Chleby: Zoo, Churches and Cycling Route

Chleby is ideal for travelers who want to plan their stay around specific places and activities. The zoo is the main attraction, with its history, animal collection and various programs. The town’s churches offer historical points of interest; a cycling route passes through Chleby, and the body of water is part of the Nymburk anglers’ current fishing grounds. If you are looking for a hotel in Chleby, you can use the purpose of your trip as a guide: a zoo visit with a program raises different scheduling questions than a cycling leg or a fishing trip.

Chleby Zoo and Its Programs

Chleby Zoo was founded on June 5, 1997, based on the Fraňek couple’s previous animal collection. In 2004, it became the first official non-governmental zoo in the post-revolution era in the Czech Republic. The zoo is home to more than 420 animals from at least 120 species; animal numbers may change. The zoo’s history thus brings together its founding and its later institutional status, while its animal collection offers another perspective on the facility.

During interactive programs, visitors can try their hand at the work of animal keepers. The zoo also offers educational programs led by a program coordinator for kindergartens and the first and second stages of primary school. The two types of offerings therefore have different focuses: one lets visitors try out animal care work, while the other provides guided educational activities for the groups mentioned. Availability and booking conditions may change; check dates and make reservations in advance.

Churches and Architectural History

The history of the churches and the community also offers several chronological points of reference. The foundation stone of the Roman Catholic church in Chleby was laid on May 8, 1780. The Church of St. Lawrence was completed two years after construction began. The Reformed Toleration Congregation in Chleby was founded in 1783. Later, from 1885 to 1888, the Protestant church was built in the Neo-Romanesque style.

Neo-Romanesque refers to the later revival of Romanesque architectural forms. The style designation helps place the Protestant church in its architectural context; its construction took place considerably later than the events dating from the late 18th century. Those interested in architecture or religious history will find various historical connections to the town in these dates, from a church’s foundation stone and the founding of a congregation to a Neo-Romanesque church building.

Cycling Route, Bus and Body of Water

The 36 km cycling route “Z Nymburka do zoo a na zámek Loučeň” passes through Chleby. The 36 km is the total length of the route, not just the section through the town. As road conditions and wayfinding may change, it is a good idea to check the route before setting off. Bus route 673 runs directly from Nymburk railway station to Chleby; check the current timetable before your trip. This makes it possible to distinguish between the options by their purpose: the cycling route has a stated total distance, while for the bus journey, the timetable for your travel date is important.

The body of water at Chleby is part of the Nymburk anglers’ current fishing grounds. Anyone wishing to fish there should check access and permit rules in advance. This also makes the preparations for a fishing trip different from planning a cycling leg or a zoo visit with a program: fishing requires checking local access and permit rules, while the other activities mainly require checking the route or program details.

Discover more destinations: Odřepsy, Stará Lysá, Loučeň, Vrbová Lhota, Hořátev, Sadská, Velenka, Křinec.

For the broader travel overview: Nymburk District.