At first glance, it may seem like a typical quiet town in Eastern Bohemia, but Dvůr Králové nad Labem will quickly convince you otherwise. Here, you’ll find the perfect mix of thrilling experiences —from mysterious historical corners to a wild safari that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Africa.

Whether you're traveling with kids, as a couple, or solo, Dvůr Králové will amaze you with its diversity and energy.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Come along with us—and let yourself be enchanted by a town that will pleasantly surprise you at every turn.

 

Historic town circuit

What if you could experience Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture in just one walk? Immerse yourself in history and follow the historic town circuit—on just 1.7 km with 7 stops, you’ll discover treasures from these three architectural eras.

IInformation panels at each stop and a handy brochure (available for free at the information centre) will reveal secrets you might otherwise miss on a casual stroll.

Address: Švehlova 400, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

T. G. Masaryk Square

This square has had several names—from Zábojovo to Gottwaldovo, before taking its current name in honour of the first Czechoslovak president. Its wide-open space was once directly connected to streets leading to the town gates.

The old Renaissance town hall was built on the square in 1572 after a fire destroyed the original burgher’s house. Stop and look up—it’s adorned with a unique 24-hour clock face and a Latin inscription that reads: "This house hates evil, loves peace, punishes crimes, upholds the law, and honours the noble." Inside, you’ll find the grand Council Hall, where town celebrations take place.

The square is adorned by the stunning Art Nouveau building of Česká spořitelna (Czech Savings Bank), which lends the space an air of elegance. And if you walk further, don’t miss the house No. 85 with its arcade, supported by four pillars decorated with lion masks. These stone guardians have stood here for centuries, silently watching the flow of life around them.

At the centre of the square rises an ornately decorated Rococo Marian sculpture. The Virgin Mary stands atop a globe entwined by a serpent—a symbol of sin—surrounded by six saints, like silent witnesses of faith and hope.

And finally— the fountain with the statue of Záboj, a hero from the Manuscript of Dvůr Králové. Dressed in ancient Slavic attire, with a sword and shield in hand, he guards three life-giving springs: purity, health and constancy. The statue, once removed, now proudly stands back in its place, and its carved words are a wise message for all who pass by: "Speak to them with fatherly words." They remind us that our language is a treasure to be cherished—just like this entire magical square.

 

Our tip:

Stop here for a while. Let history breathe upon you. And perhaps you’ll hear the stone witnesses whispering their stories to you.

 

 

Star of David Monument

The Jewish synagogue, built in 1890, survived the wars but was demolished in the 1960s due to road construction. Today, in its place, stands an impressive Star of David monument—a silent tribute created by Rabbi Norman Patz and sculptors Jaroslav and Ota Černý.

Address: Rooseveltova 749, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Our tip:

Just a few steps from the memorial stands the oldest wooden building in the town—a centuries-old timbered house. Once the home of turner Šmíd, it later served as a barracks headquarters and a gendarmerie station.

Address: Přemyslova 478, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Resistance Square and Václav Hanka Square

Resistance Square (Náměstí Odboje) is dominated by a six-meter sandstone monument depicting Motherland holding her wounded son—a powerful symbol of sacrifice and courage. A short distance away lies Václav Hanka Square, where the elegant Hanka House catches the eye—a Neo-Renaissance gem that now pulses with cultural life. At the centre of the square, the Manuscripts Fountain sparkles.

 

Valová Street

Imagine what this town looked like centuries ago—surrounded by massive walls with four gates, protected by towers and the Elbe River. Today, you can uncover its former glory in Valová Street, where fragments of medieval fortifications and the remains of the Upper Gate, hidden at the end of the alley, have been preserved. Locals still call this place Na Bráně ("At the Gate").

And do you know what’s most interesting? The walls here didn’t have traditional battlements but instead a sloping roof.

Take a walk down Valová Street and touch the Middle Ages—literally.

