Discover Žďár nad Metují: Ostaš, History and Special Places

Žďár nad Metují combines impressive traces of the past with special places around Ostaš. If you would like to combine history, landscapes and a cycling tour of discovery during your stay, you will find several very different points of interest here: a ruined castle complex from the High Middle Ages, a technical museum, religious memorial sites and a historic spring.

Vlčinec Castle and the History of Ostaš

One of the most distinctive destinations is Vlčinec Castle in Žďár nad Metují. The complex is listed as an important archaeological site and as a ruined castle complex from the High Middle Ages. Remains of walls, as well as ramparts and ditches, are still visible. These surviving traces make the site especially interesting for anyone who would like to experience history not only through buildings that remain intact, but also to understand the layout of a former fortification in the landscape.

Ostaš also has a religious history dating back to the 16th century. After indulgences for pilgrims had been obtained in 1515, processions to the Chapel of the Holy Cross took place there several times a year. During the period of religious oppression, followers of Utraquism also gathered for secret meetings in the Sluj Českých bratří. The present Chapel of the Holy Cross was consecrated in 1859 and has survived to the present day. Thus, Ostaš brings together historic piety, religious conflicts and a building that still stands today.

By Bicycle to the Museum and Ostaš

The main cycle route 4003 provides a clear guide for exploring the area. The Museum of Agricultural and Firefighting Technology is located in Žďár nad Metují in the former agricultural building No. 223 along this route, which leads from Žďár nad Metují railway station to Ostaš. The route therefore connects two distinct themes: the area's technical heritage and the landscape of the table mountain.

At the Museum of Agricultural and Firefighting Technology, you can see a combined motorized horse-drawn fire engine made by R. Herold. Its engine was made by Laurin & Klement, and the exhibit dates from 1924. For families, this specific object can provide an accessible introduction to the history of technology, while the route to Ostaš offers a completely different perspective.

Samaritánka on Ostaš

Samaritánka lies on the southern slope of the Ostaš table mountain. It is a plentiful spring with a historic sandstone relief. Its significance extends beyond the natural aspect: the spring was used for Žďár nad Metují's first water supply. The associated water pipeline was completed and consecrated on 3 August 1856.

When you visit Samaritánka, you can taste the water at an overflow on a forest path below the water reservoir. You should bear the seasonal restriction in mind: during dry seasons, the overflow may be very small. The site thus combines a direct experience of the landscape with the history of the local water supply, without the two aspects needing to be considered separately.

Other Places in the Náchod District

The Náchod District is also home to Jetřichov, Borová U Náchoda, Chlivce, Pekov, Heřmánkovice, Vysokov, Suchý Důl and Velichovky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Náchod District.