Podbřezí is a village and municipality in Rychnov nad Kněžnou District in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. Podbřezí is a lovely and very active village which won an award for "Village of the year 2006" in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou region and its mayor Antonín Novotný won an award for "Mayor of the year 2013". The village is composed of the village and other settlements called Lhota, Netřeba, Škutina, part of Chábory, Studánka and Přímy. For those of you who have never had a chance to visit Skalka (it is a name of the local castle and it is commonly used among the people to call the village) there is a photo gallery prepared containing the most important and impressive beautiful pictures of the village, and of the nearby surroundings. Take a look here - http://obecpodbrezi.rajce.idnes.cz/Obec_Podbrezi More than 500 inhabitants live in Podbřezí and there are a lot of interesting places. For example castle Skalka, the Jewish cemetery, primary school, sports ground, multi-functional sports ground, fire station and an armoury. Many local people have formed groups and clubs such as the fire department, sports club, tourists, women's club, hunstmen, etc. They busy themselves by organising many events from fancy-dress competitions for the children, sport activities like football or tennis tournaments, to music parties, balls and even a brass band concert played by Opočenka. All year round there are special events and one of the best is traditional home brandy tasting, evaluating and prize giving for the winners.