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East Bohemia
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East Bohemia combines Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Renaissance heritage, mountain landscapes, cycling routes and traditional Czech culture.

East Bohemia is a broad historical region in the north-eastern part of Czechia, centred on the cities of Hradec Králové and Pardubice and extending towards the Orlické Mountains, the Krkonoše foothills and the rolling landscapes around Litomyšl and Vysoké Mýto. It is not a separate modern administrative unit, but a useful travel area whose character is shaped by the meeting of fertile Elbe lowlands, wooded uplands, sandstone landscapes and mountain valleys.
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Hradec Králové, known for its carefully planned modernist architecture as well as its older historic core, is a practical urban base. Pardubice combines a Renaissance château, a compact centre and long-established associations with horse breeding and the Velká pardubická steeplechase. Between and beyond these cities are market towns, river landscapes and villages with Baroque churches, timbered houses and traditional farm buildings. The region's geography rewards a flexible itinerary: the lowlands are accessible by rail and cycle routes, while the northern hills and mountains are better explored by car, bus or on foot.
Architectural and historical highlights include Litomyšl Castle, a Renaissance residence decorated with distinctive sgraffito, and the hilltop town of Chrudim, whose museum and historic streets reflect East Bohemia's artistic traditions. Josefov, the monumental former fortress near Jaroměř, reveals the military logic of the Habsburg frontier, while the battlefield at Hradec Králové preserves the memory of the decisive 1866 Austro-Prussian conflict. In the north, the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains offer hiking, winter sports and long-established mountain settlements; local conditions change quickly, particularly on exposed ridges.
East Bohemian culture is closely linked to music, crafts, horses and food traditions. Litomyšl is associated with the composer Bedřich Smetana and hosts important cultural activity, while Pardubice is famous nationally for its gingerbread tradition. Regional menus commonly draw on Czech staples such as soups, dumplings, roast meats and fruit pastries, with better-known towns offering contemporary interpretations alongside traditional pubs and cafés. Cycling is especially rewarding along the Elbe and through the quieter countryside, whereas mountain routes demand suitable footwear, weather awareness and respect for marked paths.
The region suits visitors who want to combine historic towns with outdoor travel without relying on a single spectacular centre. Hradec Králové and Pardubice provide contrasting gateways, Litomyšl and Chrudim offer concentrated heritage, and the northern uplands bring a markedly different landscape. Travellers should remember that East Bohemia is geographically spread out: a visit planned around one town will not easily cover both the Elbe lowlands and the mountain districts.

When is the best time to visit East Bohemia?

Best: June–August · 22–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January225
February425
March930
April1435
May1945
June (best)2255
July (best)2465
August (best)2460
September1945
October1435
November730
December425

Getting to and around East Bohemia

How to get there

East Bohemia is reached most conveniently by rail or road from Prague and other Czech regions. Pardubice has an airport within the region, though international services can be limited and change over time; Prague Airport, outside East Bohemia, is the principal international gateway for most overseas visitors. Pardubice and Hradec Králové are connected to the national railway network, while Česká Třebová, in the eastern part of the region, is a major rail interchange. Main roads approach from Prague, central Moravia and northern Bohemia, although journey times vary considerably between the Elbe towns and mountain districts.

Transportation

Rail is useful between Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Česká Třebová, Jaroměř, Chrudim and other main settlements, while buses extend into smaller towns and mountain areas. A car provides greater flexibility for visiting dispersed castles, battlefield sites, villages and trailheads, particularly outside the Elbe corridor. Hradec Králové and Pardubice have urban public transport, and cycling is well suited to flatter routes along the Elbe and surrounding lowlands. Mountain buses and seasonal services may be useful in the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains, but visitors should check current routes before relying on them.

Top city travel guides in East Bohemia

The cities of East Bohemia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in East Bohemia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in East Bohemia

East Bohemia offers a varied mixture of historic towns, military heritage, museums, cultural venues and open landscapes. Hradec Králové is notable for its urban architecture, riverside setting and museums, while Pardubice combines a Renaissance château with the cultural institutions of a regional city. Litomyšl is a major heritage stop, and Chrudim provides a compact historic centre with museums and traditional architecture. Near Jaroměř, Josefov presents vast fortifications and underground passages, while the Hradec Králové battlefield offers monuments and interpretive trails across fields and villages. The northern part of the region turns towards hiking, skiing and nature in the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains, with forest paths, upland meadows and mountain settlements. Lowland cycling routes follow the Elbe and quieter country roads, and family-oriented attractions, galleries and seasonal cultural events are concentrated in the larger towns. The attraction landscape is defined less by one single sight than by the contrast between accessible river plains, historic estates and more demanding mountain terrain.

