Orlice Valley

Údolí Orlice

A picturesque river valley offering gentle hiking, cycling, and pastoral landscapes dotted with charming villages and traditional architecture. Perfect for those seeking rural tranquility and outdoor recreation without extreme difficulty.

Things to do

• Cycling the Orlice River Trail — Follow the well-marked cycling path along the Orlice River through villages and forests, offering easy to moderate rides with scenic water views.
• Hiking to Českéhoششrárodí Viewpoint — A gentle upland walk from the valley floor to panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and distant ridges.
• Visit Letohrad Castle — Explore this Renaissance château perched above the Orlice River with period interiors and local history exhibits.
• Kayaking the Orlice River — Paddle a calm section of the river suitable for beginners and families, with rental services available in main villages.
• Traditional village walk in Choceň — Stroll through this historic market town's main square lined with baroque facades and visit its local brewery heritage site.
• Mushroom and berry foraging — Join locals in seasonal gathering expeditions through the valley's forests, particularly rewarding in autumn months.

Food to try

• Choceň Dark Beer and local brewery tours — Sample the region's traditional dark lager at Choceň Brewery, which has operated since the 19th century.
• Trout from local fisheries — Fresh freshwater trout prepared simply grilled or smoked, sourced from ponds and the Orlice River itself.
• Potato and barley soup with smoked meat — A hearty traditional Czech soup combining root vegetables with local smoked pork products, common in rural inns.
• Homemade kolaches from village bakeries — Sweet and savory pastries filled with fruit, cheese, or meat, baked fresh daily in small-town bakeries throughout the valley.
• Local honey and herbal infusions — Raw honey and medicinal teas made from valley herbs, sold at farmer markets and village shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect quiet village rhythms — Villages here are home to working farmers and residents; keep noise low in the evenings and avoid peak tourist behavior in residential areas.
• Learn basic Czech greetings — Locals appreciate visitors who attempt 'Dobrý den' (good day) and 'Děkuji' (thank you), reflecting the valley's traditional, courteous culture.
• Visit on weekends for village events — Many villages host farmers' markets, church fairs, and craft fairs on Saturday mornings, offering authentic local atmosphere and food.
• Cash still preferred in small establishments — While larger towns accept cards, village shops, pubs, and some accommodations operate primarily on Czech koruna cash payments.

Nearby

• Pardubice (East Bohemia) — 26 km
• Chrudim (East Bohemia) — 26 km
• Nováky Landscape — 28 km
• Polička (East Bohemia) — 30 km