At 503 metres above sea level, Horka u Staré Paky offers sweeping views across the entire Giant Mountains. At the same time, the village tells the story of a crossroads where carters stopped to rest and transfer goods. The landscape and the history of transport give a stay different points of interest: a panorama to look out over and tangible traces of past travel.
Panorama and stone signpost
The open view across the entire Giant Mountains is a striking feature of the landscape. Nearby, the 33-metre-high Kozinec u Vidochova lookout tower offers views of the Giant Mountains and the Bohemian Paradise. The two viewpoints offer different perspectives; check the tower’s current opening arrangements before visiting.
Another piece of the history of navigation is the protected stone signpost with a kilometre marker. The approximately two-metre-high obelisk bears raised directional signs, destination names, elevations and distances in kilometres. It therefore points not only to routes, but also documents the history of Horka u Staré Paky and road transport in Czechoslovakia during the interwar period. Anyone interested in cultural history will find a tangible detail here that connects the landscape with former transport routes.
From stopping place to local history
Horka u Staré Paky was established in 1823 at a crossroads of country roads. The village served as a resting place and a place to transfer goods carried by carters on their journeys. These included carters from Vrchlabí, Trutnov, Broumov, Rokytnice and Nový Svět; their routes passed through Horka to Brno and Prague and back again. This historical role gives the crossroads a significance beyond that of a simple junction: it was part of a transport and goods exchange network.
The first building in Horka u Staré Paky was the Formanka inn, built at the crossroads. It had large stables and was well known throughout the region. The inn and its stables fit the village’s role as a resting and transfer point, without implying anything about their present-day use.
Bergerova chicory is also part of the village’s history. It became known throughout Austria as a product of the highest quality. This adds another local connection to the history of transport: alongside the carters and their trade routes, there was also a product whose reputation extended beyond the region.
Hiking trails and activity
The Borovnice–Kozinec–Nová Paka hiking route passes through the forest as far as the first houses in Horka u Staré Paky. Along its green-marked section, the route first follows the road below Šturmův kopec, then a field path, before returning to the main road. This route description links forest, road and field path; check the markings and trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.
A public workout area is located next to the football pitch in Horka u Staré Paky. It has pull-up bars, parallel bars, wall bars and other simple exercise equipment, primarily for bodyweight exercises. If you are looking for a way to be active beyond hiking, this is another option. It is advisable to check the condition of the equipment on site before using it.
Culture and planning your visit
In 2024, a municipal cultural hall was located in the former German primary school in Nedaříž. The building was renovated between 2002 and 2004. If you would like to combine your visit with a cultural event, check the current programme in advance.
Horka u Staré Paky therefore offers several different points of interest to help you plan your visit: views of the Giant Mountains, the history of a historic crossroads, a distinctive signpost and described hiking routes. The nearby lookout tower adds views of the Bohemian Paradise. You can weigh up which of these interests will shape your stay before looking for a holiday apartment.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Zalesni Lhota, Rochlitz An Der Iser, Levínská Olešnice, Bukovina U Turnova, Rovensko Pod Troskami, Radostná Pod Kozákovem, Hochstadt An Der Iser, Veselá
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