Hvozdnice: Orchards, Forest and History

Hvozdnice lies on the southern slope of a gentle hill, nine kilometres west of Hradec Králové. The village is surrounded by orchards on three sides and by forest to the north. This setting gives the place a distinct landscape character: open orchards and the northern forest provide different points of reference, while the gentle hill adds to its geographical character.

History Along the Nature Trail

The “Cesta do minulosti Libčan a Hvozdnic” nature trail has six stops and runs from Libčany to Hvozdnice, near Hradec Králové in East Bohemia. Its six information panels focus on the history of both communities and also feature unique archaeological finds. The trail brings together the histories of two places and archaeological themes in a single walk. If you are interested in the region’s past, the trail offers a clear route through it: the stops lead from Libčany to Hvozdnice, while the panels place the histories of both communities at the centre.

The first written references to settlement in Hvozdnice date from 1073. Archaeological research adds another perspective on this early period: by 2017, archaeologists from the museum in Hradec Králové had excavated more than 150 graves in Hvozdnice. Written evidence of settlement and archaeological finds offer different ways to explore the village’s history—from the earliest written record to the results of later excavations.

Archaeological Sites and Mill History

The Mohylník Hvozdnice burial mound site lies on the edge of the cadastral area of Libčany, but is traditionally associated more with Hvozdnice. The site therefore has two distinct geographical points of reference: its location on the edge of Libčany’s cadastral area and its traditional association with Hvozdnice. This distinction is important when identifying the site.

The former Hvozdnický mlýn watermill is also part of local history. It stands on the southwestern edge of the village and is not accessible; check its current access status before visiting. The mill was built around 1573 by Václav Nejedlý, owner of the Libčany estate and son of Petr Nejedlý of Vysoká.

Horní Renešák is also connected with the history of the mill. It is the middle of three bodies of water that probably originated in the 16th century, although an earlier date cannot be ruled out. Horní Renešák supplied fish for Libčany Castle and, above all, powered Hvozdnický mlýn. Together, these two topics illustrate the historical use of the water and the mill’s role in local industrial history.

Forest Pavilion and Sports Court

The Lesní altán Hvozdnice forest pavilion lies between Hvozdnice and Libčany, in Zádušní les near Libušina studánka. It offers a place to stop and rest. The pavilion has been renovated and complemented with a rope course for children and an information panel about the history of the place. Visitors can enjoy both a place to rest and two specific features during their time in the forest: the rope course and the local history.

Hvozdnice has a new multi-purpose sports court for tennis, volleyball, football tennis, small-sided football and basketball. The range of sports shows that the court is intended for several types of ball games. If you would like to include the sports court in your plans, check the current conditions locally in advance.

Fruit Growing as Part of Local History

Fruit growing in Hvozdnice has a tradition dating back to before the First World War. Initially, the main crops were sweet and sour cherries. After the Second World War, the local agricultural cooperative greatly expanded the orchards and also grew other fruit, especially apples. The orchards in the landscape and their long history of cultivation are therefore linked: they shape the geographical character of the place and are also part of its agricultural past.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lovčice, Skřivany, Předměřice Nad Labem, Kunčice, Holohlavy, Luzany Nad Trotinou, Smržov U Smiřic, Humburky.

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.