Hořice
,Hořice is a town located in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic, known for its historical significance and picturesque landscapes. It is famous for its baroque architecture, particularly the Church of St. Jacob, and its abundance of sandstone, which has been used in various sculptures across the country. The town is also recognized for hosting cultural events, including the annual Hořice International Sculpture Symposium, which attracts artists from all over the world.
With its rich history and natural beauty, Hořice serves as a charming destination for both locals and tourists alike.
- "Dobrý den" - Good day
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please
- "Ano" - Yes
- "Ne" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Hoice
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the Hořice Museum, showcasing local art and history. Stroll through the surrounding gardens to enjoy the fresh morning air.
afternoon
:Head over to the famous Hořice stone quarries, where you can learn about the stone-carving tradition. Grab lunch at a nearby café to refuel for the afternoon.
evening
:Visit a local restaurant to experience traditional Czech cuisine. End your day with a leisurely walk through the charming town center.
Nature Walks
morning
:Begin with a hike in the beautiful Bohemian Paradise, enjoying stunning views of rock formations and lush greenery. Pack a picnic to enjoy mid-hike.
afternoon
:Continue your adventure with a visit to the nearby castle ruins. Explore the area and capture the picturesque scenery.
evening
:Return to Hořice and unwind at a cozy pub. Reflect on your day's adventures with a local beer and snacks.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural history and heritage with notable architecture.
- Peaceful and picturesque environment, ideal for relaxation.
- Access to beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities and economic growth.
- Fewer amenities and services compared to larger urban areas.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Potential language barrier for non-Czech speakers.
- Less vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Bohemian Paradise
Explore the scenic trails of Bohemian Paradise, a nearby protected landscape area featuring rock formations, castles, and beautiful nature.
Visit the Hořice Mountains
Enjoy the stunning views and diverse wildlife by hiking or biking in the Hořice Mountains, which offer various trails for all skill levels.
Cycling Routes
Take advantage of the well-marked cycling routes around Hořice, providing a great way to enjoy the countryside and explore nearby attractions.
Rock Climbing at the Prachov Rocks
For the adventurous, the Prachov Rocks offer excellent rock climbing opportunities along with breathtaking views from the top.
Visit the Sculpture Park
Explore the outdoor sculpture park in Hořice, showcasing various artistic pieces set against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes.
Picnicking in Local Parks
Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors by picnicking in one of Hořice's lovely parks, surrounded by nature and scenic views.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Hořice with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Havlíček Park
A picturesque park that offers beautiful landscapes, walking paths, and a stunning view of the surrounding area, perfect for capturing nature photography.
Hořice Hill
This hill provides a panoramic view of the town of Hořice and the surrounding countryside. It's an ideal spot for sunset photography.
The Chapel of St. Joseph
A charming chapel located on a hill, offering brilliant views of the town. The architecture and the backdrop make it a great photo opportunity.
Granit Quarry
An intriguing location where visitors can capture the beauty of the stone quarry and its unique textures, especially during golden hour.
Hořice Town Square
The town square features beautiful historical buildings and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for capturing the essence of Hořice.
Local lookout tower
This lookout tower provides an elevated perspective of the surrounding area, making it great for wide-angle shots of the landscape.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hořické trubičky
A unique local pastry made from thin wafers filled with sweet cream, often perfumed with vanilla or chocolate. You can enjoy these treats at local bakeries such as 'Pekárna Dvořák'.
Must-Try!
Svíčková
A classic Czech dish featuring marinated beef in creamy vegetable sauce, served with Czech knedlíky (dumplings). This dish is typically found at traditional restaurants like 'Restaurace U Kocoura'.
Koláče
Delicious Czech pastries filled with fruit, poppy seeds, or cheese, perfect for enjoying with coffee. Head to 'Café Café' for a delightful selection of these pastries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hořice better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hořice Farmers' Market
Held weekly in the town square, the Farmers' Market showcases a variety of local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods. It's an excellent place to taste homemade products and enjoy seasonal fruits.
Street Food Stands at Festivals
During local festivals, you can find street food stalls offering snacks like trdelník (traditional pastry) and grilled sausages. These festivals are great opportunities to experience Hořice's vibrant culinary scene.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness and Greetings
Always greet people with a friendly 'Dobrý den' (Good day) when entering shops or interacting with locals. Politeness is highly valued, and addressing people properly is considered respectful.
