Policka

Polička is a small town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia, situated in the foothills of the Iron Mountains (Železné hory). The town is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval town walls — among the best-preserved in the Czech Republic — and as the birthplace of the composer Bohuslav Martinů (1890). The town has a charming, compact centre surrounded by its original fortifications.

Founded in the 13th century, Polička developed as a market town and retains its medieval character, including parts of the original wall circuit with several towers. The surrounding landscape is defined by the Iron Mountains to the south and east. The climate is continental with four distinct seasons. Polička sees few international visitors but rewards those who discover it with its intact historical atmosphere.

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Prague (PRG), approximately 160 km away. Pardubice Airport (PED) is about 60 km north.

By Train

Polička has a railway station on a branch line. Trains from Pardubice take approximately 1.5 hours. The station is close to the town centre.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 2 hours. From Pardubice the drive is about 1 hour. Roads are well-maintained but become narrow in the rural interior.

The town centre is compact and entirely walkable. Regional buses serve nearby towns. A car is useful for exploring the Iron Mountains.

• Medieval Town Walls — among the best-preserved in the Czech Republic, with accessible towers and sections. Free to walk along parts of the wall.

• Church of St. James — a Gothic church in the town centre.

• Bohuslav Martinů Birthplace — a museum dedicated to the composer, born in a tower of the town walls. Admission approximately 50 CZK.

• Town Square — a pleasant square with arcaded houses.

• Iron Mountains (Železné hory) — the nearby mountain range offers hiking.

• Walking the town walls — a unique experience of medieval fortification.

• Visiting the Martinů museum — for music enthusiasts.

• Hiking in the Iron Mountains — trails through forests and along ridgelines.

• Cycling — the surrounding countryside offers scenic routes.

Traditional Czech cuisine at moderate prices. Main courses range from 100–200 CZK.

• Restaurants on the town square — traditional Czech dishes.
• Local pubs — Czech beer and basic meals.

Czech beer and tap water.

• Budget: Guesthouses offer rooms from 400–700 CZK per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel & Restaurant Polička provides rooms from 1,000–1,500 CZK per night.
• Upscale / heritage: Limited upscale options in town.

Small local shops sell regional produce and basic goods. The town has limited retail.

• Pardubice (60 km) — regional capital with a château.
• Litomyšl (25 km) — UNESCO-listed Renaissance château.
• Česká Třebová (25 km) — railway junction town.
• Iron Mountains (10 km) — hiking and nature.
• Prague (160 km) — the capital city.