Trail for the Most Beautiful Views
Vrchlabi is an excellent starting point for trips and hikes. You can climb some of the bigger or smaller hills which surround it and enjoy views of the town and its greater surroundings. On the hike you can see the most important monuments in the town and the oldest stone viewing tower in the Krkonose.
T.G. Masaryk Square and the Baroque townhall
Dating back to 1737, the building is now used by the town council and the information centre.
Church of St. Lawrence
This church was built in the Neo-Gothic style by a local builder, Eduard Zirm, on the site of a 14th century single-nave Gothic church, following a project by architect Stephan Tragl of Prague. The construction took place in 1886–1889.
Augustinian monastery
The Augustinian monastery in Vrchlabi was established in 1705 following an initiative by the House of Morzin. The Augustinian Monastery has served visitors for many years to help them learn about the beauty and richness of the Krkonose Mts. as the seat of the Krkonose Museum as well as the Visitor Centre of the Krkonossky National Park.
Chapel of St. Anne and the Fourteen Holy Helpers
Dating back to the mid-18th century, it is dedicated to St. Anne, patron of the town of Vrchlabi, who was supposed to protect the town against plague and cholera epidemics. It was restored in 1997–1999. It is located in a place with the most beautiful view of the town of Vrchlabi.
Zaly Viewing Tower
The only stone viewing tower with nearly a panoramic view, this is a popular destination not only for the inhabitants of Vrchlabi but also for many tourists. In the summer you can reach it on foot or by bike, or by chairlift from Herlikovice, and ride downhill on a scooter. It is an ideal destination for a winter hike in the snow-clad countryside, or a sleigh trip which you can ride back downhill. If you are in Herlikovice on skis, you can take a short walk from the upper chairlift station, and after less than 200 metres you can have something nice to eat in the pleasure restaurant.
Chapel of St. Anne
The chapel, built in 1832 on the bank of the River Labe, is dedicated to St. Anne, patron of the town of Vrchlabi. It was reconstructed in 2002–2003, faithfully employing the historical materials used, including a small well inside the chapel, fed with water from Stavidlovy Hill.
Strelnice Culture Centre
It was chosen by the film director Milos Forman as the setting for his famous movie “Hori, ma panenko” (known as The Firemen’s Ball). Today it is
a cultural and educational facility used by the public.
Municipal Park
The park, conceived in 1903 in an unusual location on a hillside, offers a pleasant walk in the shade of trees. You will go past the statue of Mary Helper of Christians, along a linden tree avenue, and a wayside shrine dating back to the end of the 18th century. The Water Educational Trail is accessible here from 2023, offering locals and visitors pleasant stops by renewed pools and small lakes and an opportunity to watch life above and below the water surface.
