Petrikovice: Landscape, Trails and History

Petříkovice lies in a valley between the hills of the Jestřebí Mountains, below the steep slopes of Janský vrch. Its landscape, trails and traces of its fortification history give the place several distinct aspects. When planning your trip, you can arrange these highlights according to your interests: a circular trail links several stops, the ski area focuses on winter sports, and historic structures tell the story of border fortifications.

Trails and Landscape around Janský vrch

The Chvaleč–Petříkovice educational trail is an approximately six-kilometre circular route. It leads from Petříkovice past several interesting places and back to the village. Several stops have information boards; the trail starts at the car park by the swimming pool.

Janský vrch is also part of the landscape: it rises 697 metres above its source. The Czech-Polish border runs over the mountain, where an educational trail follows it. Krausova vyhlídka, a striking cliff-top viewpoint, is also located on Janský vrch. The viewpoint and the educational trail offer different highlights: the striking rock here, the border line as the trail’s theme there.

Fortifications and Local History

A historic line of fortifications dating from 1937 to 1938 runs through Petříkovice. Several of its structures are being gradually restored as open-air museums; their status may change. The easternmost structure in the Petříkovice section is T-S 52b “Na skále”. The bunker is badly damaged and has remained unchanged since the end of the war. Its preserved condition illustrates the impact of explosives on a massive fortification.

Another structure in the Petříkovice defensive line is the T-S 54 “Nad dráhou” infantry bunker. Its construction was completed, and work on the electrical installation was begun. The two bunkers thus represent different aspects of the fortifications: T-S 52b shows the effects of destruction, while T-S 54 is associated with its construction and the work carried out there. Petříkovice was first mentioned in writing in 1012.

Local history also includes the Chapel of the Holy Family and the monument to František Opočenský. The chapel dates from 1847 and was restored between 1990 and 2004. The monument to Opočenský, erected after the war, was ceremonially unveiled on 28 September 1946. It stands on the left side of the road towards Radvanice.

Skiing and the Swimming Pool

The Petříkovice ski area offers well-groomed downhill slopes and family-friendly skiing. A ski school and a small lift for children and complete beginners operate there daily; operations may vary by season. The slopes and beginner facilities offer a distinct focus alongside the trails and historic sights.

The swimming pool grounds are in the central part of the village. There is a fire-water reservoir suitable for swimming, toilets, an outdoor shower, refreshments and a car park. Swimming is seasonal and at your own risk. The educational trail also starts at the car park by the swimming pool, so swimming and walking the loop are two different ways to spend your time here.

Cycle across the Border

The Okrzeszyn–Petříkovice border crossing is for pedestrians and cyclists and is open all day. Check the crossing’s operating conditions before your trip. Cycle Route 1 passes through the Okrzeszyn border crossing and descends to the swimming pool in Petříkovice, a district of the municipality of Chvaleč. Local trail and border-crossing conditions are also useful to consider when planning this route.

Discover more destinations: Hřibojedy, Dolní Olešnice, Lanzov, Dubenec, Doubravice U Dvora Králové, Strazne, Vlcice U Trutnova, Horní Kalná

See the overview of the wider area: Okres Trutnov.