Borovnice U Staré Paky: Kozinec and local history

The settlement of Horka u Staré Paky lies on Horka Hill, 503 metres above sea level. From there, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the panorama of the entire Krkonoše Mountains. The Nedařížský Stream flows through Horka. The hilltop views and the course of the stream offer contrasting landscape impressions. When choosing a hotel, you might consider whether you would prefer to focus on the views, the route to the observation tower or the historic sites during your stay.

Views and the hiking trail to Kozinec

A green-marked hiking trail to the Kozinec observation tower starts at Horka u Staré Paky railway station. It follows a paved spur road to the viewpoint. The viewing platform of the nearby tower is 33 metres high. In good visibility, views extend to the Krkonoše Mountains, the Bohemian Paradise and the Orlické Mountains, as well as Mount Zvičina. Visibility depends on the weather. The starting point, trail markings and paved spur road help you follow the route; check current trail conditions before setting off, as they may change.

Transport routes and railway station history

The directions of the roads also help you get your bearings: the I/16 towards Nová Paka and Trutnov, and the II/293 towards Jilemnice, pass through the municipality. Horka station is also connected with the history of regional transport. It opened to public traffic on 31 May 1858, when the section of railway from Jaroměř was opened. The station later became one of the most important stations. Trade from the entire Podkrkonoší region, as well as from the Jičín and Nová Paka regions, was concentrated there, partly thanks to the roads running through the municipality. The railway and road routes are thus connected in the recorded history of trade.

Early settlement and local products

Formanka, an inn with large stables, was the first building in the settlement. Berger’s chicory is also part of the town’s history: it was produced in Horka and was considered the finest-quality product in all of Austria. These two subjects offer insight into different aspects of the settlement’s past, from hospitality to the production of a locally rooted product with a reputation beyond the region.

School history in Nedaříž

The former German primary school in Nedaříž was built in 1881 and renovated in 1886. It operated as a German school until 1945. The dates offer insight into the building’s architectural and institutional history: construction was followed by renovation, and its history as a German school extends to the end of the Second World War. In 2024, the former school building housed a municipal cultural hall. Both its former use as a school and its municipal use recorded for 2024 are part of the town’s history.

Geology in the surrounding area

The Vidochov–Zlatnice quarry lies between Vidochov and Horka u Staré Paky. Grey volcanic breccia, blocks of vesicular lava and jasper veins are exposed there. The quarry can be reached by car without access restrictions; the access road comes within 250 metres of the site. As access conditions may change, check them before travelling. The Krkonoše Museum’s collection offers another connection to Horka’s geology: it includes araucaria specimens from sites in Horka u Staré Paky. The rock formations at the site and the specimens preserved in the museum thus offer different perspectives on the region’s geology.

Discover more destinations: Bílé Poličany, Horní Staré Buky, Javorník, Dolníky, Pec Pod Snežkou, Batňovice, Cermná U Vrchlabí, Trotina.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.