Říčky v Orlických horách () is a municipality and village in Rychnov nad Kněžnou District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 100 inhabitants. It is located in the Orlické Mountains and is known for a ski area.
Etymology The name Říčky is a plural diminutive form of the Czech word , so it literally means 'small rivers'. It refers to the location of the village. Until 1991, the municipality was called just Říčky. Since 1 January 1992, it has been called Říčky v Orlických horách ().
Geography Říčky v Orlických horách is located about northeast of Rychnov nad Kněžnou and east of Hradec Králové. It lies in the Orlické Mountains. Notable peaks in the municipal territory include Komaří vrch at above sea level and Zakletý at above sea level, but the highest point of the municipality is on the slope of the mountain U Kunštátské kaple at above sea level. The Říčka Stream and several of its small tributaries flow through the municipality.
History The first written mention of the village of Říčky is from 1654. However, it is documented that a settlement of lumberjacks existed here as early as the mid-16th century. After 1600, the forested area of Říčky was acquired by the Nostitz family, during whose rule many German settlers came to the area and its ethnic composition changed. From 1703, Říčky was owned by the Kolowrat family.
The village developed most in the 19th century and early 20th century. Instead of logging and agriculture, the inhabitants began to focus on glassmaking and weaving. After World War II, the German-speaking inhabitants were expelled and the municipality was resettled, especially by ethnic Slovaks who camed from Romania.
Between 1981 and 1990, Říčky was a municipal part of Rokytnice v Orlických horách. Since 1990, it has been again a separate municipality.
Demographics
Transport There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.
Sport Říčky v Orlických horách is known for a ski centre, located on the slope of the Zakletý mountain. It has four ski slopes, one cable car and two ski lifts.
Sights
The only protected cultural monument in the municipality is a pillbox, built as part of the Czechoslovak border fortifications in 1935–1938. It is situated in the woods in the eastern part of the municipality and houses a small museum.
The main landmark of the village is the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1790–1792.
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