Orlické Mountains

The Orlické Mountains mark out the border between the Czech Republic and Poland; the northern reaches are the highest and include the highest peak - Velká Deštná (1,115m). From there the rounded peaks get increasingly lower until they meet the River Divoká Orlice.

The red Alois Jirásek long-range trail through the Orlické Mountains offers incredible views into both the Czech Republic and Poland and runs between Nové Město nad Metují to the Králický Sněžník. Those not keen on scrambling up mountainsides can stay in the foothills where there are small, but historically rich, towns and elongated wooded valleys dotted with old timber cottages. Technical heritage buffs will find ancient water channels, which were once used to drive machines in laundries and cloth mills; in some places stand the remnants of long-defunct glassworks. Old military forts from the interwar years are also hugely popular, the system of military positions having survived better in the Orlické Mountains than in other locations.

Bouda artillery position – One of five completed artillery positions in the Czechoslovak defensive line served as an ammunition store after WWII, but was later abandoned by the army. There are several types of tour including number for military history fans; the most challenging lasts a whopping five hours and takes visitors to places usually off limits.

Litice Castle – The ruins of the Drslavic residence from the 13th century atop a rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by the River Orlice. You will also see a palace housing a small museum and a tower offering widescreen views of the surrounding area.