The district offers ideal conditions for both winter and summer holidays. The highest point in the district is Kralicky Sneznik (1,424 metres) where the source of the river Morava is to be found. There is a whole number of interesting fortresses, chateaus and churches to be found in the towns of Ceska Trebova, Vysoke Myto, Zamberk, Usti nad Orlici, Kunvald, Jablonne nad Orlici, Letohrad, Chocen and Zampach.
Located in the easternmost part of East Bohemia, the region of the Orlicke Hory foothills is rich in natural beauty. There are several popular tourist destinations, including the Pastviny Valley dam and reservoir, the Cenkovice winter sports center, and the recreational areas of Lower Moravia and Kralicko.
The region lies at
the historical crossroads of the former trade routes between Bohemia and Moravia, as well as the north-south trade route by which salt, amber, and other goods were transported from the Baltic Sea to the south in the 13
th century. The surrounding countryside had been gradually settled since the 13
th century, so lovers of art and historical relics will find plenty of reminders of the region's history. In the cities and villages it is possible to see examples of both rural and urban architecture, as well as interesting castles and churches which document the rich history of the region.
Usti nad Orlici, the region's main city, was settled in the second half of the 13
th century, at the time of the colonization of the territory by the lords of Drnholec. The town square and arcades are reminiscent of the original settlement. A walk through the city actually becomes a stroll through a variety of different architectural styles. The Baroque style is represented by
the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with its adjoining rectory, as well as the well-preserved parish offices of the Unitas Fratrum from 1555. The pride of the city is Henrych's Villa, built in Art Nouveau style. The first decade of the 20
th century is represented by a school building, and the era of the first republic is recalled by the town theatre, an architectural jewel by Kamil Roskot.
Since the middle of the 18
th century the life of the city has been
influenced by the developing textile industry. In 1795 the town became a municipality, thereby acquiring many privileges. The city's Empire style train station is reminiscent of this period.
Usti nad Orlici has a strong tradition of both art and music. In May the city hosts the annual international Kocian Violin Competition, as well as the Heran Cello Competition every two years. The city museum holds
a unique collection of painted nativities.
One of the region's many popular tourist destinations is Hvezda Cottage on Andrle's Hill, approached by a steep path lined with tiny chapels housing the stations of the cross. The meandering Ticha Orlice River flows beneath the ruins of Lansperk Castle from the 13
th century. On the opposite hill stands a Neo-Gothic chapel, which commands a beautiful view of the countryside beneath the Orlicke Hory Mountains, dominated by a wooded hill upon which lie the ruins of the once-powerful Zampach Castle. Among the region's other towns to visit are Chocen with its Renaissance chateau built between 1562-74 on the site of a medieval fortress, Lanskroun with its
Renaissance town hall, Brandys nad Orlici with the ruins of Brandys Castle, and Vysoke Myto with many well preserved noble's houses, manors, and courtyards.
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