Hradec nad Moravicí: Castle, Park and Educational Trails

Culture

Hradec nad Moravicí Castle developed from a Přemyslid Gothic castle into a Renaissance, then Baroque and finally Empire-style château. The Hradec nad Moravicí castle complex includes the White Castle, the White Tower and a gate at the Neo-Gothic Red Castle. The main tour of Hradec nad Moravicí Castle includes the reception rooms and the interiors of the princely apartment. Castle tours follow a route through several historical construction phases; current opening hours should be checked before visiting.

The Church of St Peter and Paul dates from the 16th century and was consecrated in 1597. Its 37-metre-high tower houses three bells considered to be the oldest in the Opava region.

Nature

The Hradec nad Moravicí castle park covers approximately 130 hectares and is one of the largest landscape parks in Silesia. Bezručova vyhlídka is the highest point in the castle park and offers views of Opava and the river valley. Another viewpoint lies on the outskirts of Jakubčovice: the Šance observation tower stands at an elevation of 522 metres and offers views of the Opava area, the Jeseníky Mountains and the Beskids. Šance belongs to Jakubčovice, a district of Hradec nad Moravicí; the observation tower and the adjacent sunbathing area are freely accessible year-round.

The Bukový chodník trail leads through quiet sections of forest and offers views of Hanuše, Žimrovice and the distant horizon. Along the trail, visitors can discover rare plants and animals. The Za školou educational trail in Žimrovice provides information about the geology, flora and fauna of the Meleček Valley and comprises eight stations. Outdoor educational trails may be more difficult to walk depending on the weather; current trail conditions should be checked before setting out.

Trails and Routes

The municipal educational trail in Hradec nad Moravicí runs from the railway station via the state castle and the Calvary Stations of the Cross to the cemetery. It comprises 21 stations in total, 12 in the town and 9 in its districts. The educational trail to Hradec nad Moravicí Castle is 277.9 metres long and has four rest areas with wooden benches, litter bins and information boards.

The educational trail to Hradec nad Moravicí Castle operates year-round, is free of charge and can be reached on foot via several access points from the surrounding roads. Thus, the trail includes not only the route itself but also designated rest areas with seating, litter bins and information boards. For starting at the railway station, current timetables can be checked in advance and coordinated with the day’s plans.

Guided Tours

Commentary tours of the Weisshuhn Canal are offered in Hradec nad Moravicí from April to October. The commentary tours of the Weisshuhn Canal include a tasting of what workers in the paper mills ate and drank. Commentary tours are limited to April through October; current tour dates should be checked before travelling.

Other Places

Other places in the same higher-level area include Kravaře, Brumovice, Březová, Píšť, Chuchelna, Kružberk, Jezdkovice and Dobroslavice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Opava District.