Day 2: Discover the beauty of Vesec, Humprecht and Kost Castle

Even though the village of Vesec u Sobotky has less than thirty houses, you may know it better than you think. A number of films were made here in the village conservation area – the most famous of which were probably How to Get Daddy to the Reformatory or Jára Cimrman Ležící, spící – and also a scene from the popular fairytale S čerty nejsou žerty, in which the soldiers go to Peter’s grandmother’s house to get him. 

You may know Dorota Máchalová’s mill from the same fairytale. It is located about 3 kilometres away, in Dolní Bousov. However, you can only see it from the outside because the owner. not the devils, lives there. 

Before you reach the Humprecht hunting castle, massage your feet, it’s going to be uphill! At the castle you can enjoy guided tours of the interior, including shortened tours for children and a tour of the tower with a gallery and a view of the surrounding area. You can test how long the walls of the feast hall echo here. Its height is 16 metres. And this is absolutely unique in Central Europe!

TIP: Looking for a place to have lunch? From Humprecht, go down to nearby Sobotka. Hotel Pošta Sobotka, which not only offers traditional Czech cuisine but also pizza that your children will love, awaits you on the square in the arcade. And while you are in Sobotka – how about going to the Almárium Museum? 

The setting for The Secret of Krakonoš or The Magic of Kings fairytales was Kost Castle. It rises above the Bílý pond and is truly a castle of castles! It is the best preserved Gothic castle in the country. Its tower can be recognised from afar, and its name is the best testimony to its durability. They say it was named based on the fact that it was never conquered as it was hard as a bone! The local castellan has several sightseeing tours for curious visitors to choose from. However, a shorter tour of 40 minutes is offered for excursionists with children. It also includes a computer animation about the creation of the castle.

TIP: Do you want to know where The Curse of the Brothers Grimm was filmed? Take a walk through the Plakánek Valley natural reserve with the Oborský pond, Dobšín lookout and rock towers.