Trautnau: Urban History, Art and Trails

Trautnau appeals to travelers who want to combine urban history, art and excursions. Since November 1, 1990, the historic center of Trutnov has been a municipal heritage conservation zone. The buildings rebuilt after the 1861 fire preserve extensive arcades and several Gothic cellars. Krakonošovo náměstí is also home to the Old Town Hall from the 16th century, which was remodeled in the historicist style in 1861, as well as renewed historicist lighting and restored façades that evoke Trutnov around the turn of the 20th century.

Culture between the Town Hall, Museum and Gallery

Trutnov offers different ways to enjoy a culturally focused stay. EPO1 is a contemporary art gallery in an industrial monument dating from 1914, with four exhibition halls. Each season, EPO1 presents three exhibitions running simultaneously; its accompanying program includes exhibition openings, workshops and concerts. The Muzeum Podkrkonoší combines permanent and temporary exhibitions with exhibition openings, seminars, regular Thursday meetings and lectures on the history of the town and its surroundings. The museum building stands on the foundations of a Gothic castle. The Draka Gallery explores the Trutnov dragon legend through a mechanical marionette theater as well as sound and visual effects. The Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary also shapes the townscape; it was built between 1756 and 1782.

Educational Trails and Landscape Around Trutnov

Trutnov lies in the valley of the mountain river Úpa and on the adjoining slopes in the wooded foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains. The Eliška lookout tower is 24.5 meters high, stands at an elevation of 632 meters above sea level and is located in the grounds of the Stachelberg artillery fortress. From there, views extend toward Libavské sedlo, the Vraní, Jestřebí and Orlické Mountains, the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains and the Stachelberg fortress grounds.

For an active discovery tour, the educational trail on the 1866 Battle of Trutnov is ideal; it can be explored on foot or by bicycle along two circular routes. The first circular route runs for 2.8 kilometers from Krakonošovo náměstí via Šibeník to the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, passes twelve information boards and is accessible year-round. The Nové Dvory–Babí educational trail runs through the school forest area of the Czech Forestry Academy in Trutnov and comprises 13 stations. It follows the Zámecký hřeben and the southern and eastern slopes of the Baba summit before continuing through open countryside with views of the Rýchory Mountains and the Vlčice Rocks.

Families will also find specific discoveries: the Podoby Rýbrcoula educational trail begins on Na Struze Street and includes seven statues of various Rýbrcoul figures, a dragon, a play element and a rest area. At the Trutnov Tourist Information Center, you can pick up a blank plan, mark the symbols at the stations and receive a Rýbrcoul magnet. The easiest one-way mountain bike trails of Trutnov Trails in the Čížkovy kameny area and the Jestřebí Mountains are intended for all visitors, including families with children; the trailhead is in Lhota u Trutnova.

Those arriving by train or bus find themselves directly in Trutnov city center. You can compare further destinations from the same selection here: Trotina, Dolní Olešnice, Špindlerův Mlýn, Vlcice, Zdobín, Pilníkov, Janské Lázně, Čistá V Krkonoších.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trutnov District.