Day Trip Ideas

The Baroque pearl of East Bohemia, built in the first half of the 18th century by the visionary František Antonín Špork. There's so much to see that one day won't be enough to visit Kuks. Be captivated by a tour of the former military veterans' hospital, explore the history of pharmacy, descend into the count's tomb, or relax in the restored herb garden with 144 beds. Among the finest examples of Baroque sculpture are the statues by Matyáš Bernard Braun from the Virtues and Vices cycle. The flat Elbe Trail will lead you to Kuks, and as a reward, you can enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants on the premises. The Hospitál comes alive throughout the year, whether it's classical music concerts, the Baroko naoko festival, the Festival of Horses, History and Crafts, the Theatrum Kuks festival, or the autumn wine harvest.

A virtually essential stop for all visitors to Dvůr Králové. In no other zoo in the world will you see such a vast number of African animals in such a compact space. Its present-day appearance was shaped at the turn of the 1960s and 1970s by the legendary director Josef Vágner, who brought two thousand animals from Africa and conceived the East Bohemian safari. The zoo's greatest pride are its rhinos, with the main attraction being the safari among freely roaming herds of antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo. In 2015, the zoo opened the first lion safari in Central Europe. You can experience it in an African truck or in your own car.

Who wouldn't know the most beautiful Czech dam? Completed in 1920, it has been the pride of the entire Podkrkonoší region ever since. Its fairytale charm comes from two romantic gates with decorative turrets, set on the dam wall which is over 40 meters high and 200 meters long. The nearby dam keeper's house resembles a small stone castle. Since 2010, the dam has been a national cultural monument. Be sure to stop at Štěrba's Villa, featuring an outdoor restaurant and a wonderful playground for children. Throughout the summer, it also hosts concerts by famous Czech bands and theatrical performances. Even small children can manage a trip along the cycle path from Dvůr Králové.

A fantastic spot for a family day trip. Since 2017, the Krkonoše Mountains have also boasted a treetop trail that winds gracefully among the treetops. It's situated at the foot of Černá hora in Janské Lázně. The trail spans one and a half kilometers, with the ultimate highlight being the ascent to its 45-meter-high observation tower. On the Krkonoše Treetop Trail, you can safely observe brown bears directly below you. Their enclosure is nestled in a natural forest environment directly beneath the trail's path. Along the way, you'll discover a wealth of fascinating information about the Krkonoše forest and its diverse inhabitants. Don't miss the underground cave with its educational center, where you can get an up-close look at the intricate root systems of the trees. The entire trail is wheelchair accessible. If a stroll along the treetop trail leaves you wanting more, head down to the center of Janské Lázně, take the cable car up to Černá hora, and embark on an adventure along the Krkonoše ridges.

The wildest rock city in Central Europe has been enchanting tourists since the 18th century, and it's almost a must for every Czech to visit Adršpach. Avoid Polish holidays and summer vacations, when the rock city is bursting at the seams, and enjoy a stroll among the sandstone formations. The sight of Milenci, Starostu a Starostovou, or Homoli cukru never gets old. As a reward for climbing ladders and the claustrophobic squeeze through Myší dírou, you'll be treated to a romantic boat ride on the rock lake. Adršpach is open year-round. Try visiting in winter; you'll have it almost to yourselves.

Hříčky Buky (formerly Baldův svět) – a day full of fun for the whole family in beautiful nature. Looking for an outing that will excite both children and adults? Hříčky Buky, located in the Mladé Buky complex (formerly known as Baldův svět), is among the most popular family attractions in the Krkonoše Mountains. Spanning nearly four hectares, children will enjoy plenty of movement and adventure. The biggest draw are the water troughs with mills, sluices, and pools, where they can spend hours discovering the power of water. There are also trampolines, swings, slides, tubing, play towers, net attractions, and plenty of space for free play and relaxation. After visiting Hříčky Buky, we recommend heading to Bobovka Buky, which is part of the same complex.

The unique playground with wooden sculptures of Krkonoše animals became a premier attraction of the Eastern Krkonoše in 2018. It is situated at a thousand meters above sea level, near the upper station of the Portášky cable car in Velká Úpa. The sculptures also serve as climbing frames and ingenious play elements. Your children will love this giant open-air playground. But you'll also enjoy sticking your head into a lynx's mouth, riding in a deer's antlers, or climbing to a stork's nest. At the Portášky hut, you'll always find a tasty bite.

Near ART Apartments, you'll find the Mineral Gallery – one of the largest private mineralogical museums in Europe. Across more than 2,000 m² of exhibition space, you can explore over 6,000 minerals, precious stones, and fossils from around the world. It is here that you'll discover the Fabergé Egg, a jewel crafted from 850 grams of 14-carat gold and 273 cut diamonds. Awaiting visitors is a modern, barrier-free museum, a café, a shop with minerals and jewelry, as well as the popular gold and garnet panning, which both children and adults can enjoy during the summer months.

Zvičina (11 km)

At an altitude of 671 meters, it is the highest hill and a dominant landmark of the Podkrkonoší region. At the summit stands the Baroque Church of St. John of Nepomuk and Raisova Chata, which includes a unique observation tower with a rotating dome. You don't even have to climb to enjoy the panoramic views of the entire Krkonoše Mountains, Bezděz, Jizera Mountains, or Lusatian Mountains. Zvičina is perfectly suited for a hike or a more challenging bike ride. From both sides (Horní Brusnice and Třebihoště), a recently paved asphalt road leads to the hill, so you can easily get here by car. Enjoy lunch at Raisova Chata or a beer and lemonade at the outdoor kiosk.

Who doesn't remember Božena Němcová's beloved 'Babička' (Grandmother)? Viktorčin splav, Staré bělidlo, Rudrův mlýn, zámek Ratibořice. In Babiččino údolí (Grandmother's Valley), where the author set her famous novel, there's truly so much to explore. It's rightfully considered one of the most picturesque places in East Bohemia. It's also a fascinating natural area, home to species featured on the red list. You might even be lucky enough to spot a black bat or the endangered Common Merganser. Babiččino údolí is an excellent choice for a cycling trip from Dvůr Králové.