A short visit to the neo-Gothic Nechanice chateau and park area: 3 km

• Hrádek u Nechanic (Nechanice chateau) is a unique example of neo-Gothic architecture in Bohemia. Constructed between 1839 and 1854 for the Harrachov family (a major Czech/Austrian noble family), the chateau is the one of the last true chateaux to have been built in the country.
• Located just a short drive (or bus journey) from the capital of East Bohemia, Hradec Králové, the chateau is worth a detour when touring the area. Guided tours are available to view the interior and it is possible to walk around the extensive forested English park area, part of which is now used for a golf course. The chateau has recently been repainted in its original (quite striking) color…
• There are various footpaths traversing in the woodland surrounding the chateau, but only one path has official trail markings. Various walk lengths are possible, but the route shown on the map starts with a section at the edge the golf course (care required when golfers are on the course) and then takes a footpath to join with the marked trail.
• The route (just less than 3 km) is essentially flat and can be managed with a stroller. At the chateau there is an elegant café, including an outside terrace, for refreshments.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Starting at the large (paid) parking area, which is next to the bus stop (buses from Hradec Králové) walk along the main drive way to reach the chateau area in 300m
• After walking around the chateau, follow the main path away from the chateau through the golf area
• At the far end of the golf area, turn right and take one of the unmarked forest trails heading into the forest area
• After around 800m, the footpath will meet the GREEN marked hiking trail. Turn right onto the trail which leads back to the parking area/bus stop in 900m