A unique Rococo building dating from 1777, castle gardens with water features, and exhibitions on a variety of subjects give Nové Hrady U Skutče a distinctive character. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the castle tour and museum collections on the one hand, and the garden, arboretum and maze on the other. This lets you tailor your sightseeing to whether you are more interested in architecture, exhibits or outdoor landscaping.

The Castle and Local History

Nové Hrady Castle is a unique Rococo building dating from 1777 that has never been remodelled. The castle grounds are open to the public; guided tours take visitors through the interiors and castle gardens. Opening details may change, so check them before your visit. The castle tour includes the exhibition “Umění nábytku v proměnách století”. It presents Central European furniture from the Baroque to the Art Nouveau period, broadening the perspective on the historic rooms with an overview of the development of furniture design.

The town’s history also includes the Baroque Church of St James, built in 1724, and a Stations of the Cross dating from 1767; both predate the Rococo building of 1777. The castle grounds’ open-air amphitheatre hosts concerts and performances outdoors. The programme varies, so check the dates if an event is important to your trip.

Collections and Exhibitions

The “Motory & Pedály” museum displays more than 160 motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles with auxiliary motors from around the world. The exhibition is continuously expanding, so its size may vary. The museum is housed in a historic Baroque barn, and the exhibition spans three floors. Access is exclusively via wooden stairs, so the exhibition is not wheelchair accessible.

The Galerie anglických klobouků displays more than 100 women’s hats in a variety of shapes, materials and colours; visitors can try on some of the hats. The hat exhibition is located in the orangery opposite the maze made of clipped arborvitae; a parrot aviary can also be seen there. If the exact location matters for your visit, check in advance where the exhibition is currently housed.

Gardens and Time Outdoors

The castle garden can be visited independently of a castle visit. Check the admission arrangements before your visit. The stylishly landscaped castle gardens include numerous water features: ponds, cascades, fountains and water lily pools.

Established in 2019, the arboretum includes 200 species and cultivars of woody plants; the collection may continue to grow as the arboretum matures. You can stroll among young trees along mown paths and take a break in a wooden pavilion. As the condition of the paths and pavilion may change, check before your visit.

On the castle hill, there is a children’s playground with benches, a pavilion, a wooden play castle, a viewing platform and perennial flower beds. The facilities may be renewed over time. If a particular feature is important to you, check its current status before your visit.

Other Activities

The farm belonging to the castle keeps red deer and fallow deer, which visitors can see. Check whether visits are possible before travelling. Riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders are offered at the stables in Nové Hrady. Times and booking procedures may change; check both in advance if you plan to include a riding lesson in your itinerary.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: České Petrovice, Rybník, Letohrad, Valterice, Krasíkov, Libchavy, Studené, Dolní Dobrouč

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.