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Best landmarks in East Bohemia

Litomyšl Castle is East Bohemia's most recognisable architectural landmark, distinguished by its Renaissance arcades and patterned sgraffito façades. Pardubice Castle, set within earthwork fortifications, preserves the scale of the former Pernštejn estate and represents the transition from medieval stronghold to Renaissance residence. Hradec Králové's historic centre and river confluence are complemented by twentieth-century buildings associated with the city's carefully planned modern development. Josefov's massive bastions, gates and underground passages form one of the region's most imposing military landscapes. The hill and monuments at Chlum, east of Hradec Králové, mark the 1866 battlefield and connect local geography with a major European conflict. In the uplands, the ridges and valleys of the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains are natural landmarks in their own right, while the sandstone formations on the eastern side of the Bohemian Paradise introduce a different geological character to the region's northern fringe.

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Explore East Bohemia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in East Bohemia

East Bohemian dining is grounded in the wider Czech tradition of soups, roast meats, sauces, dumplings and fruit-based baking, with local differences appearing in ingredients and setting rather than in a wholly separate cuisine. Pardubice is strongly associated with gingerbread, sold in constantly changing forms by bakeries and specialist producers, while rural areas offer traditional pubs and simple regional cooking. Hradec Králové, Pardubice and Litomyšl have the broadest choice of cafés, contemporary restaurants and international food, whereas smaller towns tend to centre on hospodas, bakeries and family-run establishments. Farm shops and markets may offer honey, preserves, seasonal fruit, smoked products and other regional produce. In mountain districts, menus often suit walkers and skiers, with hearty soups, potato dishes and hot drinks particularly common. Czech lager remains widely available, but modern restaurants increasingly pair local food with craft beer, Moravian wine or non-alcoholic alternatives.

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Best bars in East Bohemia

Evening life in East Bohemia is concentrated in Hradec Králové and Pardubice, where students, theatres, concert venues, cafés and bars create the region's broadest selection after dark. Both cities have traditional pubs as well as newer beer bars, cocktail venues and places hosting live music, although individual scenes and opening arrangements change. Litomyšl has a more restrained cultural evening, centred on restaurants, cafés and performances connected with its historic and music-oriented institutions. In smaller towns, the hospoda remains a practical place for a drink and conversation, while mountain resorts add hotel bars, après-ski venues and seasonal entertainment during busy periods. Nightclubs exist but are not the defining feature of the region; visitors should not expect a continuous late-night scene outside the principal cities and resorts.

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Best nightclubs in East Bohemia

Evening life in East Bohemia is concentrated in Hradec Králové and Pardubice, where students, theatres, concert venues, cafés and bars create the region's broadest selection after dark. Both cities have traditional pubs as well as newer beer bars, cocktail venues and places hosting live music, although individual scenes and opening arrangements change. Litomyšl has a more restrained cultural evening, centred on restaurants, cafés and performances connected with its historic and music-oriented institutions. In smaller towns, the hospoda remains a practical place for a drink and conversation, while mountain resorts add hotel bars, après-ski venues and seasonal entertainment during busy periods. Nightclubs exist but are not the defining feature of the region; visitors should not expect a continuous late-night scene outside the principal cities and resorts.

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Best shops in East Bohemia

Shopping in East Bohemia is primarily town-based, with Hradec Králové and Pardubice offering the widest range of department stores, high-street retailers, independent boutiques, bookshops and specialist food shops. Historic centres in Litomyšl, Chrudim and smaller market towns are better suited to browsing cafés, galleries, antiques, local crafts and smaller independent businesses than to large-scale retail. Farmers' markets and seasonal town markets may provide honey, preserves, baked goods, fruit, vegetables and regional drinks, though schedules vary. Pardubice gingerbread is the most recognisable edible souvenir associated with the region, while museum shops and castle shops often stock locally themed books, prints and craft items. In mountain resorts, look for practical outdoor goods, woollen products and small souvenirs rather than assuming a large luxury-shopping offer. Check provenance when buying handmade goods, particularly at temporary stalls.

