Discover Úpice: Observatory, circular routes and Dřevěnka

Úpice offers several distinct themes for visitors: the observatory turns your gaze to the sky, the Úpice Trail comprises two circular routes with stops at notable buildings, and Dřevěnka focuses on life in a small town in the 19th and 20th centuries. You can therefore get to know the town through astronomy, a themed route or cultural history. The experiences differ both in the time of day when observations are possible and in the type of activity.

Observatory in Úpice: daytime and nighttime observations

The observatory is set in natural surroundings on a hill above the town. It offers guided observations of the night sky; a special feature is the opportunity to observe the Sun during the day. The two offerings therefore differ by time of day and celestial object: the night sky and the Sun take center stage at different times. You can use this distinction to help plan your visit as part of your trip. Current visitor arrangements may vary, so check the available options before you travel.

Úpice Trail and cycling route

The Úpice Trail comprises a short historical circular route and a longer tourist circular route. The longer route is approximately 8 km long and can be ridden by mountain bike along its entire length. The names distinguish the routes by theme, while the length and suitability for mountain biking throughout the route are specific details of the longer route. The trail includes 27 stops, or panels, at notable buildings in Úpice, with QR codes. There are also two large information boards, likewise with QR codes. The route thus combines stops at buildings with two additional large-format boards. The boards and QR codes are maintained locally; check their condition during your tour.

Another cycling route, Cyklotrasa 4, passes through Úpice along the town’s historical educational trail. The two routes are described in different ways: for the Úpice Trail, the description specifies two circular routes and that the longer route is suitable for mountain biking, while for Cyklotrasa 4, it specifies that the route follows the educational trail. Check the route conditions for Cyklotrasa 4 before setting off.

Dřevěnka: cultural monument and exhibition

Dřevěnka is the oldest building in Úpice; the earliest surviving record dates from 1559. This date refers to the documented record and does not necessarily indicate when the house was built. Dřevěnka is also a national cultural monument. The building houses an immersive, living exhibition in the style of an open-air museum. It explores life in a small town in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The exhibition’s subject matter therefore comes considerably later than the earliest surviving record of the house. A visit thus combines the history of the building with a later look at everyday life in a small town.

Discover more destinations: Dvůr Králové Nad Labem, Dolníky, Dolní Lyseciny, Choustnikovo Hradiste, Svoboda Nad Upou, Rtyne V Podkrkonosi, Horni Olesnice, Dolni Dvur.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.