Bolehošť: Bell, Hunting Lodge and Cycling Routes

Bolehošť combines a woodland setting with distinctive traces of local history. Its defining features include the stone bell tower with its historic bell, the Hunting Lodge, cycling routes and the long tradition of Bolehošť cabbage. If you would like to explore both culture and nature during your stay, you will find several different points of interest here—from the floodplain forest nearby to the ringing of the bell at noon on Sundays.

Forests and local history

Bolehošť is surrounded by extensive forests on three sides. Nearby is the Chropotínský háj Nature Reserve, which protects a remnant of floodplain forest with diverse vegetation. The forests around the town therefore differ from this protected area nearby.

The first surviving written mention of Bolehošť and Bolehošťská Lhota dates from 1394. This early local history can be linked to specific buildings and traditions that remain part of Bolehošť’s character today.

Bell, memorial and historic buildings

The stone bell tower was built in 2004 to mark the 610th anniversary of the first mention of the municipality. It houses a historic bell cast by Martin Exner in Hradec Králové in 1644. The bell tower is also associated with a revived tradition: the bell is rung there every Sunday at noon.

As you walk through Bolehošť, you can see other traces of local history: a memorial to the victims of the world war, a Christian cross and the former evangelical school. These places add memorials and testimony from different aspects of community life to the area’s architectural history.

The Hunting Lodge was built around 1700 by Jeroným Colloredo, owner of the Opočno estate. It served as a place for hunters to rest and eat; they could also occasionally stay overnight. Today, the building is a distinctive landmark in Bolehošť and stands on a rise above the village. A lime tree avenue begins at the Hunting Lodge and extends southeast to Klabák Forest. The château in Bolehošťská Lhota is also part of the area’s architectural history: it was built around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Cycling routes and getting around

Several cycling routes pass through Bolehošť and connect it with Třebechovice pod Orebem, Týniště nad Orlicí and Opočno. If you want to plan your ride around a destination, these three place names point you in a specific direction. The connections make cycling a distinct consideration when choosing where to visit, alongside the historic buildings and woodland landscape.

For finding your way around, a tourist information pavilion with a map is available in the small park in the centre. Bus services run from Bolehošť towards Týniště nad Orlicí and Opočno. If you plan to use the bus for your trip, check the current timetable in advance.

Local tradition and trip planning

Another distinctive feature of Bolehošť is Bolehošť cabbage. Its cultivation and processing into sauerkraut have a centuries-old tradition. Sauerkraut is sold year-round at the Bolehošť cabbage processing plant. So, in addition to local history, a local food is also part of the town’s identity—a different facet from the bell, château and cycling routes.

Bolehošť offers several different reasons to choose it as a destination: you can explore local history through its buildings and memorials, use the cycling routes to find your way, or discover the regional sauerkraut tradition. The surrounding forests and nearby nature reserve are another part of the town’s character.

Discover more destinations: Skuhrov Nad Bělou, Mokré, Licno, Svídnice U Kostelce Nad Orlicí, Očelice, Rampuse, Jahodov, Sedlonov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.