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East Bohemia essentials

Currency and Payment
East Bohemia uses the Czech koruna, abbreviated CZK or Kč, like the rest of Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, museums and transport ticket offices in Hradec Králové, Pardubice and other sizeable towns. Cash remains useful at small rural cafés, market stalls, village establishments, some ticket machines and occasional mountain businesses. Use reputable bank cash machines and choose to pay in Czech koruna rather than accepting an unfamiliar merchant-conversion rate when a payment terminal offers a choice.
Safety
East Bohemia is generally suitable for independent travel, but ordinary precautions are sensible in transport hubs, busy centres and crowded events. On mountain trails, check the forecast, carry suitable clothing and remain on marked routes, since fog, snow and sudden temperature changes can make exposed terrain hazardous. Cyclists should use lights after dark and take care on roads shared with traffic. In summer, respect fire restrictions and local advice in forests; near rivers, avoid unstable banks and follow warnings about high water. Winter driving requires appropriate tyres and caution on mountain roads.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 provides a multilingual route to emergency services in Czechia; 155 reaches medical rescue, 150 the fire service and 158 the police. In the mountains, call 112 for urgent assistance and provide a precise location, trail marker or map reference; mountain rescue services operate in relevant Czech mountain areas. For less urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacy for guidance. Keep identification and travel insurance details accessible, and remember that mobile coverage can be weaker in valleys and forested uplands.
Do's and Don'ts
Use greetings and a polite form of address in shops, restaurants and smaller communities, and queue patiently at stations and visitor sites. Remove muddy footwear or follow house rules in rural accommodation, and keep to marked paths in protected mountain landscapes. At churches, cemeteries and memorials, behave quietly and ask before photographing services or private areas. Tipping is customary but discretionary in restaurants and cafés; rounding up or adding a modest amount for good service is usual. Do not assume that every historic building is open without a tour or that English is spoken in small villages.
Local Tips
Plan lowland heritage visits around Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Chrudim and Litomyšl, then reserve a separate itinerary for the northern mountains rather than treating them as a short detour. The Elbe corridor is particularly practical for relaxed cycling, while the Orlické Mountains offer quieter walking landscapes and the Krkonoše attract more visitors. Try to visit fortress and battlefield sites with enough time to understand their wider landscapes, not only their surviving buildings. Regional cultural programmes are strongest in summer, but shoulder seasons can offer quieter historic centres and more manageable mountain trails.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeSbohem[sbohem]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyeh-koo-yee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[om-loh-vahm seh]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yak seh mahsh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dob-zheh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mloo-veesh ahn-glits-kee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zoo-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím[htyell beek veed-yet meh-noo, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[ney-eem mah-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zdrah-vee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[htyell beek zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![yee preech]
Call the Police!Zavolej policii![zah-voh-lay poh-lee-tsi-ee]
Call a doctor!Zavolej doktora![zah-voh-lay dok-toh-rah]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztrah-teel ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem neh-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[htyell beek koh-pit]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[koh-lik toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé[toh yeh pree-leesh drah-he]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moo-zesh snee-zheet tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-lik yeh ho-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yed-nah ho-dee-nah]
Half past (10)Půl desáté[pool deh-sah-teh]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-poh-led-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kdeh yeh]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[yah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi to ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zesh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?[kdee yeh-deh dal-shee (au-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ....)[yeh-den lee-stek (doh)]

History of East Bohemia

Early Settlement and the Elbe Lowlands

The Elbe basin and adjoining uplands have supported human settlement since prehistoric times, with fertile soils, rivers and routes through the landscape encouraging farming and exchange. Archaeological evidence from East Bohemia records communities from the Neolithic onwards, followed by Celtic and Germanic activity before the emergence of early Slavic settlement. The region's rivers remained important long after prehistory, influencing the location of later towns, estates and roads. Much of the modern landscape, including cultivated lowlands divided by villages and field systems, reflects this long interaction between settlement and the Elbe drainage network.

