Polička
,Polička is a picturesque town located in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. It is known for its well-preserved historic center, featuring charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. The town is dominated by the impressive Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a beautiful Gothic church dating back to the 14th century.
Polička offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for exploring its rich history and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
- "Dobrý den" - Good day
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please
- "Ano" - Yes
- "Ne" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Polika
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the historic Polička town square. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at a local café while admiring the architecture.
afternoon
:After lunch, explore the Museum of Czech Literature to learn about the region's literary history. Later, stroll through the quaint streets and browse local shops.
evening
:End your day with a relaxing dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant. Savor local dishes and perhaps try some regional beer.
Nature & Hiking
morning
:Begin with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a hike in the nearby Žďárské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The scenic trails offer beautiful views and fresh air.
afternoon
:Pack a picnic to enjoy in nature after your hike. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque village of Žďár nad Sázavou.
evening
:Return to Polička and unwind with some leisure time at your accommodation. Try a cozy local pizzeria for dinner.
Highlights
Good
- Rich historical heritage, including well-preserved architecture and several historical sites.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
- Community-oriented environment with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Czechia.
- A peaceful setting, making it suitable for families and retirees.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities, especially in specialized fields.
- Less access to advanced healthcare facilities compared to larger urban centers.
- Fewer cultural and entertainment options compared to bigger cities.
- Limited public transportation options may restrict mobility.
- Potential language barrier for non-Czech speakers, especially in smaller communities.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands
Explore the scenic trails and picturesque landscapes of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, which are easily accessible from Polička. The area offers various hiking routes suitable for all skill levels.
Cycling routes around Polička
Enjoy cycling through the beautiful countryside surrounding Polička. There are several designated cycling paths that allow you to take in the local scenery while staying active.
Visiting the Polička Castle
Take a tour of the historical Polička Castle and its grounds. The castle offers outdoor spaces for leisurely walks and stunning views of the town.
Fishing in local ponds
Experience fishing in the tranquil ponds around Polička. It's a peaceful way to enjoy nature and try to catch local fish.
Picnicking in parks
Pack a picnic and spend a relaxing afternoon in one of Polička's parks. Enjoy the fresh air and green spaces while unwinding with family or friends.
Wildlife watching
Explore the natural areas around Polička for an opportunity to spot local wildlife. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to observe birds and other animals in their habitats.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Polička with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Polička Castle
Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape from its towers.
Museum of Polička
Not only an interesting cultural site but also a great place for capturing the essence of local history.
St. James Church
Features stunning architecture and provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
The City Walls
The ancient walls provide unique vantage points to capture the town's layout and scenery.
Kámen Hill
A nearby hill that offers hiking trails and scenic views of Polička and its outskirts.
Local parks
Such as the Park of the Heroes of the Great War, providing green spaces and ideal spots for nature photography.
Janáček Square
The main square in Polička, vibrant with local life, perfect for street photography.
The Old Town Center
A beautifully preserved area that showcases the historical architecture and provides numerous photo ops.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Polička-style Svičkova
Tender beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce served with dumplings and cranberry sauce. Not to be missed at Restaurace U Synků, a charming local tavern known for its authentic recipes.
Must-Try!
Halušky s brynza
A comforting dish of potato dumplings with sheep cheese and crispy bacon. Sample this classic at Restaurace U Chalupů, a cozy eatery renowned for its traditional Slovak cuisine.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Polička better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Polička Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, the town square comes alive with stalls offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and pastries. Don't miss the Trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame and coated with sugar and cinnamon.
Sausage Stands
While exploring the town, embrace the aroma of sizzling sausages at local street food stalls. Try klobása, a Czech sausage, served with freshly baked bread and mustard.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
In Polička, a polite handshake is a common form of greeting. It is also customary to greet people with 'Dobrý den' (Good day) when meeting someone, and to use titles such as 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Paní' (Mrs.) when addressing others.
Dining Etiquette
When invited to someone’s home for a meal, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets. Wait for the host to invite you to sit down, and remember to say 'Dobrou chuť' (Enjoy your meal) before starting to eat.
