Day 3: Experience Stará Hrady, magical Dětenice, and the natural beauty of Dachovy

Staré Hrady Castle and Château is dedicated to fairytales and children. They can meet at least thirty dragons of all sizes, peek into the fairytale dungeon and attic, and also into the vitamin Healthyworld. There are various elves, fairies, devils, watermen and other fairytale creatures awaiting children everywhere. In Čarodějná Bestyjola, local witches take care of all sorts of magical beasts, as well as sheep, bunnies, kittens and chickens. The castle ducks have fun in the pond, and the chickens are cared for by the daddy rooster. 

The château resort of Dětenice is primarily famous for its wild medieval tavern. However, if you are travelling with children, they will probably be more interested in the Witches’ Tour. The local witch will introduce the history of the castle to young visitors and guide them through the decked out chambers and halls with paintings and hunting trophies. However, in case she flies-off somewhere, another of the fairy creatures that live here – a white lady, a grim reaper or a vampire – will take the tour for her. During the Advent season devils also appear here, accompanied by St. Nicholas and an angel, to prepare various surprises for children. The castle programme also includes various medieval pastimes – knight tournaments, fire shows and performances of jugglers.

DID YOU KNOW... the Prince Mamánek fairytale was filmed in Dětenice? And the two fabulous witches run a taproom where parents can taste beer from the local brewery.

Take a journey into prehistoric times at the Eduard Štorch and Karel Zeman Museum in Ostroměř. You can recognise it easily – by the mammoth statue! On the way to Ostroměř stop in Konecchlumí for fragrant apples from the local orchards. If you choose to end today’s route in Hořice, you can stay at the Dachova swimming pool – it offers accommodation in a villa, cottages or tents.