Where to go on a trip Jestřebí hory

Žaltman Lookout Tower – views over the Jestřebí Mountains

On the highest peak of the Jestřebí Mountains, Žaltman Hill (739 m a.s.l.), a steel lookout tower about 22 meters high has stood since 2020. It replaced the original 1967 structure and today is one of the region’s most remarkable viewpoints for anyone seeking a breathtaking panorama.
 

What you will discover here – four viewing platforms with circular views

• A steel structure with a spiral staircase leading 120 steps up to the highest viewing deck at 23.5 m
• Four platforms offer sweeping circular views of the Krkonoše Mountains, Rýchory, Orlické Mountains, Broumov Walls, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Javoří Mountains, Ostaš, Table Mountains, Králický Sněžník, and more

Who the tower is for

• Nature lovers, view seekers, and admirers of mountain panoramas
• Tourists and cyclists who enjoy a summit view without the need for high physical effort
• Accessible from Malé Svatoňovice (approx. 4 km), Radvanice (4 km), or Odolov (8 km) via marked trails
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what to know
You can park at Malé Svatoňovice, Radvanice, or Odolov. From there, the route follows the blue and then green marked trails up to the tower. The trail is partly accessible by bike.

A view that unfolds before you
Žaltman Lookout Tower is a place where the mountain landscape opens in its full breadth. The Jestřebí Mountains and surrounding peaks spread out before you like a painting you will never forget.

Wooden Belfry in Rtyně v Podkrkonoší – a unique keeper of time

This exceptional wooden belfry stands in the cemetery next to the Church of St. John the Baptist. It was probably built between 1592–1594, according to dendrochronology, and belongs among the oldest and technically most unique belfries of its kind in the Czech Republic and Europe.
 

What awaits you here – history, structure, and the silence of bells

• Polygonal wooden structure on a stone octagonal base, topped with a slender tall roof covered with shingles, without a single metal connection – everything is held together by wooden pegs and so-called floating joints
• Inside are three historic bells:
  • Umíráček (Mračník) from 1471 (159 kg), originally used to announce storms
  • Poledník from 1545 (250 kg), a more ceremonial noontime bell
  • Slavnostní from 1644 (approx. 350 kg), ringing only on special occasions

Who the belfry is ideal for

• Lovers of medieval engineering, Gothic forms, and silent history
• Tourist groups, schools, and individuals who will appreciate the original architecture and symbolism of the site
• Access is easy, flat up to the church
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what else to experience
The belfry stands next to the Church of St. John the Baptist at the exit from the town towards Červený Kostelec or Náchod. Parking is available in the center of Rtyně. Regular guided tours are provided by the Rtyně Town Museum, mainly between May and September.

A symbol ringing in the rhythm of history
The wooden belfry in Rtyně is not just an architectural gem — it is a timeless expression of calm, precision, and human skill. Come and listen to the stories of the bells that have known centuries — and perhaps you will also hear the whisper of the landscape beneath the Krkonoše mountains.

Town Museum of Rtyně v Podkrkonoší – stories of the town, mining, and the peasant uprising

In a former stable converted in 1975 into the Memorial of Peasant Uprisings, you will now find the town museum, where the region’s history unfolds in compact yet profound exhibitions. The museum is open all year, but the main season runs from May to September, when it takes you through the rich past of Rtyně up to the industrial landscape of the Jestřebí Mountains.
 

What the exhibition reveals – from folk life to mining heritage

• The ethnographic exhibition captures everyday life of the 18th and 19th centuries through tools, clothing, and everyday objects
• The peasant uprising of 1775 introduces you to the events, causes, and leader Antonín Nývlt – Rychetský
• The exhibition “400 Years of Coal Mining” is one of the largest in the region – you will find mining uniforms, tools, lamps, maps, banners, and models of mining equipment
• The museum includes an educational trail of mining landmarks, linking the exhibition to real regional sites

Who the museum is for

• For those who like to explore the history of local communities, peasant traditions, and mining heritage
• For schools, families, and individual visitors who appreciate real objects alongside explanations
• The building and exhibitions are located on flat ground in the town area
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what else awaits you
The museum is located in the center of Rtyně v Podkrkonoší – accessible by car, on foot, or by bike. Parking is available in front of the building. During the season, the museum also operates the Tourist Information Center, which organizes walks, programs, and guided tours. After your visit, I recommend going to the wooden belfry or heading into the mountains to the Žaltman lookout tower or the educational trail.

