Samopše on the Sázava

Samopše lies in a varied, wooded hilly landscape. The Sázava, along with the Úžický and Talmberský streams, cuts through deep, in places rocky and often winding valleys. Forests dominate the area, with semi-natural areas found in places. Orientation therefore begins not with a single excursion destination, but with the changing landscape of river, forest and historic traces.

Cycling along the Sázava

A marked cycling route runs through the Samopše area along the Sázava–Talmberk–Rataje nad Sázavou corridor. Official Cycle Route 3/A is an approximately 13-kilometre circular route through Sázava, Talmberk, Mrchojedy, Samopše and Budín, returning to Sázava. From Samopše, Route 3/A continues along a path on the right bank of the Sázava to Budín and Sázava. The marked corridor, the circular route and this riverside section describe different forms of route orientation. Route 3/A is laid out as a circular route, while the section from Samopše indicates the further course along the right bank of the Sázava. The approximately 13 kilometres of the loop provide the excursion with a clear framework.

Station, river and hillfort

A route leads from Samopše railway station along the Sázava to Vraník hillfort. The Světlá nad Sázavou–Čerčany railway line runs near the boundary of the Samopše area on the left bank of the Sázava; Samopše railway station is located on the line. The Samopše footbridge provides access to Samopše railway station and to a holiday settlement on the left bank of the Sázava. For orientation on site, the railway station, bridge and route to the hillfort form a logical sequence between the railway line, the Sázava riverbank and the historic destination.

Talmberk and historic traces

Talmberk was first mentioned in written records in 1297; the Lords of Talmberk occupied the castle until the second half of the 15th century. The Gothic Talmberk Castle was built on a rocky promontory and had already been abandoned by the beginning of the 16th century. In the immediate surroundings of Samopše, Mrchojedy is mentioned in an initial record from 1316, with Alvík of Mrchojedy named as the resident landowner. In 1337, part of Mrchojedy belonged to Sázava Monastery. The historic traces thus range from the medieval history of the castle to early records of local settlements.

Named natural features

The regional biocentre RC 940 Přívlacký meander is designated in the Samopše area. In the nearby surroundings, in Přívlaky between Ledečko and Samopše, lies the natural feature known as “Přívlacká mušle”; its narrowest point is 150 metres long. Both names add specifically designated natural features to the description of the landscape.

Other places for orientation

For further places, you can also visit Chlístovice, Staňkovice, Miskovice, Dolní Pohleď, Zhor, Košice U Nepoměřic, Rohozec and Paběnice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kutná Hora District.