Borovnice u Staré Paky – Panorama, History and Geology

If you would like to discover Borovnice u Staré Paky, you can look forward to a travel setting where expansive mountain panoramas, geological features and a multifaceted local history come together. The Horka u Staré Paky hill is situated 503 metres above sea level and offers an unobstructed view of the panorama of the entire Krkonoše Mountains. This means that orientation begins not with a mere place name, but with landscapes and traces that can be explored in different ways.

Panorama, Lookout Tower and Hiking Trail

A green-marked hiking trail to the Kozinec lookout tower begins at Horka u Staré Paky railway station and leads via a paved turn-off to the viewpoint. The viewing platform of the nearby lookout tower is situated 33 metres above the ground. From the Kozinec lookout tower, there are views of the Krkonoše Mountains, the Bohemian Paradise, the Orlické Mountains and Mount Zvičina. The Nedařížský stream also flows through Horka u Staré Paky. For your travel planning, this allows you to combine an excursion involving a trail, elevation and varied landscapes without losing sight of the local history.

Geological Traces Around Horka

The Vidochov–Zlatnice quarry between Vidochov and Horka u Staré Paky can be reached by car without access restrictions; the access road comes within 250 metres of the site. Grey volcanic breccia, blocks of vesicular lava and veins of jasper are exposed in the quarry. In addition, the geological collection of the Krkonoše Museum includes araucaria samples from sites in Horka u Staré Paky. This allows you to experience the landscape not only as a panorama, but also through its rocks.

Railway Station, Formanka and Regional History

Formanka, an inn with large stables, was the first building in the settlement. In Horka u Staré Paky, the entire complex of railway buildings, including the former locomotive shed, has been preserved. Horka railway station was put into public service on 31 May 1858, when the section of the line from Jaroměř was opened. After it began operating, the station became one of the most important stations, as trade from the entire Podkrkonoší region as well as from the Jičín and Nová Paka regions was concentrated there, also thanks to the roads running through the municipality.

Nedaříž: School, Cultural Hall and Local Products

The former German primary school in Nedaříž was built in 1881 and renovated in 1886. It remained a German school until 1945; in 2024, the former school building housed a municipal cultural hall. The Nedaříž Volunteer Fire Brigade, founded in 1902, is also part of the local history. Another trace of regional history is Berger’s chicory: it was produced in Horka and was regarded throughout Austria as a product of the highest quality.

Roads and Other Destinations

Roads I/16 towards Nová Paka and Trutnov and II/293 towards Jilemnice run through the municipality. For further orientation, you can also explore Prosečné, Strazne, Žacléř, Chotevice, Svoboda Nad Upou, Borovnicka, Dolní Olešnice and Pec Pod Snežkou.

For the broader travel overview: Trutnov District.