Nováky Landscape

Nováky

A scenic natural area in the Orlické Mountains featuring charming villages, forested hills, and traditional folk architecture that exemplifies rural Bohemian heritage. It's ideal for hiking and discovering authentic village culture.

Things to do

• Hiking the Orlické Mountains trails — Well-marked hiking routes wind through forested ridges and valleys offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and traditional villages.
• Visit Nováky village center — Explore the charming village with its preserved traditional Bohemian architecture, local church, and genuine rural atmosphere.
• Folk architecture photography tour — Document the distinctive half-timbered houses, decorative frescoes, and rustic barns that represent authentic rural Bohemian heritage throughout the landscape.
• Cycling through mountain passes — Ride winding roads connecting villages through the Orlické Mountains with varying difficulty levels suitable for different skill levels.
• Beech and spruce forest walks — Stroll through dense woodland areas that cover the hillsides, observing indigenous flora and wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Visit local craft workshops — Meet artisans practicing traditional woodcarving, pottery, and textile crafts that have been part of village culture for generations.

Food to try

• Trdelník with local honey — Warm spiral pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar, typically filled with local forest honey from apiaries in the Orlické region.
• Svíčková na smetaně — Tender marinated beef sirloin served with creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce, a traditional Czech dish found in village restaurants.
• Smoked meats and koleno — Locally smoked pork products and roasted pork knuckle prepared using time-honored village butchering techniques passed through families.
• Homemade fruit preserves — Forest berry jams and plum compotes made by locals from wild and cultivated fruits of the Orlické Mountains, available at village markets.
• Klobása with mustard and bread — Regional sausage specialty grilled fresh at village pubs and served with traditional stone-ground mustard and dark rye bread.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect village rhythms and traditions — Villagers maintain strong ties to agricultural seasons and local customs; visit during festivals or quiet times to experience authentic community life rather than disrupting daily routines.
• Learn basic Czech greetings — A simple 'Dobrý den' (hello) or 'Děkuji' (thank you) is appreciated by locals and opens doors for genuine conversation in this rural area.
• Dress appropriately for mountain weather — The Orlické Mountains experience sudden weather changes; bring layers and waterproof gear even on apparently clear days, as conditions shift rapidly.
• Support local guesthouses and family farms — Stay in village pensions or agritourism farms rather than distant hotels to contribute directly to the preservation of rural heritage and local economy.

Nearby

• Polička (East Bohemia) — 4 km
• Litomyšl — 8 km
• Orlice Valley — 28 km
• Doudleby nad Orlicí (East Bohemia) — 31 km