Respect for Tradition
Czech culture places importance on traditions. Participate in local festivals or events and be respectful of local customs, such as observance of holidays and traditional practices.
Quiet Public Spaces
When in public spaces such as cafes, public transport, or parks, maintain a low volume of conversation. Loud behavior can be seen as disruptive and disrespectful to others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hořice with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Hořice, as in much of the Czech Republic, tipping is customary but not obligatory. It is common to round up the bill or leave a tip of 10-15% in restaurants, cafes, and bars. In some cases, patrons may leave small change or round up to the nearest Czech koruna, especially in casual settings. Tipping is generally a token of appreciation for good service.
Payment
Payment methods in Hořice include cash and card transactions. While cash is still widely accepted, many establishments also accept credit and debit cards, making transactions convenient for both locals and tourists. Electronic payment methods, such as contactless payments and mobile wallets, are increasingly popular. It is advisable to check in advance if a particular establishment accepts card payments.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hořice.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Hořice, as the weather warms up and flowers bloom. Expect mild temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the local parks and gardens.
Summer
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Hořice. Temperatures can range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Expect more crowds, vibrant festivals, and numerous events taking place during this warm period.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) brings a stunning display of fall colors. Temperatures begin to cool, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It’s a quieter time to visit, perfect for leisurely strolls and experiencing local harvest festivals.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Hořice can be cold, with temperatures often falling below 0°C (32°F). The landscape can be covered with snow, providing a picturesque setting. Winter sports enthusiasts will find opportunities for skiing and snowboarding nearby. Christmas markets and festivities add charm to the season.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking Trail in Český Ráj
Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Bohemian Paradise, with a variety of trails offering panoramic views, rock formations, and picturesque villages.
Krkonošsko-jesenická Mountain Range
A short drive from Hořice, this mountain range offers numerous trails suitable for all skill levels, featuring breathtaking views of the Krkonoš mountains.
Nature Reserve Panská Skála
Famous for its unique basalt columns, this hiking hotspot provides scenic trails and educational paths through a protected geological area.
Kuks Baroque Complex
Hike around the Baroque complex of Kuks, with trails leading through historical gardens and along the Elbe River, combining nature and history.
Jizerské Mountains
Known for their diverse flora and fauna, the Jizerské Mountains offer numerous hiking trails, many of which have connections to Hořice.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hořice through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Hořice by plane.
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
The main international airport in the Czech Republic, located approximately 120 kilometers from Hořice.
Bristol Airport (BRS)
Located around 130 kilometers from Hořice, serves as a significant airport for international flights.
Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)
Approximately 180 kilometers from Hořice, this is the second largest airport in the Czech Republic.
Milan Baráč Airport (Pardubice) (PED)
Located about 100 kilometers from Hořice, serving both domestic and international flights.
Katowice Airport (KTW)
Located around 250 kilometers from Hořice, this airport serves numerous international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Czech
The majority ethnic group in Hořice, comprising the largest portion of the population.
Slovak
A significant minority group, with cultural ties to the Czech population.
Moravian
A subgroup of Czechs with distinct cultural traditions, present in the region.
Other European nationalities
Includes individuals from various European backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the town.
Romani
A smaller community that adds to the cultural diversity of Hořice.
Other ethnic groups
Includes individuals from non-European backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the local population.
The Soul of Hořice
Discover the essence of Hořice through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
A highly popular team sport in Hořice, with local clubs and a strong community following.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Hořice, with local teams participating in regional leagues.
Athletics
Athletics is supported by various events and competitions, encouraging participation from youth and adults alike.
Cycling
Cycling is a favored activity, with numerous cycling trails around the picturesque landscapes of Hořice.
Volleyball
Volleyball is popular in both recreational and competitive formats, with local teams participating in tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian
Many restaurants in Hořice offer vegetarian options, with dishes like grilled vegetable sandwiches and salads. Look for 'Restaurace U Kocoura' and 'Café Café' for selections accommodating vegetarians.
Vegan
While vegan options might be limited, you can find plant-based dishes at select cafés and restaurants. 'Café Café' occasionally features vegan pastries and salads.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free options can often be found in various eateries, especially in bakeries that produce gluten-free bread and pastries upon request. Be sure to inquire at 'Pekárna Dvořák'.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hořice with these cultural adventures.