 

Church of Saint John the Baptist

Imagine a small Romanesque church that would be hard to find today. That’s because it was twice given a new façade, eventually transforming in the 1890s into the stunning Gothic beauty, which we admire today. And the tower? It was added in 1644, and a few centuries later, it was "stretched" to an impressive 64 meters.

Three bells here tell centuries-old tales: the largest, "Rough"; the melancholic "Death Knell" and the faithful "Čapek", which chimes at noon. And as if that weren’t enough, modern clocks here remind us every 15 minutes that time waits for no one.

The church tower also concealed the greatest literary hoax of the 19th century. In 1817, Czech writer and educator Václav Hanka "discovered" here the famous Dvůr Králové Manuscript —purportedly the oldest Czech text, though he and his friends had actually forged it. Nevertheless, it fuelled the Czech National Revival, forever cementing Dvůr Králové’s place in history books. Today, the manuscript rests in the National Museum in Prague.

Be sure to stop by the lapidary lin the rampart wall behind the church, where you’ll find a Gothic portal, Empire-style gravestones and five mysterious tombstones. And on Republic Square, don’t miss the Indulgence Oratory with its statues of saints from 1730, which now overlook the bustle of the town.

Address: náměstí Republiky, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Kohout's Court

Originally an early Baroque landlord's court, it was built in the 18th century by clerk F. A. Berger. Three of its historic buildings have survived the centuries. The main attractions? The entrance gate with Berger’s coat of arms, a relief of Saint Florian, and statues of saints guarding the court. And do you know why it’s called Kohout's Court (Kohoutův Dvůr)? In the 19th century, owner Alois Kohout renovated it—and the name stuck.

Today, Kohout's Court houses the town museum. In the main building, you’ll find a historical exhibition featuring a replica of the famous Dvůr Králové Manuscript, a medieval model of the town and a rare restored banner. Don’t miss the section on the textile boom—Dvůr Králové was once the "Czech Manchester". From blueprint to the famous Tiba company, industry thrived here. Did you know the textile giant Juta still operates here today?

In the Christmas ornament exhibit, you can peek into the workshop where holiday magic comes to life. The region has been blowing glass ornaments since 1931, so you can admire decorations from the 1930s to the present. Thousands of shapes, colours and patterns tell the story of this Christmas craft.

The Granary (Špýchar), once filled with grain, is now a gallery and cultural centre. Its permanent exhibition features a unique cycle of Baroque oil paintings called The Way of the Cross, originally decorating the Church of Saint John the Baptist.

Address: Sladkovského 530, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 
Want to see how ordinary fabric becomes a work of art? Visit the unique textile printing exhibit. In the former school workshops, you’ll find historic machines, pattern books, a blueprint workshop and fascinating insights into fabric printing.

Address: Nábřeží Jiřího Wolkera 132, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Our tip:

Visit also the Christmas ornament shop. DUV Cooperative is the last stronghold of traditional handmade production —no machines, just skilled hands and centuries-old know-how.

Address: nábřeží Benešovo 2286, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Shingle-maker’s Tower

This crooked beauty remains the only surviving guardian of the town's fortifications. The Shingle-maker’s Tower (Šindelářská věž), 20 meters high and 7 meters wide, got its name from the shingle makers who once produced roofing materials in the street below.

Did you know that the tower once featured a small astronomical clock? Or that it’s actually a little Czech Pisa? Check it out from Věžní Street—it leans slightly and rests against the neighbouring house like a tired sentry.

 

Where to replenish energy in the town centre?

Looking for a cozy spot in the town centre to enjoy coffee or a meal? We’ve got a great tip for you— Pasáž Restaurant and Café Pasáž.

A pleasant atmosphere, hearty food and coffee that will perk you right up. The perfect stopover before you set out to explore the town again.

So how did this place come to be? Six years ago, the owners revived a forgotten space in the centre and transformed it into a multifunctional passage with a café, restaurant and guesthouse. The result? An oasis of calm where both locals and tourists can unwind.