Medieval Towns and the Přemyslid Realm

During the medieval period, East Bohemia became integrated into the Bohemian state ruled by the Přemyslid dynasty and later by the Luxembourg kings. Hradec Králové grew as a fortified royal town, while Pardubice, Chrudim, Litomyšl and other settlements developed as centres of administration, trade and craft production. Churches, monasteries and castles shaped the region's political and religious geography. Litomyšl also became the seat of an important bishopric in the fourteenth century, reinforcing the town's significance. Surviving street plans, churches and defensive traces reveal the commercial and strategic importance of these medieval foundations.

Noble Estates and Renaissance Culture

From the late Middle Ages into the Renaissance, powerful noble families transformed East Bohemia through estate building, land management and patronage. The Pernštejn family played a particularly important role around Pardubice, where the castle was developed into a substantial Renaissance residence. The construction of Litomyšl Castle in the sixteenth century brought Italianate architectural ideas to the region, its arcaded courtyard and sgraffito decoration making it one of East Bohemia's most distinguished monuments. Religious change, including the spread and later suppression of Protestant movements, also left a lasting mark on towns and estates.

The Thirty Years' War and Baroque Reconstruction

The Thirty Years' War brought warfare, requisitioning, disease and economic disruption to Bohemia, including its eastern districts. In the decades that followed, many damaged towns, estates and churches were rebuilt or remodelled in Baroque forms. Religious institutions and aristocratic landowners sponsored new churches, pilgrimage sites, residences and gardens, while villages were reorganised around renewed estates. The resulting architecture remains visible in East Bohemian town centres and countryside, where Baroque churches and manor complexes often stand alongside older medieval layouts. This period also strengthened the cultural influence of the Habsburg monarchy over the region.

Josefov and Habsburg Military Strategy

The fortress of Josefov, founded as Ples and constructed from the 1780s near the confluence of the Elbe and Metuje, reflected Habsburg efforts to defend Bohemia's approaches against Prussia. Its immense earthworks, underground passages and planned streets were designed according to contemporary principles of military engineering. Although the fortress never fulfilled all the strategic expectations placed upon it, it became one of the most important surviving examples of late eighteenth-century fortification in Czechia. The associated town of Jaroměř and the surrounding landscape still show how military planning affected settlement and transport in East Bohemia.

The Battle of Hradec Králové, 1866

On 3 July 1866, the Battle of Königgrätz, known in Czech as the Battle of Hradec Králové, was fought near Chlum east of the city during the Austro-Prussian War. Prussian forces defeated the Austrian army, contributing decisively to Prussia's dominance in German affairs and altering the balance of power within the Habsburg Empire. The battlefield is now marked by monuments, an educational trail and the Museum of the War of 1866. Its fields and villages provide a tangible setting for understanding how industrial-era weapons, railways and mass armies changed European warfare.

Industrialisation, Railways and Modern East Bohemia

Nineteenth-century industrialisation brought textile production, engineering, food processing and improved transport to East Bohemia. Railways connected Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Česká Třebová and other centres with Prague, Moravia and the wider Habsburg network, turning Pardubice into a significant transport junction. Urban growth encouraged new civic buildings, schools and industrial suburbs, while local manufacturers helped diversify an economy previously dominated by agriculture and estate production. In the twentieth century, the region experienced the political changes of Czechoslovakia, wartime occupation, state socialism and post-1989 economic transformation, all of which remain visible in its architecture and institutions.

East Bohemia in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to East Bohemia

Discover East Bohemia with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more. Plan your trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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More about the Evendo app

Explore East Bohemia like never before with Evendo, your free app-based travel guide. Find top attractions, local tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for East Bohemia
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
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Are you planning a trip to East Bohemia, Czechia? With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide, make the most of your journey with ease and convenience. This 100% free app offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in East Bohemia. Whether you're visiting the majestic Litomyšl Castle, exploring the scenic Orlické Mountains, or savoring local cuisine at the renowned Restaurant Na Statku, Evendo has you covered.

Evendo provides rich content, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it simple for you to plan, organize, and discover new experiences. No more endless searching for what to see, do, and experience. The app allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and activities directly, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

With features like historical insights, travel essentials, curated local advice, and an easy-to-navigate interface, Evendo ensures you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near Me' feature helps you find attractions and amenities nearby, no matter where you are. Plus, Evendo's coverage extends to over 7,000 destinations worldwide, so once you download the app, you have the world in your pocket.

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