Jiráskova chata

Jiráskova chata is a mountain tourist lodge with a lookout tower, standing at an elevation of roughly 615 metres in the village of Dobrošov, part of the town of Náchod in the Hradec Králové Region of Czechia — only a dozen or so kilometres from the Polish border. The lodge sits directly on the main hiking trail named after the Czech writer Alois Jirásek and has long been one of the best-known day-trip destinations in this stretch of the Sudetes borderland.

Where does the name come from and what is its history?

The first lodge on this spot was opened in 1895 by a local branch of the Czech Tourist Club (KČT) on 24 November of that year. The foundation stone of the current, more substantial building was laid in 1912, marking the 70th birthday of Czech writer Alois Jirásek, after whom both the lodge and the trail leading to it were named. The building itself was designed by Dušan Jurkovič, one of the leading architects of early 20th-century Czech regional style, and it was formally opened on 30 September 1923. Today Jiráskova chata is regarded as the most architecturally valuable of all lodges belonging to the Czech Tourist Club and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What will you see there?

The main draw for visitors climbing up to Dobrošov is the lookout tower rising above the lodge. Its observation platform sits about 15 metres above ground, and reaching the top of the 24-metre-tall tower means climbing nearly a hundred steps. From up there, the view stretches across the rolling hills of the Podorlicko region and the Polish-Czech borderland. The lodge building itself, a timber-and-masonry structure with a distinctive roofline, is a good example of the regional architectural style popular in interwar Czechoslovakia. Right next door, it's worth stopping at the former Dobrošov military fortress — an underground pre-war fortification complex that ranks among the area's main historical attractions.

How do you get to Jiráskova chata?

Dobrošov sits on a hill just above Náchod, so the easiest way to arrive is by car or on foot along the marked trail leading up from the town centre — part of the main Jirásek trail. The walk is uphill but doesn't require special fitness preparation, which makes it a popular one-day outing both for residents of Náchod and for visitors crossing over from nearby Poland, for whom the drive typically takes well under an hour.

When is the best time to visit?

The lodge and tower are accessible for most of the year, but the clearest views and most comfortable hiking conditions come from spring through autumn. During the warmer months the lodge also serves food and offers overnight accommodation, making Dobrošov a convenient base for longer walks along the surrounding trails. It's worth checking the tower's current opening hours before setting out, since they can vary by season.

Frequently asked questions

Can children climb the tower? Yes, the tower is open to everyone, though reaching the top means climbing nearly a hundred steps, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit with small children.

Can you eat or stay overnight at the lodge? Yes, the lodge offers both meals and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient stopover for longer trips through the region.

Why is the lodge named after Alois Jirásek? The foundation stone of the current building was laid in 1912 to mark the 70th birthday of this Czech writer, and the hiking trail leading to the lodge also carries his name.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Right next to the lodge stands the former Dobrošov military fortress, with its underground fortifications — one of the most significant historical sites in the Náchod area.