Kunčice

Kunčice combines traces of a long history with waterscapes, protected habitats and paths through the surrounding area. Kunčice were first mentioned as a settlement as early as 1382. Today, among other things, you will encounter a reconstructed leisure centre, historical memorials and routes connecting the village with Hrádek u Nechanic and Nechanice. This makes it possible to shape your stay around culture, nature observation and physical activity, without reducing Kunčice to just a single excursion destination.

Castle Park and Residential Culture near Hrádek u Nechanic

An important cultural point of reference nearby is the castle park of Hrádek u Nechanic. It was laid out in 1844 according to a design by L. Krüger. Originally, the park covered 29 hectares; today, it covers approximately 18 hectares. A circular path leads through the grounds, offering views of the castle, which stands on a gentle hill. For a stay with a variety of interests, this place is particularly versatile: in the park, the landscape takes centre stage, while the basic tour of the castle presents the original, richly decorated interiors. The focus there is on the residential culture of the nobility in the second half of the 19th century, as well as the representative rooms of the Harrach family on the ground floor.

Water and Protected Nature

The area around Kunčice offers several clearly distinct waterscapes. There are six ponds in the surrounding area. The Kunčické rybníky also form a group of three bodies of water on an unnamed stream that rises in the Obora forest. The Bystřice Nature Monument has a different character: it comprises a section of the middle course of the Bystřice with typical riparian vegetation. The habitat of the critically endangered and pan-Europeanly significant thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) is actively protected there. Kunčice are also notable for their unusually high number of protected sessile oaks, which are regarded as remarkable trees. Anyone who wants to experience nature not merely as a backdrop but also in its specific habitats will find various themes here for planning their own day.

Historical Traces in the Village

A stone water castle once stood at the highest point of Kunčice. It was protected by the Bystřice River and included a farmyard. In 1721, the Kunčice fortress was converted into a single-storey Baroque château. A later chapter in the village’s history leads to Betlach: around 1850, Betlach bought the Baroque château and its associated farmyard from Count Harrach; thereafter, the farmyard bore the name Betlachův statek. The reconstructed Betlachův statek now serves as a leisure centre in Kunčice. Opposite the chapel stands a Baroque statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1830. Next to the chapel, a sandstone pyramid commemorates the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.

Paths through Kunčice and the Surrounding Area

A green-marked hiking trail leads through Kunčice from Prasek to Hrádek. A route from Nechanice to Hrádek u Nechanic runs via Zvíkov and Kunčice. After 8.4 km, it reaches the centre of Kunčice and then continues through the local forest towards the castle. The route connects Kunčice with several historical destinations. The specific route layouts also provide a clear indication of whether you would prefer to combine your stay with a castle visit, a route through the forest or an exploration of the village’s history.

An Offer for Children

The Rosnička Children’s Club offers a morning programme without parental accompaniment. The children’s club includes an equipped playroom, a large gymnasium promoting physical activity and an outdoor playground. These facilities form a separate, clearly defined part of the village and complement the historical and landscape-related themes with an offering for younger visitors.

If you would like to discover other destinations besides Kunčice, you can also find Blešno Blešno, Světí Světí, Ledce Ledce, Zachrašťany Zachrašťany, Divec Divec, Chudeřice Chudeřice, Osičky Osičky and Hvozdnice Hvozdnice.

For the overarching travel overview: Hradec Králové District.