Žamberk: Culture, Technology and Views

In Žamberk, you can encounter different aspects of the town’s history: permanent exhibitions, an observation tower with a historic design, a Jewish cemetery and a museum of old machinery. Hiking and cycling trips to natural sites and places of interest are also among the options. You can tailor your stay to whether you are particularly interested in notable people, crafts, technology, history or landscapes.

Museum and notable people from Žamberk

The Městské muzeum Žamberk tells the story of Žamberk in a permanent exhibition. It also covers notable local people and other personalities, as well as the development of folk and artistic crafts in the Žamberk area. The exhibition also features three very different objects: the neo-Gothic Erxlébenova pharmacy, the mechanical Jedličkův nativity scene and a puppet theatre. Together, they give your museum visit a tangible focus on crafts and culture alongside local history.

The Domek Prokopa Diviše is devoted to Prokop Diviš, who was born in Žamberk and invented the lightning conductor. The exhibition in the house traces his education and his career as a Premonstratensian priest and scientist. Allow about 20 minutes for your visit. The exhibition can only be visited with a guide, so check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Views and architectural history

The Tyršova rozhledna combines a distinctive historic design with views across the landscape. Architect Theodor Petřík designed the observation tower in the form of a Hussite watchtower. It was officially opened on 28 October 1932. The tower is 20 metres high and has two viewing platforms.

From the viewing platform, you can see the Eagle Mountains, Buková hora, Suchý vrch and Litický Chlum. To the west, the view takes in Litický Chlum; in favourable conditions, you can also see the Krkonoše Mountains. Views of the Krkonoše Mountains therefore depend on local conditions. If you would like to combine architectural history with landscapes, the tower offers a different focus from the museums.

Jewish history in Žamberk

The Jewish cemetery in Žamberk was probably established in the second half of the 17th century. The oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1731. Following extensive restoration between 1993 and 1995, the cemetery is now freely accessible. The keys are kept at the Městské muzeum Žamberk; museum staff can provide visitors with access to both the cemetery and the exhibition about Žamberk’s Jewish community. Arrange access with the museum before your visit.

Historic technology and activities

Since 2010, a site originally used for industry has been gradually transformed into a technical museum and cultural centre. The Muzeum starých strojů a technologií showcases historic technology from around the turn of the 20th century. Its exhibits include working steam engines, collections of cars and motorcycles, and exhibitions about the industries of the time and textile production.

The museum also includes a fully operational historic belt-drive workshop and a narrow-gauge industrial railway. Both add practical examples of engineering to the collections. If you would like to see the workshop or railway in operation, check whether this is currently possible before your visit.

For planning your time in Žamberk, there are several different options: the town museum and the Domek Prokopa Diviše focus on history and notable people, the cemetery recalls the Jewish community, and the technical museum explores machinery and former industries. The Tyršova rozhledna adds a focus on the landscape. Žamberk is also a starting point for hiking and cycling trips, appealing to travellers who want to explore nature and places of interest on foot or by bike.

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Žamberk, these different themes can guide your plans: consider whether cultural history, technical collections, views or trips into nature will shape your stay. The options listed give you concrete ideas for choosing your destination, without requiring you to focus on just one theme.

Discover more destinations: Zbudov, Králíky, Damníkov, Vysoké Mýto, Vraclav, Libecina, Jablonné nad Orlicí, Žichlínek.

For the broader travel overview: Ústí nad Orlicí District.