Lysá nad Labem – Castle, Nature and Trails in the Elbe Valley

Lysá nad Labem combines a castle with a Baroque history, a freely accessible castle park, protected wetlands and floodplain landscapes, as well as nature trails and cycling routes in the Elbe Valley. Between cultural monuments, natural areas and sporting activities, the town and its immediate surroundings offer a variety of impressions.

Culture

Lysá nad Labem Castle stands on the site of a former fortress and later Gothic castle. Its Baroque reconstruction was completed by František Antonín Špork between 1738 and 1739. The interior of the castle is not open to the public; the castle park, however, is freely accessible and includes extensive grounds with Baroque sculptures.

One of the notable sacred buildings is the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The Baroque parish church was built in the first half of the 18th century according to a design by František Maxmilián Kaňka. Its surrounding wall is decorated with statues of saints, Church Fathers, evangelists and archangels. The church and its surrounding wall adorned with statues are protected as immovable cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.

The permanent exhibition of the Bedřich Hrozný Museum is housed in a reconstructed Baroque building listed as a cultural monument. Part of the exhibition presents Bedřich Hrozný’s scientific work and the Ancient Near East. The final section is dedicated to the natural attractions of Lysá nad Labem and the surrounding area.

The Augustinian monastery complex also forms part of the town’s architectural and cultural history. It was built from 1730 to 1741 under František Antonín Špork according to plans by the architect Bartolomeo Scotti and completed by Anselmo Lurago. The reconstructed terraces host cultural events. Vineyards have been restored there, and the town produces its wine from their grapes.

Nature

The Káraný–Hrbáčkovy tůně Nature Reserve includes the cadastral area of Lysá nad Labem. It protects natural eutrophic waters, floodplain meadows, calcareous wetlands and mixed floodplain forests. Protected animal species include populations of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and the European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus).

Hrabanovská černava protects a Polabí wetland landscape with wetland and meadow communities, as well as a population of the critically endangered rusty sedge (Schoenus ferrugineus). In terms of area, it is the largest surviving complex of species-rich wet meadows in Polabí, which are referred to as “černavy” in the Czech Republic.

Trails and Cycling

The Údolím Labe Educational Trail is 21 kilometres long and has 24 information stations. The trail runs between Lysá nad Labem and Čelákovice, mostly along publicly accessible paths, and is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. It conveys the natural and historical connections of the Elbe Valley directly at the places where they can be observed.

The surroundings of Lysá nad Labem, with the flat landscape of Polabí, picturesque forests, educational trails and historical sights, offer ideal conditions for cycling trips. The cycle paths around Lysá nad Labem are well signposted; the town also has several pumps for quickly inflating bicycle tyres.

On the outskirts of Lysá nad Labem, in the Šibák area, lies Shibak Bikepark. It offers prepared trails for mountain bikes and scooters and is publicly accessible and free of charge for all visitors. The trails have varying levels of difficulty, ranging from easy undulating routes such as a pump track to larger jumps.

A short, approximately 23.7-kilometre family-friendly circular cycling route leads through pine forests. Swimming is possible in the Řehačka natural area.

Events

The racecourse in Lysá nad Labem regularly hosts race days for sports enthusiasts, families with children and day-trippers. Once a year, the Večerní koňská Galashow also takes place at Výstaviště Lysá nad Labem.

Other places include Činěves, Poušť, Ostrá, Okřínek, Stratov, Oskořínek, Kněžičky and Čilec.

For the broader travel overview: Nymburk District.