A museum that connects you with the past of the whole region
The Town Museum of Rtyně v Podkrkonoší offers more than exhibits – it is a place where folk memory, peasant struggles, and mining traditions intertwine. Come to absorb the stories and discover how deep the history of this land reaches.

Rtyně v Podkrkonoší Observatory – a window to the stars above forests and hills

Near Rtyně v Podkrkonoší, in a quiet valley called Zeda, stands a small but technically fascinating observatory that takes you among galaxies. The astronomers of this private facility, opened in 1980, pride themselves on their scientific approach, high-quality telescopes, and peaceful environment for observing the night sky.
 

What will inspire you here – from mechanics to the universe

• A dome of about 8 m in diameter houses powerful astronomical instruments: the main Newtonian reflector 820/4300 mm, a Cassegrain 500/10000 mm mirror telescope, and an achromatic refractor 240/3860 mm as a pointer
• Several telescopes are mounted on equatorial mounts for precise tracking, with some models built directly in the local workshop of renowned optician Jiří Drbohlav
• The observatory also serves as a testing ground for new optical devices – a unique technical facility in the region
• Visits are only possible by prior arrangement – an exceptional astronomy experience will be tailored just for you

Who the observatory is perfect for

• Lovers of astronomy, the night sky, and modern optics
• Schools, small groups, or individual enthusiasts – ideal for an organized visit by appointment
• The site is accessible via a natural path, located in a forest valley
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what awaits you nearby
The observatory lies east of Rtyně v Podkrkonoší, accessible via a quiet road between hills from the town center. Parking and walking access are easy. After an evening with the cosmos, you can continue with a walk through the hills or visit the center of Rtyně with its historic belfry.

An observatory where the night sky becomes close
The Rtyně Observatory takes you beyond ordinary trips and brings you to the cosmic crossroads of telescopes and silence. Enjoy the quiet of the night, the lights of the stars, and the technology that brings the universe to you.

Family winter in the heart of the Jestřebí Mountains

In the settlement of Studénka near Radvanice, on the northern slope of the Jestřebí Mountains near Trutnov, you will find a smaller ski area ideal for families and beginners. It offers fun with three ski tows, evening skiing, and comfortable facilities without the need to travel far into the mountains.

Winter fun in a friendly atmosphere

You can enjoy skiing without stress or long waits. The resort offers three ski lifts tailored to all skill levels. From a large 400-meter lift with a 100-meter vertical drop for more experienced riders, to a medium 170-meter option for beginners and children, and finally a small 100-meter lift dedicated exclusively to the little ones. Perfect slope conditions are maintained through regular grooming with a snowcat, and technical snowmaking is used whenever necessary. If you would like to enjoy skiing under the stars, the resort is illuminated for night skiing three times a week. Complete facilities are a matter of course, where you will find a ski bar, ski and snowboard rental, a ski school, and a free parking lot with a capacity of 60 to 70 cars.

Who is the resort ideal for?

This resort is perfect for families with children and beginner skiers looking for a comfortable, clear, and safe environment. If you are one of those who prefer a friendly approach and calmer skiing over large, bustling centers, you will feel very comfortable here. Although the approach to the resort is flat and convenient, the slopes themselves offer a gentle incline that will pleasantly warm you up with every run. We would like to inform visitors that due to the nature of the resort, bringing dogs is not particularly suitable, in order to ensure the safety of all skiers on the slope.

How to get here and what’s nearby

The ski tow is located about 17 km from Trutnov, accessible by car or bike, with parking right at the area. It connects to cross-country skiing trails suitable also for winter hiking. It can easily be combined with trips to the rock town of Adršpach – skiing followed by a walk makes for a perfect winter day.

Winter joy just around the corner

Radvanice Ski Tow stands out for its accessibility, family atmosphere, and good facilities. It is a place that invites you to enjoy movement, snowy silence, and comfortable skiing relaxation in a true “home away from home” style.

