The Žehuňský rybník shapes Žehuň’s landscape: at 5.5 kilometres long, it is the largest pond in the Central Bohemian Region. It is also an important habitat for waterbirds. Nature and local history therefore offer different points of interest when choosing where to stay. However, specific conservation rules and seasonal restrictions are also important when planning activities at the pond.

Pond Landscape and Birdlife

A total of 145 bird species breed at the Žehuňský rybník; more than 260 species have been recorded there altogether. These figures distinguish between species that breed at the pond and all species recorded there. Together, they illustrate the importance of this body of water as a habitat for waterbirds. The pond’s length and birdlife make it a defining natural feature of Žehuň.

Sporting activities at the Žehuňský rybník are not permitted for economic reasons. In addition, entering the bankside and littoral vegetation to protect nesting birds is prohibited from 1 April to 31 July. If you are planning activities by the water, check the applicable conditions locally in advance and pay particular attention to the seasonal dates.

Nature and Trails in the Surrounding Area

Near Žehuň, the Kněžičky National Nature Reserve protects thermophilous oak forests, steppe and forest-steppe habitats, and seasonally wet depressions. These habitats are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species. The reserve complements the pond’s natural appeal with a variety of terrestrial habitats.

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. Check trail conditions and markings before setting out. This route offers a different perspective from the view of the Žehuňský rybník: here, the focus is on the hiking trail and access to a natural area.

Church and Ossuary

The present-day Church of St. Gothard was built between 1753 and 1762. It belongs to the East Bohemian, or Hradec, late Baroque artistic circle of František Kermer. The construction dates and artistic classification offer two different insights into the history of the church building.

The Žehuň ossuary was built in 1765–1766 to respectfully preserve bones from graves in the old cemetery; it also served as a mortuary. Inside, human bones are arranged decoratively in a U shape. This building thus combines its historical function with a distinctive form of interior design.

A municipal notice, last updated on 8 April 2026, listed the Church of St. Gothard and the ossuary as temporarily closed. Check current access before visiting.

More Traces of Local History

Near the school stands a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. It was made by František Richter of Hořice and replaced an earlier, deteriorated statue in 1832. The Václavík Mill is among the buildings listed in the Central Register of Immovable Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic.

The area’s ancient history is tangible, too: a Celtic settlement in Žehuň was continuously inhabited from the 6th to the 1st century BC and covered about 12.5 hectares. Another story is linked to the pond’s water level. The remains of the Na Zámečku fortification now lie at the bottom of the Žehuňský rybník. They become visible when the pond is drained before fish harvesting; they are becoming harder to make out with each passing year. Seeing these remains therefore depends on this process.

Discover more destinations: Žiželice, Vitice, Libodřice, Konárovice, Toušice, Dobřichov, Dolní Chvatliny, Libenice

For the wider travel overview: Kolín District.