Helvíkovice combines a distinctive riverside location with notable cultural and historical landmarks: the town stretches along both banks of the Divoká Orlice, while road I/11 runs through the centre, lined on both sides by an avenue of lime trees. There are also memorial sites dedicated to Prokop Diviš, a chapel that hosts cultural events, and two cycling routes through the town. If you are planning a short break, you can explore Helvíkovice through its local history, a specific cultural event, or cycling.

Riverside Location and Getting Around

The Divoká Orlice is a defining geographical feature: Helvíkovice stretches along both banks of the river. Road I/11, which runs through the centre, provides another point of reference. The road is lined with an avenue of lime trees on both sides. The river and the road axis describe two distinct aspects of the town and help place Helvíkovice as a destination with a clear geographical and built structure.

Cultural History in the Town

The chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua was completed in 1894. It is also used for various cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions. Individual event dates may change, so check the date before planning a visit. The Baroque heritage also includes a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1717. These two landmarks represent two different periods in the town’s cultural history: 1717 for the statue and 1894 for the completion of the chapel.

On the outskirts of Helvíkovice, the English nobleman John Parish had a hunting lodge built in the Empire style at a pheasantry in the early 19th century. The former hunting lodge now serves as a forester’s lodge.

Following in the Footsteps of Prokop Diviš

Helvíkovice is the birthplace of Prokop Diviš, inventor of the grounded lightning conductor. He was born in Helvíkovice, near Žamberk, on 26 March 1696. His birthplace has been converted into a memorial room that is open to the public. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

A memorial mast stands close to the birthplace. The Diviš-related sites thus include both his biographical birthplace and another memorial. If you are interested in the history of his invention and the scientist’s life, you can consider both aspects when planning your visit.

Cycling and Walks

Green cycling route No. 4073 runs from Betlém through Helvíkovice and then climbs towards Poplužní dvůr. It offers a specific sequence of a starting point, a route through the town, and a subsequent climb. A second cycling route, “Z Ústí nad Orlicí přes čtyři hrady,” also passes through Helvíkovice. Its name refers to Ústí nad Orlicí and the four castles as a thematic point of reference. If you are looking for a named sequence of places, route No. 4073 provides a specific guide; the second route can be distinguished by the theme expressed in its name.

The area around Helvíkovice is also suitable for walks. You can plan your stay around walking as well as cycling, without having to commit to either of the two cycling routes.

Holiday Apartment and Visit Planning

When looking for a holiday apartment in Helvíkovice, you can plan your stay around your interests: for the chapel, a specific concert or exhibition date is relevant; for the memorial room, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. Cyclists can use the routes mentioned above to decide which one best suits their plans.

Discover more destinations: Hrádek, Nová Ves, Bošín, Brandýs Nad Orlicí, Zádolí, Koldín, Tatenice, Voděrady

See the wider travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.