Moving to Jičín

Whether you're relocating from Prague, moving from abroad, or simply considering a quieter life in a smaller Czech town, Jičín has a lot to recommend it. With a population of around 16,000, it sits in a sweet spot between village life and urban convenience. This guide covers the practical essentials for anyone settling in the town.

Housing

Jičín offers a range of housing options at prices significantly lower than Prague or Brno. The town centre has older apartment buildings, many in renovated baroque or first-republic-era properties. The surrounding residential areas offer family houses and newer apartment complexes. Key considerations:

  • The old town area is well connected and walkable but parking can be limited.
  • Districts on the town's edge offer more space and often better parking, with short cycling distances to the centre.
  • The local real estate market is active — online portals such as Sreality.cz list current properties for sale and rent.

Healthcare

Jičín has a well-equipped district hospital — Nemocnice Jičín — offering a broad range of specialist and emergency services. GPs (praktický lékař) and paediatric practices operate across the town. Specialist clinics covering dentistry, ophthalmology, and physiotherapy are available locally. For complex specialist care, Hradec Králové (approximately 40 km) hosts a major university hospital.

Education

The town has several kindergartens (mateřské školy), primary schools (základní školy), and secondary schools (střední školy and gymnázium). The Gymnázium Jičín is a well-regarded grammar school with a strong academic tradition. For university education, students typically travel to Hradec Králové or Liberec, both within commuting or short-journey distance.

Shopping and Services

Day-to-day shopping needs are well covered:

  • Supermarkets: Albert, Lidl, Penny Market, and Kaufland operate in or near the town.
  • Market: A weekly farmers' and general market takes place on the main square, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Specialty shops: The town centre has independent butchers, bakeries, and delicatessens offering local products.
  • Banks and post: All major Czech banks have branches in town; the main post office (Česká pošta) is centrally located.

Transport Links

For residents, transport options include:

  • Bus to Prague: Frequent connections throughout the day. Useful for commuters or regular Prague trips.
  • Regional bus network: Connections to Hradec Králové, Mladá Boleslav, Liberec, and surrounding villages.
  • Train: Useful for regional connections; less suited to Prague commuting due to journey time.
  • Cycling: The town is flat and cycle-friendly, with dedicated paths connecting the centre to surrounding areas and attractions.

Community Life

Jičín has an active community scene. Sports clubs cover football, tennis, swimming, cycling, and more. Cultural life centres on the Jičín Cultural Centre (Kulturní dům), which hosts concerts, theatre, and cinema. The town library (Městská knihovna) offers reading rooms, events, and internet access. The annual Fairy Tale Jičín festival (Pohádkový Jičín) in September is a beloved community highlight drawing visitors from across the country.

Getting Registered

New residents — including EU citizens — should register their address at the Municipal Office (Městský úřad Jičín) on Žižkovo náměstí. The office handles residence registration, vehicle registration, waste collection fees, and other municipal services. Staff can generally assist in Czech; for non-Czech speakers, bringing a translator for the initial visit is advisable.