Zdonov: Church, Druid Grove and Cycling Loop

If Zdonov is your destination, you can choose a hotel based on the main focus of your stay: church and architectural history, landscape art or a cycling trip. Local cultural attractions are complemented by walks and a 25-kilometre cycling loop. This makes it easy to plan around specific places and activities.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity (Nejsvětější Trojice) was first mentioned as a parish church in 1384. At the end of the 16th century, it was extensively remodelled in the Renaissance style, probably based on designs by the master builder Carlo Valmadi. The church and its cemetery complex are protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Below the church, by a bridge, stands the restored pillory of Zdoňov.

On a hill at the northwestern edge of Zdoňov stands the Baroque pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary (P. Marie), surrounded by a cemetery. The complex includes the Chapel of St John of Nepomuk (sv. Jana Nepomuckého), which stands by the boundary wall. Check local access conditions before visiting.

A walk from Zdoňov leads through the Druidský háj to the ruins of the Church of Our Lady (Panny Marie) on Kopeček. The church replaced a small wooden chapel in 1667 and was closed in 1786 during the Josephine reforms. The combination of a walking trail and architectural history gives this destination a different focus from the Renaissance remodelling of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity.

Landscape art and trails

Above Zdoňov is Kamenný kříž s druidským hájem, a stone installation made up of 13 stones. The tallest are 4 to 4.5 metres high. The adjoining Druid Grove consists of 12 oaks and 8 birches. Those interested in designed features will find another work of art along the walking route through Zdoňov: in Hrnčířské údolí, the trail passes the Zdoňovské menhiry, an art project dedicated to wildlife. Each stone is dedicated to a different animal and represents a different power or element.

A path leads from Křížový vrch via the chapel and Svatý kopeček to Kamenný kříž. Pay attention to current local trail restrictions and notices about grazing animals. The Křížový vrch viewpoint is nearby, open year-round and outside the paid circuit through Adršpašské skály; check access conditions locally. The Křížová cesta nature reserve is also nearby: a rock city on Křížový vrch where protected birds, including peregrine falcons, nest.

Cycling loop and further visit planning

For a longer cycling trip, the 25-kilometre loop Teplice nad Metují–Zdoňov/Loděnice–Mieroszów–Meziměstí–Vernéřovice–Teplice nad Metují is a specific option. It is of moderate difficulty. From Teplice nad Metují, the route follows red cycling route 4036 to Zdoňov and then route 4020 to Meziměstí. Check the route numbering and alignment before setting out if you rely on these details.

The Zdoňov–Łączna border crossing can also be used for visits to Poland. Check its current operating status before travelling. Groups may be interested in the Biofarma Zdoňov’s agricultural weekends, work weeks and educational excursions for kindergartens; check arrangements in advance. The Kovářova kobyla restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with regional ingredients. As the offering is seasonal, check whether the restaurant is open before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Martinkovice, Žďár Nad Metují, Provodov-Šonov, Stolin, Hynčice, Česká Čermná, Borová U Náchoda, Červená Hora.

For the broader travel guide: Okres Náchod.