Vysokov – History, Trails and Landscape

Vysokov combines the history of the 1866 battle with a varied landscape. In good weather, views open up across the mountain panoramas of the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains. At the same time, a historical educational trail and a marked cycle route lead through the village. This allows you to focus on different aspects during your stay: military history monuments, experiences in nature, cycling, or cross-country skiing in winter when snow conditions are good.

Monuments commemorating the events of 1866

Several sites of remembrance make Vysokov noteworthy for visitors interested in culture. The “Myslivec” monument commemorates the Czech soldiers of the sixth field ranger battalion who fell in the 1866 war. The sandstone monument, erected in 1906, combines this remembrance with a clearly recognizable historical form. The 1866 Cavalry Monument provides a different focal point: The 13-metre-high granite column bears a reclining lion made of white marble. The “Jehlanec jízdy” war memorial stands at the highest point of the battlefield. It was erected on the 35th anniversary of the Battle of Náchod and commemorates the cavalry battle between Austrian and Prussian troops. Visitors travelling with children can explore history at these sites through concrete structures, dates and symbols, without limiting the visit to a single attraction.

Educational Trail, Cycle Route and Special Events

The “NÁCHOD – VYSOKOV – VÁCLAVICE 1866” educational trail leads from Náchod State Chateau to Václavice railway station via Vysokov. For a cycling tour, the marked KČT cycle route 4056, “In the Footsteps of the 1866 Battles”, is available; it runs through Vysokov and is 26 kilometres long. Both offerings draw on the history of the region, but differ in form: The educational trail connects three stations, while the cycle route is marked and 26 kilometres long. Cultural life also has a name of its own. “Vysokovský kohout” is a national amateur film festival with international participation and takes place in Vysokov at the U Kohouta restaurant. At the “Pohádkový les na Vysokově” event announced for 31 May 2025, visitors were to follow a route featuring adventures, tasks and fairy-tale characters. This date describes a past announcement and is not an indication of a future event date.

Landscape and Orientation in the Village

You can reach the Biocentrum v Luhách via the road from Vysokov to Starkoč. Turn right under the railway bridge on the Starkoč–Václavice line. There, meadows and slopes bordered by various woodland areas feature Scots pines, birches, oaks, spruces and old beech trees. The precise directions and the different groups of trees give this natural destination a distinct character of its own. The Chapel of the Divine Heart of the Lord is also an important landmark. It was built in 1936 on the site of a burned-down smithy and is located near the “Vysokov, most” bus stop. The railway is also historically connected with the village: The line from Jaroměř to Trutnov was built between 1859 and 1869, while the Choceň–Meziměstí line was built between 1872 and 1875; both run through Vysokov. When looking for accommodation in Vysokov, you can therefore first decide which of these facets should define your stay: the monuments from 1866, the educational trail, the 26-kilometre cycle route, the Biocentrum or the views of the mountains. For other places you may wish to compare, you can also find Borová U Náchoda, Nahořany Nad Metují, Žďár Nad Metují, Provodov-Šonov, Jasenná, Černčice, Lhota Pod Hořičkami and Velichovky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Náchod District.