In the Footsteps of Noble Families: Nobility on the Road in the Buquoy Library of Nové Hrady Castle

Description

This intimate presentation is part of the I. tour route Castle 2026. The exhibited books from the Buquoy library illustrate how the nobility traveled, explored the world, and recorded their experiences in the past. Journeys for Knowledge and Adventure In the 19th century, thanks to technological advancements, travel became significantly faster and more accessible. A significant role was played by the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869, which opened the way to India and the Far East.
Europeans increasingly ventured into Africa as well. Alongside explorers, hunting expeditions also headed there. This is related to the name of Karel Jiří Buquoy, who visited Ceylon in 1912. Risks of Travel Journeys to distant lands were not without danger. Adventures could easily turn into tragedy; for example, hunter Filip Oberländer perished during an expedition in Africa after being attacked by a buffalo. Despite warnings from his guide Rudolf Štorch, he tracked a previously wounded buffalo. Spas: A Calmer Form of Travel Not all journeys were for adventure. The nobility often visited spas, which were not only places for treatment but also for social life. Among the most significant were Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Luhačovice, and the Austrian Bad Ischl, favored by the Habsburg family. Travelogues and Guides The exhibited books also include travelogues and popular science literature. These publications introduced readers to distant lands and new means of transportation, often sparking further interest in travel.
The exhibition is complemented by travel guides from the Baedeker and Grieben publishing houses. The fame of Karl Baedeker's guides arose largely by chance: in 1832, he purchased the publishing house of Franz Röhling in Koblenz, which had published a travel guide by Professor Vorland. He built on this tradition and gradually brought it to extraordinary quality. His goal was to provide travelers with a single, reliable book sufficient for orientation on their journeys.
In contrast, publisher Theobald Grieben focused in the second half of the 19th century on more concise content, lower prices, and practical formats, appealing to a broader range of travelers.
The boom in travel guide publishing was interrupted only by World War I, but this tradition revived after its end. Baedeker guides are still published today and are considered a symbol of classic travel literature. Exhibited Books: Education du Jeune Comte D. B. (François Raguenet)
A French novel from the early 18th century intertwines a love story with travels across Europe and admiration for ancient monuments. The 1765 edition contains over a hundred engravings of Roman landmarks. Reisen und Jagden in Nord-Ost Afrika (Carl Krokow von Wickerode)
A two-volume work detailing expeditions and hunting trips in northeastern Africa from 1864 to 1865. The exhibited copy is a bibliophile facsimile edition. Deutschland nebst Theilen der angrenzenden Länder (Karl Baedeker)
A classic travel guide from the famous Baedeker edition, which served travelers in exploring Germany and its neighboring countries. Vulkane, Bären und Nomaden (Sten Bergman)
A travelogue from 1926 capturing adventurous expeditions in Kamchatka, then a little-explored territory. The author describes the harsh nature, encounters with bears, and the lives of local inhabitants. Le Nord de la France (Karl Baedeker)
A guide to northern France from 1890 offering detailed maps and practical information for travelers. Today, it represents a valuable document of period travel. Drei Jahre in Sibirien (Egon von Kapherr)
An authentic account of several years spent in the Siberian wilderness, providing a picture of life in extreme conditions and encounters with local inhabitants. Der Kurort Baden bei Wien
A publication from 1900 presenting the spa town of Baden near Vienna – its history, architecture, and social life. Bodensee, Vorarlberg und Rheinfahrt (Griebens Reiseführer, 1925)
A guide to the Bodensee area, Vorarlberg, and a cruise on the Rhine from Constance to Schaffhausen. Von Pol zu Pol – Vom Nordpol zum Äquator (Sven Hedin)
A travelogue by the famous explorer tracing a journey from the North Pole to the equatorial regions, providing rich geographical and cultural insights. Mein Afrika (Hans Schomburgk)
A book from 1928 capturing the author's experiences in the African interior, reflecting the period's perception of exotic landscapes. Reisen mit Doktor Überall
A popular illustrated publication from the early 1930s introducing travel to the general public through engaging storytelling and photographs. In Conclusion The exhibited books demonstrate that travel was not only a means of knowledge for the nobility but also a part of their lifestyle. Whether it was educational journeys, adventurous expeditions, or stays at spas, they always brought new experiences and perspectives on the world.

Highlights

• Exhibition of historical travel books from the Buquoy library
• Part of the I. tour route Castle 2026
• Explores nobility's adventures and spa visits

General Information

This exhibition at the Buquoy Library of Nové Hrady Castle showcases how nobility traveled and documented their experiences. It features books that highlight both adventurous journeys and visits to renowned spas, reflecting the changing nature of travel in the 19th century.

Location

Komenského 33 , 373 33 Nové Hrady, Czech Republic

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