This is Pardubice (Czech Republic), what to see on a 5-day route through the region

It is quite likely that if you are thinking of making a Car route through the Czech Republic or if you want to make one excursion from Prague, it may be the first time you hear the name of Pardubice City.

But that doesn't mean we should leave this area aside, because although it may hardly be known to us from outside the country, people in the Czech Republic know very well how beautiful this region is.

We continue to get to know each other interesting areas of the Czech Republic. and on this occasion we have made one route from Prague to the Pardubice region, which is less than an hour from the capital.

An ideal region for a route, as it mixes historical places Heritage, with areas as fun as Lower Morava, where is it located the longest suspension bridge in the world.

It also has two clear advantages when it comes to touring it. It is very close to Prague, very well connected to the capital and there are also direct flights from Spain, specifically, from Girona and from Alicante.

Si vas a travel to the Czech Republic You might also be interested in these articles we have on the blog:

• Guide to traveling to the Czech Republic
• Car route through Czech Republic
• What to eat in the Czech Republic

Now, let me first explain some things about Pardubice.

What is Pardubice and where is it?

Pardubice City It is the capital of the region of the same name and is located about 100 kilometres east of Prague.

A predominantly flat agricultural region with some mountainous areas in the east, with a major industrial centre, especially in the chemical, mechanical and food processing industries.

The region has a population of approximately 520,000 and is divided into several districts: Pardubice, Chrudim, Svitavy and Ústí nad Orlicí.

What is the Pardubice region like, the most important cities

• Pardubice:
  • It is the capital of the region and the largest city. Known for its rich history, chemical industry, and cultural events such as the Pardubice Grand Prix (horse race).
• Chrudim:
  • It is the second largest city in the region. Chrudim is famous for its well-preserved historic centre, museums, and cultural events. It also has a significant industrial base, including the textile and food industries.
• Svitavy:
  • This city has an interesting historical heritage, with one of the longest squares in the Czech Republic. It is an administrative and economic centre in the region, with industries in manufacturing and food processing.
• Litomyšl:
  • Small but culturally significant town, known for its Renaissance castle which is Heritage awarded by the UNESCOLitomyšl is an important cultural and tourist centre in the region.

History of Pardubice and its Renaissance castle

La city ​​of Pardubice It has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, although there are indications of settlements in the region before that.

It is mainly known for its renaissance castle and its historical relationship with the Pernštejn family.

During the Middle Ages, the town developed as an important trade and craft centre, as in 1340, the town was granted civil rights, which marked a milestone in its development as a trading centre in the East Bohemian region.

In 1491, the Pernštejn family acquired Pardubice, and under his leadership, especially that of Vilem II of Pernštejn, the city experienced great development.

During this period, the medieval castle of Pardubice It was transformed into a splendid Renaissance castle, which remains one of the city's main tourist attractions today.

Pardubice's golden age, fall and rebirth

The 16th century was a golden age for Pardubice, with significant growth in its economy and culture.

However, the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) brought destruction and hardship, including the sacking of the city by Swedish troops in 1645.

Despite these challenges, Pardubice managed to rebuild and continued to be an important regional centre.

In the 1845th century, Pardubice developed into a key industrial centre, boosted by the arrival of the railway in XNUMX, which connected Prague to Olomouc, leading to the city specialising in industries such as chemicals and machinery.

During the 20th century, despite the hardships of the World Wars and the Communist era, Pardubice maintained its industrial relevance and expanded considerably, both in population and infrastructure.

This is the experience of visiting Pardubice, what to see in the city of the Pernštejn family

Pardubice Castle

As I mentioned, the most interesting place in Pardubice is undoubtedly its Renaissance castle. It is the best place to learn more about the Pernštejn family, who owned the territory for several centuries.

In my opinion, the history of the castle and the family is more interesting than the content you can visit inside.

Over time, the family lost power and had to sell everything, which meant that today the interior is practically empty.

However, some beautiful frescoes have been restored and the area has been decorated with information panels that help to understand the history of the castle and the family.

