Vrchlabí: Renaissance, Trails and Water Activities

Vrchlabí combines historic architecture with themed trails and water-related activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Vrchlabí, it may help to first decide what matters most for your trip: would you like to explore the history of the castle and churches, combine culture and landscapes on an educational trail, or set aside time for the Aquacentrum? The different themes give your stay distinct accents without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of outing.

Architecture from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods

Vrchlabí Castle is a Renaissance castle, completed in 1546. Guided tours are offered in summer, opening up rooms and the chapel that are not normally accessible. This seasonal schedule is important for planning: if you would like to join a tour, check the dates for your travel period.

Sacred architecture also tells the story of different periods. St. Lawrence Church stands on the site of an originally single-nave Gothic church dating from the 14th century. The Augustinian monastery and monastery church form a Baroque complex protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Together, the historic styles span the church’s Gothic origins, the castle’s Renaissance architecture and the Baroque monastery complex.

Educational trails with different themes

The Naučná stezka Vrchlabím educational trail runs along the banks of the Elbe and passes two churches and two museums. It ends in a castle park with rare trees and views of Vrchlabí Castle. The trail therefore connects the riverside, cultural stops and a destination with views of the castle.

The Stezka vody educational trail has a different focus: open to visitors since 2023, it leads to renovated ponds and pools with informative stops. Visitors can observe living things above and below the water’s surface. The two routes thus offer different starting points for planning your trip: the Naučná stezka Vrchlabím features churches, museums and the castle park, while the stops on the Stezka vody focus on bodies of water and the creatures that live in them.

Museums and visitor information

Muzeum Krkonoš is the visitor center of Krkonoše National Park. It provides information about the national park and trip options for visiting the sights and natural beauty of the Giant Mountains. The modern interactive exhibition covers both the mountain environment and the lives of the people who live there. If you plan to visit the center, check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Krkonošské muzeum – Čtyři historické domky offers another perspective on regional architectural history: the ensemble consists of four gabled houses in Vrchlabí, among the oldest examples of vernacular architecture in the Giant Mountains. The exhibition at Krkonošské muzeum – Čtyři historické domky has been closed for two years since May 1, 2025, due to renovation work. Keep this closure period in mind if the exhibition is part of your travel plans.

Water activities at the Aquacentrum

Aquacentrum Vrchlabí has a 25-meter swimming pool with four lanes. There is also a 32°C leisure pool with a current channel, massage loungers, bubbling features and underwater jets. Other facilities include an indoor and an outdoor whirlpool, as well as a steam sauna. The different water areas offer a choice: one pool is described by its length and lanes, while the other is defined by its temperature and additional water attractions. When deciding what to focus on during your trip, you can weigh this option against the historical sights and themed trails.

Discover more destinations: Litíč, Cermná U Vrchlabí, Dolni Branna, Rudník, Dolní Olešnice, Borovnice U Staré Paky, Chotevice, Dolni Dvur

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.