Choťovice – Nature, Cultural Heritage and Cycling

Choťovice is a destination for travelers who want to combine nature, local history and cycling. The main attractions are Žehuňský rybník with its protected habitats, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Cycle Route 4199. This brings nature and cultural themes together in one place, allowing you to combine different interests.

Protected Nature at Žehuňský rybník

Since 2004, the municipal area of Choťovice has been part of the Žehuňský rybník – Obora Kněžičky Natura 2000 Special Protection Area for birds. Among other species, it protects the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the spotted crake (Porzana porzana), as well as their habitats. The area is important as a breeding site for 131 bird species and as a migration area for waterfowl and birds of prey. As a result, wetlands and birdlife shape the municipality’s natural character.

The Žehuňský rybník National Nature Monument includes the cadastral area of Choťovice. It protects reed beds, wet to mesic meadows, calcareous fens, as well as rare and endangered animal species, especially birds, and plants. Žehuňský rybník was probably created in 1492 by King Vladislaus Jagiellon and also serves a recreational function. The protected reed, meadow and wetland areas give the water body a distinctly different character from ordinary excursion destinations.

Another natural area is the Dománovický les Natura 2000 site. It protects unique forest communities, as well as populations of the lady’s-slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) and the hermit beetle (Lucanus cervus). It is also home to the only known site of the scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) in the Czech Republic. Thus, the nature around Choťovice includes both wetland habitats by the pond and distinctive forest communities.

A Church with Medieval Roots

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was first documented in 1357 and was formerly also known as the Church of the Mother of God. After the earlier church building was destroyed by lightning, it was rebuilt or extensively reconstructed in the early Baroque style after 1670. On June 24, 2006, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic officially declared it a cultural monument. Its history therefore combines medieval tradition, a turning point caused by its destruction and a later Baroque construction phase.

Choťovice with a Cycle Route and Events

At Rybníček v Neckách, there is a cycling rest area on Cycle Route 4199. It runs from Libice nad Cidlinou to Urbanice near Hradec Králové. When planning your trip, you can take this cycling connection into account alongside nature and culture.

In Choťovice, the Pohádková cesta is one of the regular events. The Libněveská řepařská drážka is also part of the local history; its operation was discontinued in 1959. In this way, a present-day event and a completed chapter of transport history complement the destination’s nature and cultural themes, without limiting your stay to a single area of interest.

Which Accommodation Matches Your Travel Interests?

When looking for accommodation in Choťovice, it is helpful to first ask which focus should define your stay: protected nature, the church and local history, or cycling.

More Destinations for Orientation

For further orientation in the destination area, you can also find Žiželice, Vrátkov, Velký Osek, Kouřim, Dománovice, Pečky, Mrzky and Třebovle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kolín District.