Königgrätz Battlefield

Königgrätz Battlefield and the Chlum Museum commemorate the 1866 Battle of Königgrätz between Prussia and Austria. Today, Königgrätz Battlefield can be found in Chlum in the Czech Republic and visitors can see a number of monuments to the battle as well as visiting Chlum Museum – a good place to start your exploration of Königgrätz Battlefield.

Königgrätz Battlefield history

The decisive encounter of the war, the Battle of Königgrätz or battle of Hradec Králové, saw Prussian forces defeat those of the Austrian Empire near the Bohemian town of Königgrätz, inflicting significant casualties on the Austrian army.

The outnumbered Prussian infantry used their superior training and the Dreyse needle gun to win the battle – and the war – on their own. So far the Prussian artillery had been ineffective against the Austrians. It was the Prussian 7th and 1st Guards Infantries that attacked and destroyed most of the Austrians at Chlum, forcing the Austrians to retreat before any Prussian reinforcements had time to properly engage the Austrian flanks.

This momentous Prussian victory helped pave the way for future German unification.

Königgrätz Battlefield today

Fortunately, Königgrätz Battlefield is largely unchanged and allows visitors a real feel for the landscape that would have helped determine the outcome of the battle. The Museum, a branch of the Museum of East Bohemia, covers the events that took place on 3rd July 1866 when the Battle of Königgrätz took place.

There is also a lookout tower on the site which gives excellent views of Königgrätz Battlefield. Inside Chlum Museum, visitors can view the armaments exhibitions and find out more information about the battle and the war.

Getting to Königgrätz Battlefield

Just outside of the centre of Hradec Kralove, Königgrätz Battlefield is in the small town of Chlum. By car head for the E442 and exit onto the 325 – the battlefield is on your left.