Kostelec Nad Orlicí: Castle, Churches and Nature

Kostelec Nad Orlicí offers a variety of ways to plan a stay: cultural heritage around Nový zámek and the churches, as well as trails and outdoor activities. You can shape your plans around whether you are especially interested in architecture and local history or would rather explore nature trails, cycling and water activities. The destinations described also differ in distance and seasonal conditions—specific details can help you plan your day.

Castle and Exhibitions

Nový zámek is a carefully composed architectural ensemble designed by Heinrich Koch in the 1830s. It combines elements of Classicism and Biedermeier and belonged to the Kostelec branch of the Kinský family. The ensemble draws attention to the castle as a unified architectural design. The castle houses the permanent exhibition “Život v biedermeieru” (Life in the Biedermeier Period). A museum exhibition in the basement is dedicated to the town of Kostelec nad Orlicí. Both the Biedermeier period and the town’s history are therefore in focus here.

Nový zámek also includes the Kinský Gallery and 13 exhibition rooms, where exhibition openings and art exhibitions are held. Some exhibitions change. Nový zámek Park can also be included in your plans: it is open year-round and free to visit. Access may be temporarily affected during special events, so check whether the park is open to visitors before your visit.

Churches, History and Remembrance

The late Baroque Church of St. George was built by František Kermer between 1769 and 1773. It preserves late Baroque and Rococo furnishings, including a late Gothic Madonna. The early Baroque Church of Jan Amos Comenius, formerly the Church of St. Wenceslas, dates from the late 17th century and is accessible. Since visiting arrangements may change, check access in advance.

The Church of St. Anne also has an earlier history: it was built from 1685 to 1691, replacing a cemetery chapel founded in 1572. Starý zámek was built on the site of a former fortress founded before 1620. After a fire in 1668, a Baroque castle was built there. This sequence offers another way to explore the town’s architectural history without conflating the different historic buildings.

The “Kameny zmizelých,” also known as Stolpersteine, are a memorial in Kostelec nad Orlicí to the victims of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime. They add a place of remembrance to the town’s history.

Nature Trails and Cycle Route

Lesopark Lípová stráň Nature Park lies along the Divoká Orlice, which flows through Kostelec nad Orlicí, and has three signposted nature trails. The K. J. Erben Nature Trail is 3.1 km long and rated moderate. The Mistr Jan Hus Nature Trail is a walking route of about 1.9 km described as easy. This gives you the choice between a longer, moderately difficult route and a shorter route described as easy.

The marked nature trail of Městské lesy Kostelec nad Orlicí also runs along the edge of town. It is 3.3 km long and has 12 interactive information panels. Since routes and facilities may change, check for current information before setting out. For cycling and inline skating, the 2 km cycle route from Kostelec nad Orlicí to Doudleby nad Orlicí is another option. Unlike the nature trails, this route has a specific destination.

Water and Seasonal Activities

Koupaliště Kostelec nad Orlicí outdoor swimming pool is in a peaceful setting by the Orlice and operates seasonally. Check its opening days before visiting. The Divoká Orlice is a separate option: Kostelec nad Orlicí can serve as a suitable starting point for a trip along the river. Conditions and navigability may vary depending on the season and weather, so check them before planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Trnov U Dobrusky, Rychnov Nad Kneznou, Chleny, Jahodov, Olešnice U Rychnova Nad Kněžnou, Javornice, Polom U Potštejna, Panske Pole

For the overview of the wider region: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.