Žamberk: Museums, Technology and Panoramic Views

Žamberk Between History and Landscape

Žamberk combines urban history, technological culture and open countryside. Museums, a historic lookout tower and a Jewish cemetery offer different focal points for your stay. At the same time, Žamberk is a starting point for hiking and cycling tours to natural and cultural attractions.

Urban History at the Museum and Domek Prokopa Diviše

The Městské muzeum Žamberk presents the history of Žamberk, notable local residents and personalities, as well as the development of folk and artistic crafts in the Žamberk area in a permanent exhibition. The exhibition includes the Neo-Gothic Erxlébenova Pharmacy, the mechanical Jedličkův Nativity Scene and a puppet theatre.

Domek Prokopa Diviše is located in Žamberk, the birthplace of the inventor of the lightning rod, Prokop Diviš. The exhibition in the house traces his educational stages as well as his career as a Premonstratensian priest and scientist. You can visit it only accompanied by a guide; the tour takes about 20 minutes.

Tyršova Lookout Tower with Views Across the Region

The Tyršova Lookout Tower was built according to a design by architect Theodor Petřík in the form of a Hussite watchtower and ceremonially opened on 28 October 1932. The lookout tower is 20 metres high and has two viewing platforms. From there, you can see the Orlické Mountains, Buková hora, Suchý vrch and Litický Chlum. Looking west, the view extends to Litický Chlum; in favourable conditions, the Krkonoše Mountains are also visible.

Jewish Heritage in Žamberk

The Jewish cemetery of the community in Žamberk was probably established in the second half of the 17th century. The oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1731. Following extensive restoration between 1993 and 1995, the cemetery is now freely accessible. The keys are held at the Městské muzeum Žamberk. Museum staff can provide access to the cemetery and to the exhibition about the Jewish community in Žamberk.

Technological History and Industrial Heritage

An originally industrial site has been gradually transformed since 2010 into a vibrant technical museum and cultural centre. The Muzeum starých strojů a technologií presents historic technology from around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. This includes operational steam engines, collections of automobiles and motorcycles, exhibitions on various industries of the period and textile production. The museum also houses a fully operational historic power-transmission workshop and a narrow-gauge industrial railway.

Žamberk as a Starting Point for Active Days

If you are looking for accommodation in Žamberk, you can consider the town a starting point for a mix of local history, technology visits, and hiking and cycling tours to natural and cultural attractions. This allows you to combine cultural discoveries and active days in a single destination.

Further Places for Trip Planning

Further destinations for orientation: Bystřec, Písečná, Luková, Zářecká Lhota, Janovicky, Verměřovice, Wildenschwert, Týnišťko.

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