Nový Ples between floodplains and history

If you are looking for a place in the Czech Republic where landscapes, fortress history and an unusual beer tradition come together, Nový Ples is worth a closer look. The village lies in a flat hilly landscape in the Labe river basin. River terraces, floodplains, wetlands, ponds and forests shape the surroundings and give a stay a distinctly rural character.

Landscape between river terraces and floodplains

Nový Ples lies at an elevation of approximately 250 to 280 m. This elevation is part of the flat hilly landscape with its river terraces and floodplains and therefore describes a different landscape from a pronounced mountain area. Wetlands, ponds and forests are also recognised as important landscape elements. Outside Nový Ples, there are paved paths for pedestrians that provide access to the surrounding landscape. There is also a specific reference point for exploring the area by bicycle: cycle route 4034 runs along the northern edge of the Nový Ples area. The Novopleský potok stream also flows through the area. It rises above Nový Ples, drains the built-up area in a northwesterly and westerly direction, and flows into the Labe. Those who value landscapes and paths when choosing accommodation can therefore view Nový Ples primarily as a destination for floodplains, waterways, forests and a gentle hilly landscape.

Josefov and the history of Ples

In the northern part of the Nový Ples area, the protected zone of the Josefov heritage conservation reserve near Jaroměř extends into the area. Josefov Fortress was completed in 1787 and today offers guided tours through its underground facilities. A visit therefore forms part of the fortress’s history while also offering a distinctive way of sightseeing: the underground areas are explored as part of guided tours. Nový Ples was established together with Rasošky on clearings in the Rasoška Forest. This was preceded by the construction of Josefov Fortress, which caused the residents of the old settlement of Ples to lose their farms. Approximately 48 farmers whose former farms, houses and plots in Ples had been abolished received new building plots and fields there. In this way, the new settlements of Nový Ples and Rasošky were created. The historic settlement of Ples arose on the left bank of the Metuje and Labe rivers and the Jasenský potok stream. Its original centre was located in the area of the former Church of St. Giles and two fortresses. Nový Ples also has a belfry with a crucifix monument beside one of its roads. Near the airport at Nový Ples stands a military triangulation point that is one of the three points of the Josefov base. This point and the other two were established in 1863 as part of the triangulation conducted from 1862 to 1898.

A beer tradition with its own competition format

A highly distinctive local feature is the Pivní Štreka. This is a team competition for teams of two or more held around Nový Ples, covering a distance of approximately 24.5 km. Each team carries a 10-litre beer keg, the contents of which must be drunk before reaching the finish. The event thus combines a route, a team format and a beer tradition in a way that clearly sets it apart from an ordinary excursion. The Bakovský Štrekoun also contributes to its distinctive character. This lager was brewed specifically for the Pivní Štreka and was created through cooperation between the organising team and Bakovský pivovar. Those looking for accommodation in Nový Ples can therefore assess the village not only by its landscapes and history, but also by this unusual event tradition.

Discover more destinations

For comparing other destinations, you can also discover Velké Poříčí, Starkov, Křinice, Žďárky, Horní Radechová, Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Litoboř and Horní Adršpach.

For the higher-level travel overview: Náchod District.