. The focus is therefore not only on the age of the house, but also on the way of life that the exhibition places at its center.
Stezka Úpice and cycling route
The Stezka Úpice offers two circular routes: a shorter historical route and a longer tourist route. It includes 27 stops or panels at significant buildings in Úpice, as well as two large information boards. QR codes are available both at the stops or panels and on the large information boards. The different focuses are a useful guide when choosing between the routes: historical for the shorter one, tourist-oriented for the longer one. The longer circular route is approximately 8 km long and can be ridden by mountain bike along its entire length. The attractions also differ in their settings: the observatory is nestled in natural surroundings on a hill above the town, while the Stezka Úpice stops are located at significant buildings in Úpice.
Another route option is Cyklotrasa 4, which passes through Úpice along the town’s historical educational trail. Keep the two descriptions distinct: the approximate length and the fact that the entire route can be ridden by mountain bike apply to the longer circular route. Before setting out on Cyklotrasa 4, check the route conditions.
Discover more destinations: Batňovice, Strazne, Libňatov, Prosečné, Kralovec, Malé Svatoňovice, Dolni Branna, Kohoutov.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.
