Discover Unforgettable Adventures at Hradec Králové’s Castles and Chateaus

This year’s visitor season will kick off on Saturday, April 5 (Hospital Kuks has already opened its doors since April 1), allowing access to all sites managed by the National Heritage Institute. These sites will stay open until November 2, 2025, and we’re happy to inform you that the entrance fees will remain the same.

Easter and special tours at Opočno Castle

Opočno Castle opens its doors this season with the recently completed restoration of the roof and roof beams of the Renaissance summer palace. Currently, restoration work is also occurring on lesser buildings within the castle park, including the oriental pavilion and a duck house. The facilities used by castle employees have also received renovations. Opočno’s cultural calendar is packed as usual — featuring fairy tale tours, nighttime visits, theatre productions, and shows in the courtyard, along with extended tours of the armoury on May 1, the picture galleries opening on June 22, Children’s Day on May 24, park tours in June, and the summer Empire festival in August. A Traditional Easter Exhibition, showcasing thousands of Easter eggs, floral decorations, and reminders of Easter customs and traditions, will be displayed in the former castle kitchens from April 17 to April 21, 2025.

From the cellar to the tower of Náchod Castle

With longer visiting hours in April and October, the Náchod Castle season begins strongly, allowing for tours of the Castle of the Piccolomini and the new From the Cellar to the Tower tour during weekdays. There is also an expansion of the Castle of the Schaumburgs circuit, now showcasing an additional preview room — the Princes’ Classroom, featuring a cabinet filled with educational materials preserved in the castle’s collection. Significant upgrades have been showcased along the tour titled From the Cellars to the Tower (previously named Castle Tower), now incorporating the Gothic cellar with a well and a terrace. The primary castle bell, known as Kajetán, has been freshly displayed in the tower after being moved from the castle exhibition. The opening of the season at Náchod Castle will celebrate spring on April 5 and 6, 2025, with floral decorations adorning the Schaumburg Castle circuit.

Tours, markets and restoration projects at Hrádek u Nechanic

The Hrádek u Nechanic Castle has arranged various new activities for its visitors — starting with a special guided tour of the Chateau Park on June 8, and knowledge tours themed around the Treasure of Countess Anna scheduled for July. Additionally, history enthusiasts can look forward to more than two-hour tours dedicated specifically to Hrádek u Nechanic Castle. On April 20, June 1, and June 29, the castle courtyard will be the venue for craft and farmers’ markets. Between April 17 to April 21, the castle will be beautifully decorated for Easter, while floral arrangements will welcome visitors throughout May, a month that symbolizes love. The castle near Nechanice will also undergo three significant renovations in the near future — the project named The Charm of the English Countryside focuses on completely revitalizing and restoring the economic section of the castle, particularly the western courtyard, which includes the riding hall and carriage house. Additionally, roof trusses and parts of the corridors will be repaired. Another project, named History Behind the Curtain, aims to restore the original castle theatre and adjacent spaces within the northern wing of the farmyard building. Plans are also in place to address the dilapidated condition of a portion of the northeast corner. Construction work for these projects is expected to begin in July, with the goal of completing all three by the fall of 2027.

Map of experiences in Kuks

Hospital Kuks is also introducing several new features and activities tailored for families with children, including a freshly prepared printed guide to the area. This guide offers fun educational activities and will lead “players” through the outdoor space and history of this unique site. These Experience Maps will be available for purchase at the hospital ticket office and will feature activities to engage visitors. Furthermore, new information panels will be installed in the herb garden, at the entrance to the grounds, and in the easily accessible basement of the hospital, providing insights into the site’s history along with depictions of its original state. There will also be updated details about the flora found in the herb garden (like current plant life, etc.). The hospital administration is committed to taking good care of the herb garden — new information signs will include QR codes linking to websites for more detailed information about each plant or tree. Weather permitting, restoration of the statue in the hospital courtyard will commence soon. The statue, known as the Little Christian Warrior, originates from the year 1731, crafted by M. B. Braun. Though intended for Braun’s crib and carved with that purpose in mind, it was never placed there; it was instead located in the hospital courtyard shortly after its completion. The statue is believed to represent Kuks’s founder, F. A. Spork, symbolizing a Christian warrior devoted to the fight for truth and justice.

Ratibořice and 170 years since the publication of Grandmother

At the castle in Ratibořice and in Grandma’s Valley, the entire season will mark the commemoration of 170 years since the first release of the book *Grandma* by Božena Němcová. In addition to an exhibition featuring original editions of the book, there will be themed discussion afternoons organized, where participants can explore newer editions of this work and discover the various nuances found in different editions, even ones in Chinese. Ratibořice Castle will also be open during Easter, and it will be beautifully decorated for the spring and Easter celebrations. In July, children visiting the site can expect to be accompanied by Hortensia the Comtesse, and the beloved event, *Behind the Grandmother of Božena Němcová to Ratibořice*, featuring costumed tours of the castle and activities in Grandma’s Valley, will continue to be a popular tradition. In terms of restoration efforts, the renovation of the mill’s shingle roofing is scheduled to take place.

Season Overview

• Visitor Season:
  The season begins on the first weekend of April, offering a diverse range of tours, cultural events, and historical insights throughout the Hradec Králové Region.

Featured Attractions and Events

Opočno Castle

• Tours and Exhibitions:

  • Fairy tale and night tours

  • Extended tours of the armouries and picture galleries

• Special Events:

  • Children’s Day celebrations

  • Summer Empire festivities

  • Easter exhibition showcasing thousands of Easter eggs, floral arrangements, and illustrations of Easter customs and traditions

• Restorations:

  • Updates to staff facilities within the castle building

Kuks Experience Map

• Family-Friendly Guide:
  A printed guide designed for families with children, filled with engaging activities and educational information to explore the history of Kuks.

Ratibořice

• Anniversary Celebration:
  This year marks the 170th anniversary of the publication of The Grandmother by Božena Němcová.

Hrádek u Nechanic Chateau & Castle

• Hrádek u Nechanic Chateau Renovations:

  • Three major renovations, including revitalization of the farmyard and restoration of the chateau theatre.

• Hrádek u Nechanic Castle Tours:

  • Special knowledge tours such as For the Treasure of Countess Anna.

Náchod Castle

• Sightseeing Tours:

  • Three distinct tours, including a new tour that spans from the cellars to the tower.

Craft and Farmers’ Markets

• Hrádek Castle near Nechanice:
  Scheduled market dates: April 20, June 1, and June 29.