Day 4: Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of Šediviny, Neratov, and Vrchní Orlice

Fresh air, forests and long plains are great for hiking in the Orlické Mountains. This is also the case in Kounov – Šediviny where, among other things, you will find two interesting stops – one artistic – in the former building of the Sudeten school, which now bears the name Schule. The second stop promises a more spiritual experience. However, first of all it impresses with its architecture.  The Church of St. Joseph was built in an unconventional pseudo-secession style. Masses and pilgrimages are only occasionally held here, so the church is primarily a place of peace.

Deštné v Orlických horách is not only a ski resort, but also a great place for hiking throughout the year. Those of us looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in nature will be delighted with a hike along the stations of the cross on the slopes of Špičák Hill. The stops of the stations of the cross are enhanced by the narrative reliefs from the life of Jesus Christ. 

Between Deštné and Rychnov nad Kněžnou, the Villa Nova archaeological museum in nature invites you to visit. It wants to bring visitors closer to village life in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The area near the border with Poland, in the former Sudetenland where a few years ago you could not meet a living thing, is alive with pilgrims who want to see the ‘Miracle of Neratov’ with their own eyes – the beautiful Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The ruins, which used to haunt locals and visitors alike, have been transformed over the past few years into a place with a unique genius loci. Light streams into the church directly from the heavens through the glass roof, prayers and beautiful music speak to the hearts of pilgrims, and the comfort of those arriving is well taken care of in the town below. 
Here you can not only contemplate the meaning of life, but also enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside, good food and beer from the local brewery. Fresh vegetables and herbs are offered by the local social enterprise directly from the garden. 
The church in Vrchní Orlice is still waiting for its glory. Today, you can stop here for a while and contemplate in the wooden benches under the choir or while sitting by the adjacent cemetery. 

In the Museum of the Orlické Mountains, in Sýpka v Rokytnici, visitors learn about local nature and traditional crafts. The fact that these things are close to each other is evidenced by the permanent exhibition. It highlights how natural resources have influenced the lives of the people who used to live here. 

For this trip, it’s convenient to use a car or public transport. However, you can make a stop for a walk at each of the mentioned places.