Stara Paka: Historic Buildings and Cycling Routes

Stará Paka offers different starting points for planning a trip: historic buildings in the town, a valley landscape, and cycling routes that pass through the municipality. You can decide in advance whether you are especially interested in architectural history, a bike ride, or a winter-sports-related visit.

Landscape and orientation

The Rokytka stream crosses Stará Paka from southeast to northwest. The town also lies in a valley formed by Příčnice Hill and the Staropackých hor ridge. The stream and the shape of the valley describe two distinct features of the surroundings: the Rokytka flows through the town, while Příčnice and the Staropackých hor define the valley.

The national railway line 030 from Liberec to Jaroměř also runs through Stará Paka. If rail travel is an option for your trip, check the timetable for your travel dates. The route is a geographical point of reference; the relevant timetable determines the specific connection.

Architectural heritage in Stará Paka

One notable historic building is the former school, house no. 22. The single-storey timber-framed house stands on a masonry base. Its gabled roof, covered with shingles, has a half-hipped design. The different construction of the base and the house, together with the shape of the roof, give the building a distinctive appearance. A late Baroque cross also stands in front of the former school.

The house was built around 1790 and used as a branch school from 1799. Today it houses the local library. The building thus brings together several periods of use: its construction at the end of the 18th century, its former use as a school, and its current function as a library. Check locally before visiting to confirm access to the library.

The Church of St. Lawrence stands on a rise beside a cemetery. The cemetery contains sculptures and gravestones from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Baroque church was built between 1754 and 1760; its trompe-l'œil altar by J. Kramolín dates from 1780. The building and its furnishings can therefore be distinguished chronologically: the altar was added after the church was built.

Other works of art include a statue of Saint Anne from 1797. It depicts Anne teaching the young Virgin Mary. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dates from 1803 and is located in a niche chapel built later. At the cemetery entrance stands the Ukřižovaný, a valuable artifact from 1856 made in the workshop of A. Sucharda, who came from Nová Paka. The works differ in subject, date, and location; together, they provide several specific stops for a cultural-history-focused visit.

Cycling routes and winter travel planning

Tourist routes pass through the municipality. These include KČT cycling route no. 4294 from Libštát to Hostinné. Another option is the Kundratický okruh, which passes through Stará Paka. A route description dated June 21, 2022, rates it as moderately difficult and gives its length as 37 kilometers. The details offer different points of reference: the KČT cycling route lists its endpoints, while the Kundratický okruh listing gives its length and difficulty level. Check current route conditions before setting out.

A ski lift with a 400-meter descent is located on the southern slopes of the Staropackých hor. If you are planning a visit around this offering, check operating information and seasonal opening dates before your trip. This lets you adapt your plans to the date of your visit rather than assuming the lift will be open.

The options can be clearly distinguished when choosing the focus of your trip: the buildings and artworks represent the town’s cultural history, while the cycling routes offer their own route options. The ski lift adds a winter-sports-related aspect to the selection. These topics can help guide your decision about a stay in Stará Paka.

Discover more destinations: Chyjice, Cerekvice Nad Bystřicí, Sekeřice, Střevač, Rokytňany, Butoves, Ohařice, Choteč.

For the broader travel overview: Jičín District.