The Pardubice Region combines Renaissance architecture, a history of horse breeding and its own gingerbread tradition with a variety of landscapes. The Elbe Lowland lies in the central and western parts, while the higher areas of the Žďárské vrchy and Železné hory ranges extend to the south and southeast. When planning your trip to Pardubice, it is therefore worth choosing a focus: cultural sites, landscapes and cycling routes, or regional cuisine each offer a different way to experience the destination.

Landscape and Cultural Heritage

The Orlické hory, Žďárské vrchy and Železné hory are protected landscape areas in the Pardubice Region. The central and summit areas of Králický Sněžník form a national nature reserve. The region’s three largest bodies of water include the Seč Reservoir, Bohdanečský Pond and Pastviny Reservoir.

The landscape shaped by people is also part of the region’s heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kladruby nad Labem includes fields, meadows, fenced pastures, a landscaped park, wooded areas, buildings and farmsteads. These are intended for the breeding and training of Kladruber horses. The history of horse breeding at the National Stud is thus linked to a cultural landscape whose features are specifically designed for this purpose.

Castles, Museums and Horse Breeding

Litomyšl Castle is an outstanding arcaded Renaissance country residence in the Pardubice Region. It preserves a Neoclassical theatre with original auditorium decoration, original stage sets and stage machinery. The brewery associated with the castle is the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana. Its architecture, theatrical furnishings and musical history offer distinct aspects of cultural heritage to explore.

The East Bohemian Museum, with its diverse range of exhibits, is housed in Pardubice Castle. The specific exhibitions may change; if a particular topic is important to you, check the current programme before your visit. The National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem is one of the oldest stud farms in the world. As a public museum, it focuses on breeding Old Kladruber horses and the development of the landscape. The region therefore offers both museum visits and the history of a distinctive horse breed.

Pardubice Gingerbread and Places to Visit

Pardubice gingerbread is a traditional honey pastry; gingerbread making in Pardubice dates back to the 16th century. Products from local producers carry a protected geographical indication. This tradition is associated not only with a regional pastry but also with specific places to visit.

The Gingerbread House near Kunětická hora Castle houses the Gingerbread Museum and offers fairytale-themed attractions. Perník Janoš and JaJa Pardubice offer guided tours of their production facilities. Visitor programmes may change, so check their availability in advance. This lets you choose whether to discover the gingerbread tradition through its history, the museum or a guided tour.

Getting Around the Region

Pardubice and Česká Třebová are railway hubs on the Berlin–Prague–Brno–Vienna international rail corridor. The Pardubice Region has 581 kilometres of railway lines. This provides an overview of the regional rail network; check specific connections for your travel dates. Seasonal passenger boat services operate on the Kunětice–Pardubice–Srnojedy route. If you would like to include one in your plans, check the timetable for your intended travel period.

Pardubice has direct access to the signposted CT 2 cycle route, the Elbe Cycle Route. Another cycling route runs from Pardubice along the Opatovice Canal to the National Stud at Kladruby nad Labem. A flat, 3.4-kilometre route follows the Chrudimka River and can be combined with a visit to the Fairytale Garden. Route conditions and access to attractions may vary; check both before making your plans.

Choose Hotels to Suit Your Itinerary

Then compare accommodation locations with the places on your itinerary. If you plan to visit several places, check specific connections and seasonal services before booking. This way, your hotel choice will reflect your planned visits rather than just a general regional name.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pardubice District, Chrudim District, Ústí nad Orlicí District, Svitavy District, Karlovy Vary, South Bohemian Region, Zlín, Central Bohemia.

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