Restaurant address: náměstí T. G. Masaryka 80, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

Café address: Revoluční 79, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Where to park?

You can choose between paid and free parking options.

Paid parking – Ideal in the city centre if you need to stay close. Free parking – Try nábřeží Benešovo, where you can leave your car worry-free (and without fees).

Bonus tip: On weekends (Saturday afternoon + all day Sunday), parking is free throughout the entire town.

 

Safari Dvůr Králové

Want an adventure straight out of a National Geographic documentary but don’t have a ticket to Africa? No problem. Safari Park Dvůr Králové will transport you to the savanna without leaving the Czech Republic.

Hop in your own car or board a safari bus and set off on the African safari, where herds of zebras, antelopes and—since 2017—majestic giraffes roam freely around you! And if you’re up for some real spine-tingling excitement, try the Lion Safari —the only one in Central Europe where you drive right among the kings of the jungle.

Beyond the safari, you’ll find pavilions full of exotic animals, a ropes course, a giant playground and even paintings by Zdeněk Burian.

Did you know the park was born from daring expeditions? In the 1970s, director Josef Vágner brought over 2,000 African animals here—creating a European rarity.

Address: Štefánikova 1029, Dvůr Králové nad Labem

 

Where to park?

Right in front of the safari park, a huge free parking lot awaits—no searching, no fees.

 

Our tip:

Save time and hassle—buy your tickets easily online from the comfort of your couch.

 

Forest Kingdom Dam

Just a few kilometres from Dvůr Králové nad Labem lies one of the most enchanting water gems of the Czech Republic— the Forest Kingdom Dem (přehrada Les Království). With its romantic dam wall, fairytale-like towers and picturesque dam keeper’s cottage, you wouldn’t be surprised if a water goblin or a princess peeked out from among the trees.

Why was it built? Because of the devastating 1897 flood that ravaged the area. Construction began in 1910 and, despite interruptions from the war, was completed in 1919. Today, it not only protects against floods but also generates electricity and attracts tourists.

This beautiful dam is so exceptional that it has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964 and even as a national cultural monument since 2010. And as if that weren’t enough, the charming dam keeper’s cottage houses an exhibition that reveals everything about the history and present of this unique water structure.

Address: Bílá Třemešná 255

 

Where did we leave the car?

We’ll admit —we chose VIP parking. We parked right by the dam and then walked its entire length to enjoy every view and make sure we didn’t miss any photogenic spots. But if you’re not in the mood for a walk, don’t worry—you can easily drive across the dam to the other side.

 

 

Braun’s Bethlehem

In the Nový les forest near Dvůr Králové nad Labem, you’ll find Braun’s Bethlehem —a collection of Baroque sculptures carved directly into sandstone under the open sky. Originally, there were 26 statues, but only 10 remain today. Even so, their dramatic power and intensity will amaze you.

Why are they here? In the 18th century, count Špork, a local nobleman and patron of the arts, declared an artistic war on the Jesuits. Instead of the Stations of the Cross, they had denied him, he created a biblical theatre filled with statues of saints, hermits and dramatic scenes, shaped by the genius of sculptor Matthias Bernhard Braun. Here, you’ll encounter colossal figures of ascetics that could rival Michelangelo’s works, as well as a touching Nativity scene.

 

Where to start and how to get there?

By car: Follow the brown signs labelled "Braunův Betlém" to the forest parking lot. Just a short walk—and you’ll enter a realm of stone stories.

On foot or by bike: Take the educational trail "Půjdem spolu do Betléma" ("Let’s Go to Bethlehem Together"). The start and finish are in Kuks and the 7 km circuit (2–3 hours of walking) awaits you. Note: The terrain calls for sturdy shoes or trekking bikes.

Romantic route: From Kuks, follow the red trail along the Elbe River and past Špork’s Mill in Stanovice. Only 3.5 km—perfect for a leisurely trip (about 1 hour).