Choťánky: Nature Monument, Elbe Backwaters and Fortress History

Choťánky can be discovered through two particularly different themes: the Louky u Choťánek landscape and historical traces ranging from archaeological finds to the bell tower. There is also an educational trail to Poděbrady and Cycle Route 8194 to Libice nad Cidlinou. For families who want to include natural surroundings, local history and active excursions in their travel plans, the village therefore offers several clearly defined highlights.

Louky u Choťánek: protected natural area

Louky u Choťánek is a protected nature monument covering an area of 141.5349 hectares. The area protects a mosaic of floodplain meadows, pools, reed beds, and willow and alder groves. The landscape is therefore not limited to a single element: meadows, open water areas, reeds and groves form one jointly protected natural area. Those who want to understand the character of the landscape around Choťánky during their stay will find a concrete starting point here.

The Elbe, backwaters and the Poděbradsko pond network

Choťánky was presumably originally located on the banks of the Elbe. After the Elbe changed its course, backwaters remained. In the 15th century, these backwaters together formed an extensive pond network typical of the Poděbradsko region. This development explains the historical connection between the village and a landscape shaped by watercourses, without presenting the current bodies of water as a single attraction.

Fortress, bell tower and archaeological traces

The Choťánky fortress was mentioned in 1345 as part of the Poděbrady domain. The fortress thus connects two historical contexts: the Poděbrady domain and its later use as the seat of retainers. The fortress known as Kočičí hrádek probably disappeared during the Hussite siege of Poděbrady in 1426. A later, visible landmark in the history of the village is the historic bell tower of Choťánky, built in 1882.

The village's prehistory is also documented. Archaeological excavations showed that Choťánky dates from the same period as Slawnikid Libice. Archaeological excavations along the road from Vrčení to Choťánky uncovered finds from the Neolithic and Hallstatt cultures. The chronological perspective therefore extends far beyond the medieval fortress.

Educational trail and cycle route

The Libice educational trail runs through the Louky u Chotánek nature monument to Poděbrady. Cycle Route 8194 connects Choťánky with Libice nad Cidlinou. The two routes make it easier to choose an active day: the educational trail focuses on the natural area and the connection to Poděbrady, while the cycle route links Choťánky with Libice nad Cidlinou.

Further places for your research

If you would like to expand your search to other places in the same wider area, you can also include Chleby, Milčice, Chotesice, Kovanice, Jíkev, Dvory, Loučeň and Kněžice.

For the wider travel overview: Nymburk District.