Vrchovnice: History, memorial sites and horse-riding activities

Vrchovnice offers several points of interest for a stay: a written mention from the Middle Ages, memorial sites commemorating the events of 1866, and horse-related activities offered by Jezdecký klub Letýcia. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Vrchovnice, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on: are you most interested in local history, the events of 1866, or activities involving horses? The topics below will give you some specific guidance.

Local history across different periods

The first written mention of Vrchovnice dates from 1355. Archaeological finds in Vrchovnice and the surrounding area also point to settlement during the Stroke-ornamented pottery culture. The town’s history thus spans different periods: a dated medieval mention and archaeological evidence of an earlier cultural period. This offers history-minded travellers a longer timeline to explore before turning to the specific events of the 19th century.

Vrchovnice and the year of war, 1866

On 3 July 1866, Prussian artillery was stationed near Vrchovnice and fired on Austrian positions near Hořiněves. Both place names are important for understanding the event: Vrchovnice was the artillery’s location, while Hořiněves was where the Austrian positions came under fire. This specific incident makes Vrchovnice’s role in the military events of that year tangible.

Monuments and remembrance

The memory of the year of war is also reflected in two different monuments. The stone cross in front of house number 24 was erected in 1882 and restored in 1932. A sandstone monument with a cast-iron cross commemorates an Austrian and a Prussian soldier who fell in 1866. The years 1866, 1882 and 1932 mark different points of reference: the year of the war, and the erection and restoration of the stone cross. This helps distinguish the military events from the monument’s later history.

Horse-related activities

The association is a registered hippotherapy centre and moved to the municipality of Vrchovnice in 2026. Its activities include the basics of riding, groundwork, natural communication with horses, and animal care. These activities have different focuses—from riding and groundwork to communication with and care for the horse. The association accepts new members for hippotherapy; prior arrangements may be required. Contact the association before visiting and check whether it is currently active.

Rural character and regional context

Arable land accounts for 88 percent of Vrchovnice, underscoring its rural character. This adds a landscape perspective to the historical themes. Across the wider microregion associated with the 1866 battlefield, information panels describe the events of the war, and educational trails pass through some member municipalities. The thematic scope therefore extends from local memorials to regional interpretation of history. If you are particularly interested in 1866, the local monuments and the wider microregion context offer different perspectives.

Discover more destinations: Starý Bydžov, Čistěves, Urbanice, Lužec Nad Cidlinou, Běleč Nad Orlicí, Černožice, Zachrašťany, Boharyně

For the wider travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.