After more than 20 years, the Hrudkov complex in the Český Krumlov area will be opened to the public

Vyšší Brod – After more than 20 years, the Hrudkov area near Vyšší Brod in the Český Krumlov region will open to the public. The complex of the former lung sanatorium, where spas and a residential district are now being developed, will be available for viewing at the end of August. This will take place during a true crime festival titled the Hrudkov Division. The city announced this in a press release.

According to Vyšší Brod’s deputy mayor Jaroslav Marek, the Hrudkov area has an extraordinary history and an unparalleled atmosphere. "We are glad that it will be presented to the public through such an original cultural event. The festival will bring visitors from across the country to Vyšší Brod and will also showcase a place that is awaiting significant transformation in the coming years. We believe that the combination of a unique space, a quality program, and the history of Hrudkov will provide a great experience for visitors," said Marek.

The city plans to build a residential district in Hrudkov. This will include spas with approximately 250 beds, dining facilities, treatment and rehabilitation services, recreational and social spaces, and technical support.

At the festival focusing on actual crimes, Czech detectives, forensic doctors, and investigative reporters will present in Hrudkov on August 28 and 29. "True crime is a huge phenomenon today, yet a similar event has been lacking in the Czech Republic. We wanted to create a festival that will not rely on sensationalism, but on real people and their experiences. The Hrudkov Division will offer insight into the work of detectives, forensic doctors, and investigative journalists while utilizing the extraordinary atmosphere of the place, which adds a completely different dimension to the entire event," says the main organizer Michal Rolčík.

The area of the former Hrudkov lung sanatorium near Vyšší Brod covers 13 hectares. The sanatorium, which focused on the treatment of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, belonged to the then District Institute of Public Health since 1964. The hospital in České Budějovice, under which the sanatorium belonged until last year, moved its operations to its premises in České Budějovice in 2005. Since then, Hrudkov has been abandoned.