Rudoltice: Castle History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Rudoltice amid Castle History, Forests and a Pond Landscape

Rudoltice combines impressive traces of Bohemian history with trails through forests and a distinctive pond landscape. Those interested in culture can discover Nový zámek, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and a high-quality Trinity sculpture. For active days, there are several variants of the Fit stezka and the KČT cycling route from Lanškroun to Rudoltice. At the same time, Lanškrounské rybníky Nature Park extends into the northern tip of Rudoltice’s cadastral area.

Nový zámek and the History Beneath Zámecký vrch

Nový zámek u Lanškrouna, known locally as Zámeček, lies between Rudoltice and Lanškroun. The only surviving part of an extensive Baroque chateau belonging to the House of Liechtenstein is a single tower. The surviving complex also includes extensive underground cellars. During a guided tour of the cellars, around 1,000 m² of underground rooms are accessible. This makes the visit markedly different from merely viewing the grounds from outside: part of the chateau’s history can be experienced in the underground rooms.

Today’s Church of Saints Peter and Paul also points to this past. It was built between 1804 and 1809 on Zámecký vrch above Rudoltice using material from the burned-out Baroque Nový zámek. The village is also home to the Neoclassical Trinity sculpture group. The Trinity sculpture belongs to the iconographic type known as the Throne of Mercy, dates from 1802 and is probably attributed to the Mielnický workshop from Žamberk. It is considered a high-quality work of stone sculpture.

Water Landscape and Nature Observation

Lanškrounské rybníky Nature Park adds another facet to the local landscape. Near Rudoltice, there is an ornithological observation station at Dlouhý rybník. The Lanškrounské rybníky region is an important breeding area for waterfowl and an important resting place for migratory birds. Those who want to experience not only culture but also the landscape around the ponds during their stay will find a clearly distinct nature theme here.

Fit stezka and a Cycling Route for Active Days

The Fit stezka runs through municipal forests as an approximately 3-kilometre running and educational trail. Four stations connect the route with strength and workout elements. The Fit stezka was completed in 2023 and also offers an approximately 4.5-kilometre variant. Another variant is 8.5 kilometres long and forms a large figure eight that also circles the Lanškrounské rybníky ponds. This provides different route lengths for shorter and longer loops, without combining the individual trails into a single route.

For cycling, the Lanškroun–Rudoltice cycle route belongs to the KČT cycling routes. The combination of forest sections, pond landscape, castle history and sacred art makes Rudoltice a destination where different interests can be combined in a single stay.

Tradition and Getting There

An annual event is the pilgrimage to Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles. It is celebrated on 29 June or the nearest Sunday. Those who visit Rudoltice around this occasion encounter not only historic buildings but also a religious tradition firmly rooted in the annual cycle.

Rudoltice v Čechách railway station offers step-free access to the station building and to at least one platform. This specific feature can be taken into account when planning your journey. For additional places in the same overview, you can also discover Wildenschwert, Oucmanice, Těchonín, Šedivec, Kameničná, Česká Třebová, Zbudov and Krasíkov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.