Discover the Enchantment of Ratibořice and Babiččina Valley: A Festive Winter Getaway to the Chateau and Christmas Old Bleach

The Advent season in Česká Skalice begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Hus Square, marking a special time of waiting, preparing, and reflecting—this is the season of Advent. The Ratibořice Chateau also comes to life with traditional Czech Christmas customs as well as the nearby locations of Rudr’s Mill, The Old Bleachery, and the Fairy Tavern in Grandma’s Valley.

Enjoying Christmas at the Castle and the Mill

Are you enticed by the enchanting Christmas vibe that comes with a winter stroll through Grandma’s Valley?

At Ratibořice Castle, you can explore Christmas traditions from the Náchod estate during the 19th century from 27 to 30 December 2025. The castle will be festively decorated for Christmas, and the guides will share insights into how Advent and Christmas were celebrated in aristocratic households. In the castle’s entrance hall, you can enjoy a warm cup of punch, coffee, or hot tea. For more information or to book a tour, please call 491 452 123 (available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or email: [email protected]

After visiting the castle, you can continue your walk to the Old Bleach House, the Panský inn, and Rudr’s Mill. The Old Bleach House is beautifully decorated for Christmas, inspired by the beloved story of B. Němcová in her novel Grandma.

Celebrating Advent and Christmas at Barunka’s School

At Barunka’s school, the rooms will also be adorned for Advent and Christmas, showcasing decorations that harken back to the mid-19th century, as described in the book Grandma by the author Božena Němcová.

Where to Journey in Grandma’s Valley?

• • Have you explored everything but still want to see more? Take a stroll through Grandma’s Valley and discover landmarks you might recognize from your school readings. Just a short distance from The Old Bleach House, you will find Viktorka’s raft. From the White Bridge, you can follow the yellow and blue hiking trails leading to the Rýzmburk gazebo, located near the ruins of Rýzmburk Castle.

• • Close to Babiččina údolí is Červený Kostelec. In the House of Božena Němcová, there’s an exhibition honoring the author’s brief stay in Červený Kostelec from autumn 1837 to April 1838, which used to house a merchant’s shop described in her novel Poor People. The tour of the House of Božena Němcová also includes a noteworthy Viktorka’s grave, a character from the book Grandma, which can be found in the park behind the house. This grave is also accessible from the street that leads from the church to the cemetery.