Explore the Artillery Fortress Bouda – Museum of Czechoslovak Republic Fortification
Discover Historical Significance and Architectural Marvels
Explore the Bouda Fortress, the largest museum of its kind in the Czech Republic, nestled within the intricate fortification system of the Czechoslovak Republic. Located atop Bouda Hill, this fortress is a testament to military engineering of the 1930s.
Fortress Overview
1. Historical Context
- Location: Situated 5 km southwest of Králíky and 6 km northeast of Jablonné nad Orlicí.
- Construction: Built between 1935-1938, featuring five log cabins reinforced with 3.5-meter thick concrete walls.
Museum Exhibits
2. Exhibits and Collections
- Armament Displays: Largest collection of embrasures and armor fragments, showcasing the fortress’s defensive armaments.
- Historical Artifacts: Displays include ammunition, remnants of the underground narrow-gauge railway, and more.
Memorial and Commemoration
3. Commemorative Features
- Memorial Plaque: Honors fallen border defenders from the period of 1938-1939, offering a reflective pause during the tour.
Object K-S22 Horymír – Retractable Rotating Gun Turret
4. Technological Marvel
- Gun Tower: Unique feature housing twin howitzers with a range of 12 km, designed for strategic defense of the Rabbit Valley.
- Model Display: Visit the fully movable 1:10 scale model by metalsmith Ondřej Schejbal, showcasing intricate details of the tower’s mechanics.
Access and Tours
5. Tour Options
- Routes: Accessible via multiple hiking trails from Mladkov, Těchonín, Lichkov, and Jamné nad Orlicí.
- Tour Types: Choose from basic tours to extensive historical explorations based on seasonal availability and visitor preferences.
Visitor Information
- Location: Bouda Fortress, Bouda Hill, near Králíky and Jablonné nad Orlicí.
- Opening Hours: Seasonal operation from April to October, offering various tour durations.
- Access: Hiking trails from nearby towns; parking available with guarded facilities during the season.
Plan your visit to the Artillery Fortress Bouda for a journey through Czech military history amidst stunning natural landscapes. Experience the resilience of 1930s fortifications and discover the technological innovations that shaped the region’s defense strategy.