Slana: Local History, Theatre and Trails

Slana offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay: local history, theatre, trails and a landscape that has also been described in geological terms. If you are considering Slana as a destination, you can first decide whether to focus on architectural and cultural history, an events programme, or hiking and cycling routes. The local attractions also differ in their specific form, from a single iron cross to trails with named destinations.

Landscape and watercourse

Slana lies in a valley bordered by hilly terrain. Its geological features include Permo-Carboniferous rocks from the late Palaeozoic, including melaphyre, as well as local Tertiary formations with basalt intrusions. Thus, alongside the shape of the valley, attention also falls on the rocks and formations mentioned here. This is a different way to explore the area from its architectural landmarks or cultural events.

The Hořenský potok flows through the municipality from west to east. It rises near Tuháň, a district of Stružinec, is 2.73 kilometres long, and flows into the Oleška in the district of Bořkov. Its source, length and confluence give the watercourse a clearly defined course through the municipality.

Architectural and cultural history

Next to the primary school building stands an iron cross cast in 1840. Its plinth is made of grey sandstone and was crafted by Jan Zeman of Žernov. Listed House No. 43 is considered cultural heritage worthy of preservation. There is a bell tower in the cemetery, and the timber-framed houses No. 5, 25 and 45 in Bořkov are well preserved. These are different forms of local heritage: a cross with a stone plinth, a protected house, a bell tower and traditional wooden architecture.

Slana also has a cultural connection: the academic painter Vladimír Komárek was born in the district of Hořensko. Local history can therefore be traced not only through buildings, but also through a person with ties to the area.

Flax and hand weaving

Flax cultivation was once one of the few sources of income for the ancestors of people in the poor area around Slana. Flax was processed at home. According to records in the municipal chronicle, the last hand weaver, Josef Ducháč of House No. 17, worked at a handloom until 1914. The account thus names a specific person, a workplace and the year up to which hand weaving was practised.

Theatre and events

The repertoire of the Tyl Slana theatre group consists mainly of comedies. The group also stages performances by its own and visiting companies, as well as social evenings and musical events. The programme therefore includes various types of events, not just comedies. The repertoire and individual dates change; if you would like to plan a performance into your stay, check in advance what is on during your trip.

Trails with different destinations

A blue-marked hiking trail runs from Slana to Lomnice nad Popelkou; a green-marked trail leads to Jilemnice. The two routes can be distinguished by their colours and destinations: blue leads to Lomnice nad Popelkou, green to Jilemnice. Check the markings and trail conditions locally before setting out.

Cycling Route No. 4175 passes through Slana and connects the town with the Český ráj and Krkonoše regions. Unlike the hiking trails, each of which has a named destination, this cycling route is described in terms of its connection to the two regions. Before setting out, also check its route number and the current local conditions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Zalesni Lhota, Roprachtice, Stružinec, Libštát, Mirova Pod Kozakovem, Peřimov, Horni Branna, Podmoklice.

See the overview of the wider travel area: Okres Semily.