Discover Hronov: Theatre, Jirásek and Mineral Springs

Hronov combines theatre and literary history with regional museum exhibits, mineral springs and hiking opportunities. There are several ways to plan your trip: focus on the birthplace of Alois Jirásek, the theatre and its museum, other cultural monuments, or trails towards the Metuje Valley. You can tailor your itinerary to your interests.

Jirásek, the Theatre and the Festival

Alois Jirásek was born on 23 August 1851 in Jiráskův rodný domek. The building is an example of traditional folk architecture from the late 18th century. The exhibition in the birthplace evokes the atmosphere of a family bakery: it features folk furnishings and baking equipment, though these are not original. The site thus brings together a biographical connection to the writer and a depiction of a bakery.

Jiráskovo divadlo is the dominant building on the square in Hronov and was built to a design by architect Jindřich Freiwald. Jiráskovo muzeum is on the second floor. It covers the history and folklore of the Hronov region, as well as the life and work of Alois Jirásek. Theatre history and regional history come together in this museum.

The museum also has an interactive theatre exhibition for families with children. Visitors can try out different theatre professions and enjoy creative play. As exhibition details may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. Since 1931, Jiráskovo divadlo has hosted the international amateur theatre festival Jiráskův Hronov every year. If you are travelling for the festival, check the dates for your travel period.

Cultural Monuments and Regional Themes

The Baroque Marian column group, dating from 1725, stands on the square in Hronov. A different kind of place is the former cemetery beside the Church of All Saints: it is now a meditation garden with rosary stations. Svobodný dvůr stands on the site of a former medieval water castle and is considered a rare monument of folk architecture. These places represent different aspects of cultural heritage, from religious sculpture and a garden in use today to historic building styles.

The exhibition at Stará papírna – Čapkův mlýn explores the childhood of the Čapek siblings and the surroundings that inspired many of their fairy tales. Together with Jiráskovo muzeum, it offers another perspective on regional history: here, the focus is on the Čapek siblings and their world of fairy tales; there, on the Hronov region and Alois Jirásek.

Mineral Springs and Hiking Routes

Hronovka and Regnerka are alkaline, iron-rich mineral springs. They emerge from a shared spring outlet near the banks of the Metuje. It was reconstructed in 2013, and an information panel about the springs is nearby. The two names therefore refer not to separate spring outlets, but to springs with a shared outflow.

The moderately difficult Kolem Turova do Maršovského údolí hiking route starts in Hronov. It passes through Velký Dřevíč, by Blaník Jiráskova kraje and Turov, to a plateau above the settlement of Maršov nad Metují, then descends into the Metuje Valley. Check trail conditions and signage before setting off.

Cesta psa Voříška leads mostly downhill towards the former Hronovský mlýn, which used to be a paper mill. Jiráskův rodný domek and the mineral springs in the adjacent park are near the mill site. The route descriptions highlight different features: for the route via Turov, they specify the moderate difficulty, starting point and waypoints; for Cesta psa Voříška, they focus on the mostly downhill route towards the former mill. Here too, check trail conditions and signage in advance.

Discover more destinations: Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Jaroměř, Kramolna, Hermanice, Nový Hrádek, Lhota Pod Hořičkami, Dolany U Jaromere, Vestec U Hořiček.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Náchod.