Public Behavior
Czech culture values quietness and moderation in public spaces. It is important to keep noise to a minimum, especially on public transport, and avoid engaging in overt displays of affection in public settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Polička with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Polička, Czechia, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is generally expected to leave a tip of around 10% to 15% of the total bill in restaurants and cafes. In some cases, if the service is exceptional, a higher tip may be appreciated. Tipping is also customary for taxi drivers and hotel staff. However, it is not mandatory, and the amount can vary based on the customer's discretion.
Payment
Payment methods in Polička include cash and card transactions. The Czech koruna (CZK) is the official currency, and many establishments accept major credit and debit cards. However, smaller businesses or local markets may prefer cash payments. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular. It’s advisable to check in advance if a specific payment method is accepted, especially in smaller establishments.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Polička.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) in Polička is characterized by mild weather and blooming flowers. Expect pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the historical sites. The landscape is lush and green, attracting nature enthusiasts.
Summer
Summer (June to August) is warm and vibrant in Polička, with temperatures often ranging from 20 to 30°C. This season attracts many tourists, as outdoor festivals and events fill the calendar. Enjoy the long daylight hours, perfect for exploring the town's medieval architecture and local cuisine at outdoor cafes.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. Expect a quieter atmosphere as summer tourists leave. It’s a great time for wine tasting and enjoying local harvest festivals. The scenic views of the colorful landscape are perfect for photography.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Polička can be cold, with snow covering the ground. The town has a picturesque charm during this season, especially around Christmas. Expect to see traditional markets and winter sports activities in the nearby areas, making it a cozy time to visit for those who enjoy winter activities.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Českomoravská Vysočina
A beautiful region with numerous hiking trails, offering scenic views, forests, and hills suitable for all levels of hikers.
Sněžné
A picturesque village known for its hiking routes that include paths through dense forests and along scenic hills, ideal for nature lovers.
Vysočina Region Trails
Various trails in the Vysočina region that connect villages and nature spots, providing a great hiking experience with historical sites along the way.
Devět skal
One of the highest peaks in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, featuring several marked trails, stunning rock formations, and panoramic views.
Žďárské vrchy
A mountain range with well-maintained trails suitable for hiking, offering diverse landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Polička through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Polička by plane.
Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)
Located approximately 80 km south of Polička, this airport serves the city of Brno and offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
Located about 180 km northwest of Polička, this is the main international airport in the Czech Republic, providing extensive international connections.
Hradec Králové Airport (HKR)
Situated roughly 100 km to the northeast, this is a smaller airport primarily serving regional flights.
Pardubice Airport (PED)
Located around 70 km to the northwest of Polička, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Karlovy Vary Airport (KLV)
Approximately 160 km west of Polička, this airport serves seasonal flights to various destinations, primarily areas in Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Czech
The predominant ethnic group in Polička, representing the majority of the population.
Slovak
A smaller demographic group, often part of historical migration patterns within the region.
Polish
A minority group, with some historical presence due to geographical proximity.
Romani
A small Romani community exists in Polička, contributing to the cultural diversity.
German
Historically significant, but now a very small demographic group due to post-war migrations.
The Soul of Polička
Discover the essence of Polička through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
A widely popular team sport played in Polička, often involving local clubs and community events.
Ice Hockey
A significant sport in the region, with local teams competing in leagues and attracting community support.
Basketball
A growing sport in Polička, with youth programs and community leagues promoting participation.
Athletics
Involves various track and field events, with local schools and clubs offering opportunities for young athletes.
Cycling
Popular among residents for both recreational and competitive purposes, with scenic trails in and around Polička.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan
Many establishments in Polička offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as hearty salads, risottos, and vegetable soups. Look out for 'vegetariánský' or 'veganský' on the menu for these options.
Gluten-Free
While traditional Czech cuisine heavily features wheat-based ingredients, some restaurants in Polička provide gluten-free alternatives, including potato-based dumplings and gluten-free bread. Inform the staff about your dietary needs, and they will often accommodate them.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Polička with these cultural adventures.
