Doubravčice: Hillfort, Šember Castle and Hiking Trails

Doubravčice combines traces of its history with marked trails in the Šembera corridor. If you are looking for a hotel in Doubravčice, you can plan your stay according to whether archaeological sites or hiking and cycling routes are your priority.

Archaeology and Local History

The hillfort near Doubravčice is considered one of the oldest Slavic fortified settlements in Bohemia. It lies less than a kilometre from the village, in the woods above the Šembera. The promontory, up to 60 metres high, is protected by steep slopes and is accessible only from the south. Šember Castle was built on the site of the hillfort in 1357. Visible remains include masonry fortifications along the eastern wall, depressions that indicate cellars, medieval building walls, the site of a half-timbered palace and ramparts.

The first written record of Doubravčice appears in a deed of donation by John of Luxembourg. It was issued on 25 August 1331 in Tuhošť (Domažlice). Dolánky also offers archaeological evidence of the area’s history: the abandoned medieval village lies in the eastern part of the cadastral area of Doubravčice, in a valley through which a small tributary of the Šembera flows. Traces there include a castle site, an abandoned pond with a dam, a large farmstead and several surviving medieval paths. In the village itself, the original layout of the upper village square has been preserved, with several well-preserved rural buildings.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

Yellow and green hiking trails pass through Doubravčice. Below the village, yellow, green and red trails meet in the Šembera valley. A red hiking trail also runs along the river corridor and is complemented below Tuchoraz by the “Zahrady” educational trail. The “Údolím Šembery” educational trail opened on 10 September 2011. The route is about 8.5 kilometres long, is considered easy to moderate and is recommended for families with children. Its features include twelve information boards, interactive elements and questions for children and adults. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before your visit.

Cycling routes also help visitors find their way: Doubravčice is part of a system of marked cycling routes. Check the signs on site before planning your ride. Two restored field paths reveal a different aspect of the landscape. “U hruštičky” is planted with cherry and rowan trees; it also has a pear tree. “Osičiny (Jabloň)” lies at the edge of the village in the direction of Mukařov. The field path was restored in 2013 and is lined with fruit trees and shrubs.

Views and Activities in the Area

At the highest point of Doubravčice, by the water tower where Pod Vodárnou and Nad Lomem streets meet, there is a wide view of the surrounding area. The multifunctional playground and sports ground offer facilities for basketball, volleyball, nohejbal and floorball, as well as fitness equipment for adults. If you plan to use the facilities, check what is currently available before your visit.

A slightly higher water level is preferable for a trip on the Šembera. The river is navigable almost all year round when the water level is somewhat higher, and conditions are even better when the ponds are drained. Overgrown sections of the riverbed and places where you have to carry your boat around trees make the trip slow. Check water conditions before paddling.

The Doubravčická hospoda has 60 seats and a garden with a children’s playground. It serves hot meals and a daily menu. As this is current business information, check whether the restaurant is open and what is on the menu before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Nova Ves I, Český Brod, Polepy, Nová Ves-Ohrada, Přehvozdí, Pašinka, Žehuň, Klášterní Skalice.

For the broader travel overview: Kolín District.