R-S 87 Průsek casemate

R-S 87 Průsek is a two-storey concrete infantry blockhouse (pěchotní srub) standing on the main ridge of the Orlické Mountains, just above the village of Říčky v Orlických horách. It was built in the 1930s as part of the Czechoslovak border fortification line constructed in anticipation of a possible conflict with Germany. Today it is one of the best-preserved structures of its kind in the region and operates as a fortification museum.

What can you see inside?

The interior has retained its original armoured elements, including the distinctive armoured observation-and-combat cupola set into the ceiling. The blockhouse was designed to carry almost every type of weapon used along the fortification line: machine guns, an anti-tank gun and a mortar. A firing position for a 9 cm mortar was mounted on the left-hand side of the structure. The museum exhibition walks visitors through the layout of the rooms, the weaponry and the technical equipment, giving a clear picture of how border defence actually worked at this spot.

How do you get there?

R-S 87 Průsek is reached via the red-marked tourist trail that starts at the saddle below Komáří vrch. The route is easy and well signposted, so it is accessible to anyone hiking the ridge trails of the Orlické Mountains. The starting point lies close to Říčky v Orlických horách, a popular base for visitors exploring this part of the mountains in both summer and winter.

History and restoration

The bunker survived the post-war decades in relatively good condition, which sets it apart from many other fortification-line structures that were vandalised or dismantled. Systematic reconstruction has been underway since 1994, carried out by fortification enthusiasts and local associations. The result is a museum with a rich exhibition, officially recognised as a protected cultural monument in 2005.

When is the best time to visit?

The best window is the hiking season from spring through autumn, when the ridge trails of the Orlické Mountains are dry and easy to walk and the museum operates full guided visiting hours. It is worth checking the current opening times before setting off, since access can be seasonal or limited to specific days depending on the organisation running the exhibition.

Who is it for?

R-S 87 Průsek appeals to anyone interested in military history and fortifications, but it also makes a rewarding stop for families and hikers looking to add variety to a ridge walk. The combination of an authentic military structure with a scenic position at the top of the Orlické Mountains means a visit blends an educational element with the simple pleasure of a mountain hike.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is R-S 87 Průsek? It is a well-preserved concrete infantry blockhouse, part of the pre-war Czechoslovak border fortification line in the Orlické Mountains. It now operates as a fortification museum.

How do you reach the blockhouse? The easiest way is via the red tourist trail from the saddle below Komáří vrch, near Říčky v Orlických horách.

Is the structure original? Yes, the blockhouse has retained original armoured elements, including its armoured observation cupola, making it one of the better-preserved objects of its kind in the region.

Since when has it been a museum? Reconstruction and adaptation into a museum have been ongoing since 1994, and the site was granted protected cultural monument status in 2005.