The Trutnov Region is a region of beautiful, picturesque, but also wild countryside, and that is why it justly ranks among the most beautiful and sought-after areas of the Czech Republic. The Krkonoše Mountains frame the territory of the district in the north; in the south the much-frequented sights include the gem of Baroque art and architecture Kuks, and also “Bethlehem” with a gallery of Braun’s sculptures. In 1963, the Krkonoše National Park was established with the seat in Vrchlabí, where there is also a major museum and information centre of the Krkonoše Mountains. The Krkonoše Mountains have optimal conditions for summertime and wintertime tourism, which is furthered by a well-developed network of hotels, boarding houses and mountain chalets with a wide offer of services and opportunities for entertainment. The tourist and skier’s paradise is the region in the vicinity of the towns of Janské Lázně, Pec pod Sněžkou, Špindlerův Mlýn and Žacléř. ZOO Dvůr Králové nad Labem became world-renowned thanks to its breeding programme for African ungulates, and success achieved in breeding African rhinos and other endangered animal species.
The city of Trutnov lies in the valley of the mountain river Úpa and on the neighbouring hillocks, in the abundantly wooded foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich in historical sights. Thanks to its location and area, it forms the natural administrative catcment centre of the whole region of the eastern Krkonoše Mountains. It has about 32 thousand inhabitants, and thus it is the second largest city of the Hradec Králové Region after Hradec Králové.
The character of the countryside owes its shape to the meandering river Úpa, which has been a source of power for driving mills and first factories for many centuries, and from the start also performed the defensive function.
In the 12th century, a Slavic settlement was named after the river Úpa. During the reign of the last Přemyslid kings it was renamed into Trutnov by German colonists. The first written evidence of the city dates from 1260, the name of Trutnov first appeared in a document issued by King Václav II in 1301. Since the end of the 14th century, Trutnov was a dowry town of the Czech queens.
During its history, the city used to be the seat of the district office, the district court, and later a military garrison town. Its location on the provincial (salt) route between Bohemia and Poland, and also the development of roads and railways forming a major communication hub, predetermined the industrial character of the city. For many years, the most typical industry was the textile industry (flax processing), later followed by electrical engineering and lather manufacture.
In the course of the last decade, Trutnov has undergone evident transformation. Its development can be proven by the completed reconstruction of the backbone roads with a number of new bridges, roundabouts, or construction of new parking areas, including modernization of the civil engineering networks.
Historical buildings and minor sights are being reconstructed, as well; care is being taken of the school exteriors and interiors.
A considerable amount of funds is being invested in the sports facilities, e.g. in construction of a state-of-the-art tribune of the city stadium and providing it with an artificial lawn of the 3rd generation, or in reconstruction of the athletics oval track.
Besides, new buildings are growing in the city. In the area of social welfare Trutnov may boast a modern complex of buildings comprising a home with domiciliary care and an old people’s home with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the clients and staff in R. Frimla Street.
In the area of the infrastructure, they city may pride itself on the new bus station, which will be further extended with a building containing the necessary passenger facilities and shops. Healthcare is not lagging behind either: during the past years Trutnov District Hospital has undergone total modernization and extension, thanks to the reconstruction of the old building there has emerged the necessary new policlinic Masarykův dům with a wide offer of medical specialists. Regeneration of the panel housing estates and children’s playgrounds is also in progress. Without a doubt, in terms of the significance and volume of investments the key construction in the city for several last decades has been the new theatre, as the new multifunctional cultural facility, the social centre Uffo, is called for short.
Trutnov is a member of the voluntary association of municipalities of the Eastern Krkonoše Region, and of the association of the Royal Dowry Towns. The city is also opening itself to Europe and the world. It is establishing and developing partner relationships with cities from the neighbouring countries – Slovakia, Poland and Germany. Schools, sports organizations, hobby groups and individuals are getting involved in cooperation with Senica, Swidnica, Kamienna Góra, Kępno, Strzelin, Lohfelden and Würzburg.
Foto: Miloš Šálek a archiv
cz