Dolni Branna: Cultural Monuments, Mountains and Excursions

Dolni Branna combines preserved architectural history with a landscape that unfolds between streams, mountains and excursion destinations. The village lies in the valley of the Sovinec stream, locally called Sovinka. The Klokočka stream also flows through Dolní Branná and joins the Sovinka. The two streams are as much a part of the village scenery as the historic buildings. This makes it possible to combine a stay focused on local history with excursions in the surrounding area.

Cultural monuments with a history of their own

The Church of St George in Dolní Branná is a registered cultural monument. It was rebuilt in 1857–1860 in the Romanesque Revival style, replacing an original wooden Gothic church from the 14th century. Inside is a bell cast in 1499, considered the second-oldest bell in the diocese. On a small hill on the road from Dolní Branná to Vrchlabi stands the chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph. Its exact year of construction is unknown; 1294 is the date commonly given. The present building dates from the second half of the 19th century. The church and chapel therefore represent different building phases: the original church dates back to the 14th century, while the present church building and the chapel date from the 19th century.

Another historical highlight is the Ski Museum in Log Cabin No. 1, the oldest surviving architectural monument in Dolní Branná. The building was constructed in 1747 as a schoolhouse in the traditional late-Baroque vernacular style of the Krkonoše region. The museum offers guided tours; on other days, visits are possible by prior telephone arrangement for at least five visitors. If you are planning a museum visit with a group, this minimum number applies to the telephone arrangement. It is also worth viewing Villa No. 208, a cultural monument built around 1910 with elements of Art Nouveau ornamentation, as well as Country House No. 179. This single-storey log house from the mid-19th century retains its timber structures and original floor plan; its two-storey gabled façade is richly decorated.

Mountains, surroundings and different excursion ideas

The mountains Přední Žalý, Zadní Žalý, Tetřeví vrch and Strážník are located around Dolní Branná. Lázně, a church, is also located in the surrounding area. In the wider regional surroundings of Dolní Branná lies Spalona Strażnica, a ruin.

From Dolní Branná, excursions are possible both into the Krkonoše Mountains and into the Bohemian Paradise. The location is suitable for hiking, cycling and mushroom picking, as well as for winter sports in winter. The Stará Paka–Trutnov railway line also runs through the village. The Krkonoše Mountains and the Bohemian Paradise represent two different excursion areas. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to use Dolni Branna primarily for its cultural monuments in the village or as a starting point for excursions into the two landscapes. This allows you to distinguish between cultural attractions in the village, nature activities and regional excursions when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

For further orientation, you can also find Trautnau, Dolní Malá Úpa, Slemeno, Kohoutov, Dolni Kalna, Libotov, Horní Staré Buky and Starobucke Debrne.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Trutnov.