Poušť: Ponds, forest paths and history

Poušť lies on the shore of Jakubský Pond and is surrounded by forests. The pond takes its name from the Church of St. James, which once stood in the settlement of Poušť but no longer exists. Water, forest and traces of history are the themes that shape the settlement and its surroundings.

Ponds, forests and waterbirds

Jakubský Pond is the largest surviving pond in the Dymokury pond system. Its reed-lined meander is a nesting site for many waterbirds. From there, a blue-marked tourist trail leads to the settlement of Poušť. This gives nature lovers the chance to see both the habitat among the reeds and a specific trail connecting it to the settlement.

A nature trail runs around Pustý Pond. A forest clearing offers a view across the entire pond, from dam to dam. Another path runs through an avenue of old lime trees, which is designated a state natural monument. The forest spring lies east of Jakubský Pond, beyond a small railway bridge; this location detail can help you find your way around the area.

Trails with different destinations

When choosing a route, it is worth considering its course and destination. In the area, the blue route continues from Pustý Pond to Komárovský Pond. An alternative hiking route goes around Jakubský Pond along the opposite shore and reaches Činěves railway station. These routes use different landmarks: continuing to another pond, or making a circuit with the railway station as the destination.

Another option is a circular route of about 15 kilometres. It starts in Městec Králové, follows the blue-marked trail towards Poušť, then goes through Záhornice and Vinice before returning to the starting point in Městec Králové. The route description was last updated on 10 May 2023; check current trail conditions before setting out.

Legends and traces of history

According to a local legend, a hermit stayed on an island with his companions to care for a small church. This island is associated with the present-day settlement of Poušť. Another story places the hermit on an island in Jakubský Pond, where he cared for a chapel and rang a small bell. These stories preserve local tradition; they do not describe a visitor attraction available today.

The Záhorská fortress once stood at the archaeological site on Vondrák. An unmarked route of the former sugar factory railway leads to the site. Here, archaeological history meets a route with historical significance; the route is explicitly unmarked.

Jakubský Mill is also associated with architectural and heritage history. Its surviving older ground-floor section was declared a cultural monument in 2007. The mill is one of the few remaining timber-block mills in the Polabí region. A shared war memorial commemorates the settlements of Poušť and Záhornice. These different landmarks—the mill, archaeological site and memorial—complement the area’s nature and trail themes with local history.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Sadská, Mcely, Kounice, Křinec, Chotesice, Činěves, Úmyslovice, Prerov Nad Labem

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Nymburk.