Benecko

History

There were many economic activities during time. Original historical center of habitation was Horní Štěpanice - residence, established in near castle Štěpanice. First notes about it are dated in year 1304, when the castel was founded by Jan of Valdštejn as a confirmation of first phase of colonization of this land. Newest archaeological findings points at older habitation at 1254 by Jindřich of Valdštejn. Horní Štěpánice had town status until 1524. Castle have been definitely abandoned from 1524.

Benecko is firstly mentioned in year 1628 as "Bennešsko", meaning the residency of Beneš. Next interpretation of creation the name is local legend about hermit of Benedikt order, that was located near Jindra rock near place where now is Chapel of Saint Hubert.

Next parts of municipality were colonized in 17.-18. century near water. Population was interested in farming, hand weaving and manufacture of jewelery. In 19. century the tourism was developed there, that enabled economic development thanks to many rich tourists. It was interrupted by Nazi invasion. In second half of 20. century most of businesses were nationalized and tourism wasn't much important. Next wave of prosperity started after 1989 with restitution of properties.

Present

Present Benecko is mostly oriented to tourism and related activities. For that reason the infrastructure is needed (hotels, penzions, private accommodations, ski schools and equipment rental), industry is only rare with only one and not significant company Delfi in Dolní Štěpanice.

Municipal Administration and Policy

In years 2010-2013 the mayor was Jaroslav Mejsnar which was also reelected in 2014.

Economy

Economic activities of local population were changed many times. It started with farming and mining, after exhaustion of coal it changed to wood mining, glassblowing and textile processing. Nowadays its most significant activity is based on tourism.

Traffic availability

It is possible to get to Benecko by buses from Vrchlabí, Jilemnice and from/to Prague on Friday and Saturday. In main tourist season there are also cyclobuses between Pec pod Sněžkou and Harrachov.

Culture

Although it was remote location from culture centers this region belonged to places with rich cultural life. There were some amateur theater and musical associations.

Tourism and sport

In the 60's first ski lifts were built in Benecko - 328 meters long Chrudim and 750 meters long Kejnos that was replaced in 2006 by modern four-seat ski lift. Nowadays there are 10 ski lifts from 115 to 800 meters long, mostly for beginners and two skiparks for intermediate.

In Benecko there are two football teams, both man and woman division.

Landmarks