Žehuň – Žehuňský rybník, Nature and History

Žehuň combines an extensive waterscape with notable opportunities for observing nature and a multifaceted local history. If, on your trip to the Czech Republic, you are looking for both tranquil landscapes and historical discoveries, the town offers various points of interest to explore.

Žehuňský rybník and Its Birdlife

Žehuňský rybník is the largest pond in the Central Bohemian Region and stretches over 5.5 km. It is considered an important habitat for waterfowl: 145 breeding bird species have been documented there, and more than 260 bird species have been recorded overall. Thus, it is not only the size of the body of water that is significant, but also its importance as a habitat.

Two restrictions are important for orientation on site. Sporting use of Žehuňský rybník is not permitted for economic reasons. In addition, entering the shore and littoral vegetation to protect breeding birds is prohibited from April 1 to July 31. You should take this period into account when planning a nature excursion.

Protected Landscapes and Trails

In the vicinity of Žehuň, the Kněžičky National Nature Reserve protects thermophilous oak forests, steppe and forest-steppe habitats, as well as seasonally wet depressions. These habitats are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species. Together with unmarked field and forest paths, the blue-marked Kolín–Žehuň–Rožďalovice hiking trail provides partial access to the Kozí hůra Natura 2000 site.

The “History of the Knight Prokop” educational trail leads through Žehuň and the surrounding area, is approximately 3 km long, and includes seven information panels on history and nature. At approximately 3 km in length and with seven panels, it combines natural and historical topics along a compact route. However, the educational trail is currently temporarily out of service. The Church of St. Gothard and the ossuary in Žehuň are also currently temporarily closed.

Church, Ossuary, and Baroque Art

The present-day Church of St. Gothard was built from 1753 to 1762. It belongs to the East Bohemian, or Hradec, late Baroque art circle of František Kermer. The church tower offered a view of the surrounding area. The Žehuň ossuary was built in 1765–1766 to preserve, with due reverence, bones from the graves of the old cemetery; it also served as a mortuary. Inside, human bones are decoratively arranged in a U-shape.

Traces of a Distant History

A Celtic settlement in Žehuň was permanently inhabited from the 6th to the 1st century BC and covered approximately 12.5 hectares. A later trace is the Na Zámečku fortification: its remains now lie at the bottom of Žehuňský rybník and become visible when the pond is drained before the fish are harvested. They are becoming harder to recognize from year to year.

Choose More Destinations

The following options are also available for your further selection: Konárovice, Polní Voděrady, Dománovice, Jestřabí Lhota, Dolní Chvatliny, Pňov-Předhradí, Přišimasy and Pečky are also available.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kolín District.