Discover Libice Nad Cidlinou

Libice nad Cidlinou can be explored through two themes: the history of the Slavník hillfort and the river and floodplain landscape along the Cidlina and Elbe. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, these themes can guide your choice of destination: early history, nature, or both.

Rivers and floodplain landscape

The Cidlina flows through Libice nad Cidlinou and joins the Elbe near the town. Libický luh lies at the confluence of the Elbe and Cidlina, between Libice nad Cidlinou and Velký Osek. The area is designated a national nature reserve. It protects floodplain forests, floodplain meadows and wetlands, as well as habitats for rare and endangered plant and animal species.

Old Elbe channels, oxbow lakes and meadows formed by silting are among the characteristic habitats of Libický luh. Kingfishers occur around the Bačovka and the oxbow lakes. This describes their presence in these areas, not a guaranteed sighting on an outing. Those interested in the floodplain landscape will also find a stop about the flora and fauna of the floodplain forest on the Naučná stezka Libice educational trail.

The hillfort and its history

The Slavník hillfort was established at the turn of the 8th and 9th centuries. In the second half of the 10th century, it became the centre of a principality ruled by the Slavníkovci. The hillfort included a mint, a stone church and a princely palace. The acropolis of Libice nad Cidlinou is now designated a national cultural monument.

The archaeological site displays the foundations of a church, a palace and a gate tower. Information panels present the history of Libice nad Cidlinou. At the Památník pod hradištěm, several mosaic panels summarise the history of the hillfort in several languages and show selected finds. The two presentations emphasise different aspects: the foundations point to the site’s architectural features, while the mosaics focus on selected finds and historical context.

The Pamětní síň slavníkovské Libice takes you further back in time and beyond the history of the hillfort. Its exhibition covers the region’s history from the beginnings of Slavic settlement in the 6th century to the fall of the hillfort in the 12th century. It also covers the medieval and modern history of Libice nad Cidlinou. This allows you to distinguish between a history focused on the hillfort and a broader historical overview when choosing where to visit.

Churches and places of remembrance

The Evangelical Church was completed at the end of 1895 and ceremonially opened in May 1896. It is a Neo-Renaissance church and continues to serve its original purpose. It also remains one of the defining landmarks of Libice nad Cidlinou. Its completion and ceremonial opening mark two different dates in its construction history.

The grounds of the Church of St. Adalbert lie at the southern edge of the town. They include a cemetery enclosed by a wall and a Renaissance entrance tower. Another place of remembrance is in the village square: the Jan Hus monument stands in front of the municipal office and commemorates Jan Hus. These three places offer different points of interest—from the architectural history of the Evangelical Church to the cemetery grounds and a monument in a public space.

Educational trail, cycling route and getting there

The Naučná stezka Libice educational trail runs from the confluence of the Elbe and Cidlina, past the hillfort and through Libice nad Cidlinou, to the road bridge over the Cidlina. Its stop on floodplain-forest flora and fauna adds a dedicated point of interest to the habitats of Libický luh described above. As trail conditions can change, check the current status of the educational trail before planning your visit.

The CKH12 “Za Slavníkovci” cycling route leads to Libice nad Cidlinou. It runs mostly on flat terrain and through floodplain forests along the Elbe. The routes therefore differ in their described highlights: the educational trail connects several stops along its route, while the cycling route is noted for its mostly flat terrain and floodplain forests. Here too, it is advisable to check the current route conditions.

The Kolín–Prague railway line passes through Libice nad Cidlinou. For a specific train journey, check your plans against the timetable for your chosen date. Together with the river and route connections, this gives you an idea of which aspects of the town may matter most when planning your trip.

For an overview of the wider area: Nymburk District.