But don't expect to find a castle full of furniture, because that disappeared centuries ago.

In my opinion, that's the only thing missing because the castle is very beautiful.

Pernštýnské náměstí, the most beautiful square in the city

La Pernštýn Square (Pernštýnské náměstí) is the heart of the city, where some of the houses with the most beautiful facades are located. This area suffered several fires during the wars, but despite this, the original style has been preserved.

It is the typical square where you can't stop taking photos in every corner because each building you see is more beautiful than the last.

A place full of restaurants and local shops, ideal for a stroll around the area.

At one end of the square is the Green Gate, a tower that served as an entrance to the city and which holds a legend.

Old Automatic Mills

Although it may not look like it from the outside, this place was once an important mill, hence its location next to the river that crosses the city.

For many years the silo stored large quantities of food, but after several sales of the old one and some conservation work, the mill has now been converted into an exhibition space.

Where to sleep in Pardubice

There are several options here, the one we chose for price and location was the Hotel U Zlateho Adela, priced at 85 euros per night. (here you can Book your hotel in Pardubice).

What to see in the Pardubice Region

Pardubice is not only a city, but also the name of the region. And it is not just any region, as it has two declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. World Heritage  which I want to tell you about next, and some other spectacular places.

Royal Stables of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 

The Kladruby nad Labem Royal Stables They are one of the oldest institutions dedicated to horse breeding in the world, with a history dating back to at least the 14th century.

In 1579, the Emperor Rudolf II elevated them to the status of Imperial Court Stables.

For over 300 years, Kladruby was the leading horse breeder for the royal courts of Prague and Vienna.

Nowadays, royal stables are Heritage of the Unesco, recognized for their exceptional contribution to the cultivation and training of ceremonial horses.

These horses, known as Kladrubers, have historically been used in royal ceremonies and continue to be a symbol of Czech equestrian tradition.

I have to admit that before visiting them I was a little reluctant about the treatment of animals, something I quickly overcame when I saw how well they live, spending much of the day in huge spaces in freedom.

That is something that was valued for its recognition by the Unesco, since its spaces and landscapes are also included.

Litomysl and its World Heritage Castle, the home of Smetana

On our trip, we began to tour the region by litomysl, a very interesting little town.

Litomysl It has its roots in the Middle Ages, around a Benedictine monastery founded in 1086.

This monastery became an influential religious center and gave rise to the city.

Litomyšl was the seat of a Catholic diocese from 1344 to 1474, which consolidated its religious and cultural importance.

Litomysl Castle

The Renaissance period was crucial for Litomyšl, highlighting the construction of the impressive Litomyšl Castle between 1568 and 1581 by the Pernštejn family.

This castle is the best example of Renaissance architecture in northern Italy and that is why it is included in the list of UNESCO.

Other places to see in Litomysl

In addition, Litomyšl is known as the birthplace of the composer Bedřich Smetana, a central figure in the czech classical music.

But he is not the only artist in the city, as the eccentric house of the Czech artist is located here. Joseph Vachal.

If you want to visit it, which I recommend, you have to look for Portmoneum en Google Maps.

In addition, in this small town you can stroll along its beautiful main street with colorful facades, and also through the gardens of the monastery that is located at the top of the city.

Gardens with views of the city where, at certain times of the year, as we were able to see, it is possible to see live classical music concerts.

Usti nad Orlici

Usti nad Orlici It is a small historic town very close to Litomysl, founded in the 13th century.

Its name means “Mouth of the Orlice River”, referring to its geographical location at the confluence of the Orlice River.

Throughout its history, it has been an important commercial and cultural centre for the region, and remains relevant to this day.

It stands out for its historic center and its medieval architecture of different architectural styles.

Its main monument is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary built in Baroque style in the 18th century and, of course, its bourgeois houses in the main square, which have very beautiful Renaissance and Baroque details.

