Kolaje at Oškobrh: Nature and History

Kolaje lies on the northeastern slope of Oškobrh, whose two peaks are separated by a narrow depression. The protected area at Oškobrh is mostly forested and includes thermophilous oak forests as well as xerothermic grasslands on the southwestern slopes. The history of the village dates back to the 18th century.

Key facts about Kolaje

• Kolaje lies on the northeastern slope of Oškobrh.
• The habitat of the stag beetle is protected in the Natura 2000 site.
• Kolaje was founded in 1777 on the pastures of the defunct settlement of Mastnice.

Nature at Oškobrh

Oškobrh is a 94.1636-hectare Site of Community Importance. The habitat of the stag beetle is protected in the Natura 2000 site. The natural area is mostly forested; its habitats include thermophilous oak forests and xerothermic grasslands on the southwestern slopes. There are also exposed marl outcrops.

Kolaje lies on the northeastern slope, while the xerothermic grasslands are on the southwestern slopes of Oškobrh. The nature of Oškobrh therefore includes more than forest: dry, warm open areas and marl outcrops are also among its features. This gives nature enthusiasts a concrete view of the different aspects of a protected landscape.

Local history from its founding to reconstruction

Kolaje was established in 1777 on the pastures of the defunct settlement of Mastnice as part of the Raabization reforms. The settlement was named after Hofrat Jan František Hermann von Hermannsdorf. Historical names for Kolaje included Heřmanice, Heřmanovice, Hermannsdorf, and Heřmandorf. The first written mention dates from 1790; the founding and the written record therefore mark different points in the village’s history.

A fire destroyed more than half of the houses down to their foundations in 1802. The destroyed houses were then rebuilt as masonry houses. The local name “Na kolajích” also refers to an old cart road: it described its poor condition, where one rut ran alongside another.

Archaeological traces at Oškobrh

The archaeological area at Oškobrh includes traces of the defunct medieval settlement of Oškobrhy. One historical interpretation identifies the higher peak as the site of a La Tène-period hillfort from the 1st millennium BC and the lower peak as a Slavic hillfort from the 5th to 6th century.

Remains of a medieval church have been preserved on Oškobrh. The church was later converted into a pilgrimage site in the Baroque period. These different traces add a longer perspective on the history of Oškobrh to the settlement history of Kolaje.

Historic routes and orientation

A local chronicle describes the surviving section of the old Kolínská cesta towards neighboring Oškobrh as almost entirely preserved in its original state. It was once the shortest and most direct connection between the two villages. If you would like to include this historic route in a tour, check current access beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Kněžice, Poušť, Bristvi, Sloveč, Hořátev, Lysa Nad Labem, Vrbová Lhota, Běrunice

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Kolaje

Are there marked hiking trails through Kolaje?

A route description from April 2025 does not mention any marked hiking trails through Kolaje. Check the local trail markings before setting out.

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Nymburk.