Scenic Ride across the Javoří Mountains

Although you need to be reasonably fit, this technically easy route along the rugged slopes of the Javoří Mountains is one of the most beautiful and interesting scenic biking trails in the north-eastern part of the Broumov promontory. You get to enjoy come amazing panoramas literally around every bend. 

Route

Broumov - Šonov - Rožmitál u Broumova - Janovičky - Heřmánkovice - Hynčice - Ruprechtice - Meziměstí

Route description

The Scenic Ride across the Javoří Mountains starts at Mírové náměstí in Broumov, from where you ride down through Malé náměstí to U Dolní brány, the main street. There, join cycle route No. 4148 and follow it along a relatively quiet road to Šonov. From the signpost in Šonov, follow route No. 4002 (blue markers) and take the paved purpose-built road up to the chapel with the tourist rest area on the edge of the forest. From there you can enjoy some lovely views of St. Margaret's Church and the Broumov Walls ridge. Continue along route 4002 along the forest trail and dirt road to the saddle below Rudný vrch. From here you get some beautiful, almost aerial views of part of the Broumov Basin, the slopes of the Javoří Mountains and the distant Krkonoše Mountains. The slightly rolling terrain takes you to the village of Rožmitál, where the bike trail crosses the yellow footpath. Continue through the forest along the same trail and after another 4 km or so you’ll come to the settlement of Janovičky, which is recreational. Janovičky is a popular hiking and ski resort, and hold dog sledding races every winter. From the signpost in Janovičky, continue along the minor asphalt road for some two kilometres downhill to Heřmánkovice. In Heřmánkovice, you can take a short detour (around 1.5 km) to see All Saints’ Church, situated in the lower part of the village and one of the Baroque churches making up the ‘Broumov Group’. You then ride up the road through the upper part of Heřmánkovice, still on route No. 4002, and then along a paved path through the forest. You then leave the forest for a short while, and the long climb is rewarded with beautiful views of the Broumov Basin, the Broumov Walls and Heřmánkovice with its church. 

From there, ride down the steep asphalt forest road to the Uhlířský Valley and, staying on route 4002, go down to the trout ponds in Hynčice. At the Hynčice signpost (fishery) there is a panel with information about the route. There, join the main road and follow the blue markers through Hynčice to the crossroads before Ruprechtice. 

One notable piece of architecture in Hynčice is the former villa of the Heinzel family of factory owners. At the crossroads before Ruprechtice turn right and head up over the railway crossing to the Church of St. James the Greater - another Baroque church built by the Dientzenhofers. From the church continue on following the red footpath markers along bike trail 4020 to Meziměstí, where one sight worth seeing is the exterior of the chateau (the former summer residence of the Broumov abbots) and the distinctive railway station building that houses the Railway Museum, a fine piece of architecture and an important technical heritage site. You can have a drink and a bite to eat or simply relax in the multi-purpose Walzel Centre.