Svitavy, the city of Schlinder

Svitavy is a town also very close to Litomysl which closes a triangle with Ústí nad Orlicí

Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest towns in the region. The city is characterised by its rich historical and architectural heritage, with a mix of styles ranging from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Classicism.

One of the main attractions of Svitavy is its central plaza, known as Náměstí Míru.

It is one of the longest in the Czech Republic and is surrounded by colourful bourgeois houses, many of which have traditional arches on their façade.

In the centre of the square is the Marian column, a baroque monument built in gratitude for the end of an epidemic.

The city is also known for its Church of Sant'Egidio, a Gothic building dating from the 15th century and for its tower.

The city is also the birthplace of Oskar Schindler, known for saving the lives of more than a thousand Jews during the Second World War, a fact that was immortalized in the film “Schindler’s List.”

Dolní Morava, a ski resort with adventure activities

The big surprise we got from this region is, without a doubt, Dolni MoravaI definitely recommend this visit.

Along the border with Poland, where it is located the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, they have located the ski resort with a complex of activities of all kinds.

And despite being a ski resort, it is mainly focused on summer.

If you like adrenaline activities and nature, make sure to check out this place because we loved it.

An 3 kilometer alpine roller coaster, which is the second longest in the world, welcomes you as you ride the chairlift to the top of the station.

As soon as you get to the top you see another of the main attractions, a Sky Walk mind-blowing at various heights with slides and amazing views of the surroundings.

Sky Bridge 721, the longest suspension bridge in the world

But that's not all, there are downhill cycling routes and other easier ones and right next to it the great jewel in the crown, SkyBridge 721.

This is the longest suspension bridge in the world 721 metres long and 90 metres high. A true marvel of engineering with breathtaking views.

Where to sleep in Dolni Morava

The best hotel in the area, and the one that is most worthwhile, especially if you go with children, is the Wellness hotel Vista, priced at 180 euros per night.

• Here you can reserve your Hotel in Dolni Morava

Recommended restaurants to eat in the Pardubice region

After our trip and route through the Pardubice region, there is a restaurant where we have eaten very well and I would like to recommend it in case you are passing by.

On the most important shopping street of the city of Pardubice, you will find the Nejen Dvorek restaurant.

It is a very nice restaurant that I definitely recommend because I loved it. Among all of us who went, we tried several dishes and we recommend the duck, which was amazing.

For those who like a good meat dish, you have to order the T-Bone.

But it is not the only place in the region that I recommend you try:

• En Pardubice Galerie Cafe Park, very good food in the middle of a beautiful park.
• In Litomysl the restaurants of the Aplaus and Zlata Hvezda hotels
• In Dolni Morava you can eat at the Wellness hotel Vista at the foot of the station, which has a spectacular buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or eat at the top of the ski station, since, like any station, it has a restaurant area.

5-day itinerary from Prague through the Pardubice region

If you are going to dare to do one route through the Pardubice region As we did when we rented a car, this is what we recommend for a peaceful trip.

Day 1: Stables and Pardubice

• Morning: Departure from Prague and visit to the old town Royal Stables since it is on the way to Pardubice.
• Late: Arrive to Pardubice City and visit to the Pardubice Castle and its museum. Afterwards, take a stroll to see the city, starting without a doubt from Pernštýn Square. Finish the day with dinner and a night in the city.

Day 2: Litomysl

• Morning: Travel to Litomysl and explore the Litomyšl Castle, Heritage by UNESCO.
• Afternoon: After lunch, take a stroll through its streets. You can visit the composer's house Cream or the artist's Vachal

Day 3: Ústí nad Orlicí and Svitavy

• Morning: Visit Usti nad Orlici, stroll through the center and discover its traditional architecture.
• Late: Go to Svitavy, stroll through its main square and visit the museum dedicated to Oskar Schindler, who was born in this city.

Day 4: Moravian Hills

• Morning and afternoon: Return to the route to get to Dolni Morava, to enjoy a full day at the station and its surroundings, with different activities.

Day 5: Back to Prague

• Morning: Back to Prague

Map of the route through the Pardubice region