Hvozdnice

Hvozdnice combines a distinctive landscape with a remarkable local history. The municipality lies on the southern slope of a gentle hill, 9 km west of Hradec Králové. Hvozdnice is surrounded by orchards on three sides and by forest to the north. If you are looking for a place with clearly defined natural and cultural attractions for your trip, you will find both here within a manageable geographical area.

Orchards as part of the local landscape

Fruit growing in Hvozdnice has a tradition dating back to the period before the First World War. Initially, mainly sweet and sour cherries were grown. After the Second World War, the local agricultural cooperative significantly expanded the orchards and also began growing other types of fruit, especially apples. This development explains the special importance of the orchards to the landscape, without separating the history of the village from its surroundings.

History and archaeology on the nature trail

The first written references to settlement in Hvozdnice date from 1073. Archaeological finds provide further insight into the past: by 2017, archaeologists from the museum in Hradec Králové had excavated more than 150 graves in Hvozdnice. The Mohylník Hvozdnice archaeological burial mound site lies in the cadastral territory of Libčany and is traditionally associated more closely with Hvozdnice.

These subjects are covered by the “Cesta do minulosti Libčan a Hvozdnic” nature trail. It takes visitors through the history of the two municipalities, also focusing on unique archaeological finds, and includes six information panels. With six stops, the trail leads from Libčany to Hvozdnice near Hradec Králové in eastern Bohemia.

Forest pavilion and active pursuits

The Lesní altán Hvozdnice forest pavilion lies between Hvozdnice and Libčany in the Zádušní les forest, near Libušina studánka. It provides a pleasant place to stop and relax. The pavilion has been renovated and complemented by a rope centre for children and an information panel about the history of the village. Hvozdnice also has a new multifunctional sports field for sporting activities. It can be used for tennis, volleyball, football tennis, small-sided football and basketball.

Bodies of water and the history of the water mill

The historical setting also includes Horní Renešák, the middle of three bodies of water. The bodies of water were probably created in the 16th century, although an earlier origin cannot be ruled out. Horní Renešák was used for fish farming for Libčany Castle and primarily to power the Hvozdnický mlýn. The former Hvozdnický mlýn water mill stands on the southwestern edge of the municipality of Hvozdnice and is not open to visitors. It was built around 1573 by Václav Nejedlý, the owner of the Libčany estate and son of Petr Nejedlý from Vysoká.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore assess Hvozdnice according to your preferred focus: fruit growing and landscape, archaeological history, a nature trail with six stops, or a stay combining a forest pavilion with sports facilities. Other places you can compare when planning your trip include Librantice, Dobřenice, Urbanice, Běleč Nad Orlicí, Černožice, Skalice, Chlumec Nad Cidlinou and Roudnice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Hradec Králové District.