Kolín District spans a wide range of history, from the early medieval site of Stará Kouřim to a document dating from 1261. Renaissance architecture, folk architecture, the Elbe floodplains and the wine tradition of Klučov each add their own character. When planning your trip, you can focus on the themes that interest you most: historical exhibitions, nature, or a closer look at wine and folklore.

History across different periods

The Muzeum Kouřimska presents material on the Slavic, medieval and later history of Kouřim and the surrounding area. A long-term exhibition focuses on the early medieval hillfort of Stará Kouřim. It includes a multimedia zone featuring the documentary films Objevená Kouřim and Za tajemstvím tismického zlatníka. Check before your trip whether the exhibition and films are available.

Several periods of history meet in Kolín. The town centre is designated an urban conservation area, and the Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew is a national cultural monument. The old Jewish cemetery and synagogue are also among the town’s significant cultural monuments. A permanent exhibition at Veigertovský dům traces Kolín’s history from the mid-13th to the mid-19th century. Another exhibition in the Gothic cellars charts the house’s historical and architectural development from the 13th to the 21st century. Also on display is a document issued by Přemysl Otakar II in 1261, considered the oldest surviving mention of Kolín.

Memorial sites also mark historical milestones: the fortifications of Kouřim are a national cultural monument. A hill above Lipany commemorates the 1434 battle, while a monument at Bedřichov commemorates the Battle of Kolín. These sites represent different ways of making the past visible—from surviving structures to a memorial hill.

Architecture, nature and wine traditions

Zámek Radim is a preserved Renaissance residence with distinctive Saxon Renaissance architecture. The Muzeum lidových staveb v Kouřimi offers a different focus, presenting folk architecture monuments from Central, Eastern and Northern Bohemia. Ethnographic programs showcase traditional holidays throughout the year; dates may vary. If you would like to attend a particular program, check the dates in advance.

Nature ranges from extensive floodplain forests to individual bodies of water. Libický luh extends into Kolín District and forms Bohemia’s largest continuous complex of floodplain forest. In Veltrubský luh, the Elbe’s backwaters, with their varying depths, floodplain forests with their preserved tree species composition, and the habitat of the fire-bellied toad are protected. A spring east of Stará Kouřim forms Libušino jezírko. The landscape thus ranges from a vast forest complex and river scenery to a single spring-fed pond.

Wine and trails around Klučov

In 2017, Vinařství Klučov revived a local wine tradition and established a modern winery with a large tasting cellar. It cultivates three vineyard plots: Šutrák, Velká vinice and Malá vinice. A guided tasting includes eight wines from the Klučov vineyards; guided tastings are also offered at NeVinný bar in Kolín. As tasting options may change, check what is currently available in advance.

The traditional events Hroznová koza and Zarážání hory also bring together wine, food and folklore; dates may vary. The Kudrnáčova educational trail runs alongside the vineyards and passes places associated with an ancient hillfort. Check trail signage and access before your visit. This allows you to include winemaking, regional festival traditions and an archaeology-focused theme in your travel plans independently of one another.

Getting around Kolín District

The Prague–Kolín–Česká Třebová railway crosses Kolín District. It is listed under route numbers 010 and 011 and forms part of Czech transit corridors. Kolín is accessible by train for a cycling trip from Kolín to Kutná Hora; heading towards Kutná Hora, the route follows EuroVelo 4. Check current rail and cycling conditions before setting out. From Zásmuky, you can return to Kouřim by bus or continue towards Bečváry or Český Brod for rail connections. Here too, it is worth checking current services in advance.

If you plan to take in a view, Bedřichova vyhlídka is reached by 66 steps; in clear weather, the view extends across the Polabí Lowland. The car park for the viewpoint is about 250 metres from the observation tower. In Sendražice, part of Kolín, you can also ride the historic Řepařská drážka railway. Operating days may vary, so check the current timetable.

Discover more destinations: Ratbor, Velký Osek, Nová Ves-Ohrada, Nova Ves I, Týnec Nad Labem, Kolín, Vitice, Němčice, Žehuň, Cerhenice, Červené Pečky, Český Brod, Horní Kruty, Konárovice, Kouřim, Třebovle, Malotice, Klášterní Skalice, Ohaře, Pečky, Plaňany, Polní Voděrady, Pňov-Předhradí, Poříčany, Přišimasy, Radim, Rostoklaty, Starý Kolín, Svojšice, Zásmuky, Uhlířská Lhota, Krakovany, Býchory, Dobřichov, Dolní Chvatliny, Dománovice, Doubravčice, Drahobudice, Grunta, Nebovidy, Hradešín, Veltruby, Žiželice, Kořenice, Choťovice, Chotutice, Jestřabí Lhota, Křečhoř, Kbel, Klučov, Krychnov, Kšely, Libenice, Libodřice, Tismice, Lipec, Lošany, Masojedy, Toušice, Mrzky, Pašinka, Polepy, Polní Chrčice, Zalešany, Přehvozdí, Přistoupim, Radovesnice Ii, Ratenice, Skvrňov, Tatce, Tuklaty, Tři Dvory, Tuchoraz, Veletov, Volárna, Vrátkov, Vrbčany, Žabonosy, Ždánice, Radovesnice I.

For the broader travel overview: Central Bohemia.