Day 2: Experience the Charm of Hronov and the Na Signálu Lookout Tower

The town of Hronov seems to be dedicated to Alois Jirásek. You can find Jirásek’s birth house, Jirásek’s theatre and, in August, you can visit the Jiráskův Hronov theatre festival. So start with the place of birth. The house where the famous writer was born showcases the evidence of how life used to be lived – the timbered building dates from the 18th century and is furnished with period furniture, painted cupboards and chests, and decorated sparsely – with traditional underpaintings of saints on glass, family pictures and cuckoo clocks. The fact that the Jiráseks ran a bakery is evidenced by the oven located in the hallway.

TIP FOR THE BRAVE: In the park near Jirásek’s house, be sure to try the water from the local healing springs – there are two to choose from – Hronovka and Regnerka, both of which are called fart water because they contain sulphur that gives them a not entirely pleasant smell.

However, Jirásek was not the only famous native of Hronov – just a short distance from his birthplace you will find the Old Paper Mill – Čapek’s Mill, where the relatives of the famous siblings, Karel, Josef and Helena Čapek, lived. Grandma and Grandpa Novotný, to be exact. Today, there is an exhibition focused on the childhood of the Čapek siblings, who often came here for holidays.

ARE YOU INTO SWEETS? Then go back to the square – there is a famous pastry shop!

Stretch your legs and go to the Na Signálu lookout tower in Horní Radechová. From there you can see the Czech mountains and the neighbouring Poland.

DO YOU KNOW PAVLIŠOV? The nearby village is famous for its local speciality – ‘Pavlišov’ schnitzel with dumplings and cabbage. You can have it in the local pub, U Vlčků.