Zeleznice: Historic Centre and Trails on the Edge of the Český Ráj Protected Landscape Area

Železnice: Town Centre and Railway Connection

The centre of Železnice was declared an urban heritage conservation zone in 1990. The town gained a railway connection in 1903, when railway operations began on the Jičín–Turnov line. The 1903 railway connection adds a transport-history milestone to the older architectural and ecclesiastical history.

A Unified Townscape with an Older Core

After the great fire of 1826, Železnice was rebuilt according to plans by master builder Jan Hertner in a unified Neoclassical style. Much of this development has survived and forms a unique Empire-style urban ensemble. The town centre is therefore defined not only by individual buildings, but by the preserved interplay of the square, church, mill, and houses. The Church of St Giles was rebuilt in the Baroque style from 1727 to 1739; its tower incorporates original Romanesque ashlar blocks. Its first written mention dates from the 13th century. Those interested in architectural history encounter several periods in the town centre: Romanesque ashlar blocks in the church tower, a Baroque reconstruction, and a Neoclassical rebuilding. On Svobody Square, the town hall is one of the cultural monuments, as is the Oldřich-Prášila Mill.

A Museum Spanning Archaeology and 1866

The Vlastivědné muzeum a galerie in Železnice is housed in an Empire-style house from 1816 next to the Church of St Giles. Its archaeology exhibition reaches back to the Neolithic period, while the palaeontology exhibition goes back to the Palaeozoic Era. Another exhibition is devoted to the Prussian-Austrian Battle of 1866, which took place in the fields near Železnice. The exhibitions therefore link very different periods: from the Neolithic and the Palaeozoic Era to the history of the 1866 battle. A nature trail about the Battle of Jičín of 29 June 1866 also runs nearby.

Hands-on Activities and Exploring the Town

At the Roubená chalupa, you can try spinning on a spinning wheel and watch weaving demonstrations. The interior is wheelchair accessible; a separate tour of the cottage can be arranged. The Naučná stezka po městě Železnici is a town walk featuring numerous questions and a final puzzle. Exploring the town therefore combines a practical demonstration with a playful urban walk. The brochure for it is available free of charge at the Kupecký krám of the Vlastivědné muzeum in Železnice. The Kupecký krám also serves as the tourist information office for Železnice and its surroundings. The activities offered by Za pověstmi Českého ráje are primarily designed for families with children aged 4 to 8.

Hiking and Cycling on the Edge of Český Ráj

Železnice lies on the edge of the Český Ráj Protected Landscape Area and is a starting point for hiking trails. The nearby and wider surroundings offer routes for cycle tourism. A Valdice–Železnice cycling and pedestrian path connection is planned: it is intended to run as a lit shared path for pedestrians and cyclists as far as the local road in Těšín.

Discover More Places

If you would like to continue your research beyond Zeleznice, you can find more destinations here: Butoves, Mladejov V Cechach, Ostroměř, Ohaveč, Chyjice, Holín, Brdy and Ostružno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Jičín.