Trautnau: Old Town, Culture and Landscape

In Trautnau, the city’s history, contemporary art and trails through the landscape stand side by side as distinct highlights. The historic city center offers glimpses of different architectural periods; museums and galleries add their own cultural touches. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you want to focus primarily on the city’s history, changing art exhibitions or outdoor activities.

Old Town and Architectural History

The historic center of Trutnov has been an urban conservation area since November 1, 1990. Extensive arcades and several Gothic cellars remain in buildings rebuilt after the fire of 1861. The Old Town Hall on Krakonošovo náměstí dates from the 16th century and was remodeled in the historicist style in 1861. The renewed historicist lighting and restored façades on the square evoke Trutnov around the turn of the 20th century. The prominent Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary was built between 1756 and 1782. These buildings and features reveal different periods in the city’s history.

Art, Museums and the Dragon Legend

EPO1 is dedicated to contemporary art and is housed in an industrial monument dating from 1914. Four exhibition halls provide the setting for three exhibitions held simultaneously each season. Titles and dates change; the accompanying program includes openings, workshops and concerts, whose schedule also varies by season. If you are planning a specific visit, it is worth checking the current program.

The Muzeum Podkrkonoší stands on the foundations of a Gothic castle. Its offerings include permanent and temporary exhibitions, exhibition openings and seminars, as well as regular Thursday gatherings and talks on various topics, including the life and history of the city and its surroundings. The Galerie Draka offers a different focus: it presents the Trutnov dragon legend through a mechanical puppet theater, along with sound and visual effects on the theme of dragons.

Nature Trails and Landscape

Trutnov lies in the valley of the mountain river Úpa, on the adjoining slopes of the forested foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains. The Nové Dvory–Babí nature trail runs through the educational forest area of the Czech Forestry Academy and has 13 stops. It follows the Zámecký hřeben ridge and the southern and eastern slopes of the Baba summit. It then crosses open countryside, with views of the Rýchory and the varied landscape of the Vlčice Rocks. Before setting out, check local conditions and trail signage.

The circular trail around Houska Hill above the Bojiště district is five kilometers long, connects to the existing 1866 nature trail, and has information boards and benches. The nature trail dedicated to the 1866 Battle of Trutnov can be explored on foot or by bike on two circular routes. The first is 2.8 kilometers long and runs from Krakonošovo náměstí via Šibeník to the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. It passes twelve information boards and is open year-round. The different route lengths offer a practical point of reference when choosing between these trails.

From the Eliška lookout tower, 24.5 meters tall and situated at an elevation of 632 meters above sea level within the Stachelberg artillery fortress complex, views in clear conditions extend to Libavské sedlo, the Vraní, Jestřebí and Orlické mountains, the Krkonoše foothills and the fortress complex. Consider visibility and local access conditions before your visit.

Cycling and Walking

Trutnov Trails is a network of one-way mountain bike trails in the Čížkovy kameny area and the Jestřebí Mountains; the trailhead is in Lhota u Trutnova. The easiest trails on Trutnov Trails are intended for all visitors, explicitly including families with children. Access and conditions vary by season. If you prefer a shorter themed walk, the Podoby Rýbrcoula nature trail is in the forest park. It starts on Na Struze Street and features seven statues depicting different forms of Rýbrcoul, a dragon, a play feature and a rest area. At the Trutnov Tourist Information Center, you can pick up a blank map, mark the symbols at the stops and receive a Rýbrcoul magnet; materials may be available locally.

If you arrive by train or bus, you will be right in the city center of Trutnov. Check current station information and connections before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Chotevice, Janské Lázně, Horní Staré Buky, Vilantice, Klášterská Lhota, Nemojov U Dvora Králové Nad Labem, Dolníky, Havlovice

For the overview of the wider area: Trutnov District.