A panoramic view from the Jestřebí hory mountains

Built on the Markoušovický hřeben ridge (708 m a.s.l.) near Trutnov, Radvanice, and Velké Svatoňovice, the Slavětínská rozhledna observation tower offers a vivid view of the landscape. It was established in 2014 on the initiative of Lesy ČR, reaches a height of approximately 22–23 m, and the observation platform is located at a height of 18 m. The tower combines wooden elements with a steel structure and a spiral staircase with oak railings and flooring. A wooden sculpture of a hawk is placed above the main pillar of the tower. The area is complemented by a gazebo, information boards, and a sandstone memorial stone.

What the lookout reveals

The observation tower offers a unique 360° view of the diverse landscape. In clear weather, it is possible to see the panorama of the Krkonoše mountains, including Sněžka, Luční hora, and Žalý. The horizon is further lined by Rýchory, Javoří hory and Soví hory, Adršpašsko-teplické skály, Broumovské stěny, Stolové hory, and Králický Sněžník. With good visibility, one can see as far as more distant points, such as Kunětická hora or Poříčí.

Who is this place designed for

The lookout is an ideal destination for lovers of mountain landscapes, panoramic views, and photography. It is suitable for both hikers and cyclists who wish to experience a view of the surrounding nature without the need for a demanding ascent. Marked trails lead to the observation tower, for example from Trutnov (following the green trail, approx. 3.6 km) or from Palkovice and Paseky. Part of the journey can be completed by car, followed by only a short walk along the green trail. Due to the nature of the site, entry with dogs is not permitted.

How to get here and what your visit will bring

Parking is available near the villages of Radvanice or Lhota. This is followed by a marked ascent (green route) or a relaxing trip on a mountain bike. With a dreamlike view, you can expect not only relaxation but also a connection with the forest silence and the history of post-war recreation in the Jestřebí hory mountains.

A lookout that will take you higher than your thoughts

The Slavětínská rozhledna observation tower combines natural beauty with architecture in harmony. Every step up is a journey to a view that delights the eyes and the soul. And you will see the mountains from a truly different perspective.

Brodský rybník is a peaceful refreshment set between three water mirrors

Brodský Pond (nicknamed “Broďák”) lies next to the settlement of Zábrodí, southeast of Červený Kostelec, and is the middle one of three ponds on the Špinka stream. Covering almost 16 ha, it offers natural swimming, fishing, and relaxation under tall trees – both for families and individual visitors.

Relaxing by the water: Nature, peace, and tranquility at your fingertips

If you are looking for the perfect spot for summer relaxation, a natural swimming area with grassy beaches is exactly what you need. Entry into the water is gradual and shallow, making it a safe paradise for even the smallest children to splash around in. If you are an enthusiastic angler, you will certainly appreciate the opportunity for sport fishing in our private fishing ground, where you can cast your line without the need to deal with any complicated administration. The complex also includes kemp Brodský, where you can find great refreshments at the „Vodnická“ restaurant, while your children can have fun on the playground, explore the „Broďíkův ráj“ trail, or admire the art in the gallery of wooden sculptures.

Who is this place ideal for?

The swimming area is created primarily for families with children, who will appreciate safe swimming and plenty of options for a playful afternoon. It is also a dream destination for anglers and all lovers of peace who want to cast their rod in peace without unnecessary formalities. The entire complex is flat, ensuring comfortable access even for visitors with strollers or those with limited mobility. However, we would like to inform visitors that for the sake of maintaining peace and cleanliness in the complex, dogs are not permitted.

How to get here and what else to explore

The pond is easily accessible from Červený Kostelec or the village of Zábrodí. Along the beach and camp runs a pleasant path where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, playing, and discovering nature. After swimming, you can head for a trip to Babiččino Valley, to the rocks of Adršpach, or to other attractions of the region.

A place where water soothes both air and soul

Brodský Pond is a bowl of summer comfort, a fishing paradise, and a children’s playground – all in one. It simply offers a natural way to slow down, dive into the water, and enjoy moments without hurry.