Žďár Nad Metují – Museum, Cycle Route 4003 and the History of Ostaš

Žďár nad Metují offers several specific points of interest for a stay: a museum of agricultural and firefighting equipment, the archaeological site of Hrad Vlčinec, and the religious and landscape history of Ostaš. When looking for a hotel, it is therefore also worth considering which of these themes you would like to focus on during your trip.

Museum and Cycle Route 4003

The Museum of Agricultural and Firefighting Equipment is housed in the former agricultural building No. 223 in Žďár nad Metují. It is on main cycle route 4003, which leads from Žďár nad Metují railway station to Ostaš. The collection and a clearly identified cycle route are thus directly connected.

One notable exhibit is a combined motorized horse-drawn fire engine made by R. Herold. Its engine was made by Laurin & Klement and dates from 1924. The technical description brings together the manufacturer, engine and vehicle in a specific example, while also highlighting the unusual combination of horse-drawn and motorized power. Visitors interested in historic agricultural and firefighting equipment will find a clearly defined subject here, rather than just a general reference to the topic.

Archaeological traces and the history of Ostaš

Hrad Vlčinec, an important archaeological site and ruined castle complex dating from the High Middle Ages, is located in Žďár nad Metují. Visible features include wall remains, ramparts and ditches. This describes both surviving masonry and traces in the terrain. For a historical perspective, the dating to the High Middle Ages is as specific as the distinction between the surviving structural features.

Ostaš offers a different historical perspective. After indulgences for pilgrims were granted in 1515, processions to the Chapel of the Holy Cross were held there several times a year. During religious persecution, followers of Utraquism secretly gathered in the Sluj Českých bratří cave. These are distinct aspects of religious history: processions to the chapel and secret gatherings in a cave. The present-day Chapel of the Holy Cross was consecrated in 1859 and has survived to the present day.

Samaritánka and the water supply

Samaritánka adds a history of water and landscape to the historical themes. The abundant spring, with a historic sandstone relief, lies on the southern slope of the Ostaš table mountain. It was used for Žďár nad Metují’s first water supply; the water main was completed and consecrated on 3 August 1856. The spring, relief and water supply can therefore be considered together as a single theme in the town’s history.

The water can be tasted at an overflow beside a forest path below the reservoir near Samaritánka. However, the flow from the overflow can be very low in dry seasons. If you are considering including this spot in your trip, bear this seasonal limitation in mind.

Discover more destinations: Jetřichov, Litoboř, Vysokov, Zdonov, Martinkovice, Mezimestí, Zlic, Vestec U Hořiček.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.