Velký Osek offers two distinct starting points for a stay: trails through the Libický luh and local history centred on the Osečka mineral spring and the Catholic church. You can explore the natural surroundings via marked trails and a cycling tour that can be combined with a train journey; in the town, the spring and church provide specific historical landmarks.

Trails through the Libický luh

The České dráhy railway station is on the Praha–Kolín–Hradec Králové line. From the station, a yellow-marked hiking trail follows a paved path to the red Libice nad Cidlinou–Kolín hiking trail. Both trails pass through the Libický luh or a section of the reserve.

There are specific options for cycling, too: the marked trails through the Libický luh are accessible by bicycle. A cycling tour through the Libický and Veltrubský luh can be combined with a train journey. The different connections to the railway are worth considering when choosing between hiking and cycling: the yellow route leads from the station to the red trail, while the cycling tour through both luhs can be combined with a train journey.

The Libický luh is designated a national nature reserve. The designation took effect in the Kolín District on 1 May 1985 and in the Nymburk District on 1 June 1985. Each date applies to a different district, providing a precise historical context for the protected status. Some of the trails described also pass through this protected area.

Osečka mineral spring

The Osečka mineral spring is in a small park on Husovo náměstí and is freely accessible. It was discovered in 1935 and completely renovated in 2025–2026. The two dates mark different chapters in its history: 1935 marks its discovery, while 2025–2026 marks its renovation. The spring’s location in the park on Husovo náměstí gives it a clear connection to the town, distinct from the trails through the Libický luh. If you do not want to plan your stay solely around hiking or cycling routes, Osečka is another specific place to visit.

Church and local history

In front of the Catholic church in Velký Osek stands a Calvary group made of red sandstone. Its location and material provide a tangible architectural link to the town’s history. Construction of the Catholic church was made possible and began in 1934; the church was ceremonially consecrated on 20 June. The interior furnishings were transferred from a deconsecrated church in Bohnice. This brings together several distinct aspects: the building project, the consecration date, the origin of the furnishings, and the sandstone group in front of the church. Bohnice is specifically associated with the furnishings, while the Calvary group stands directly in front of the church in Velký Osek.

These points of interest are easy to distinguish when planning your stay: the railway station is connected to the hiking trail, and a cycling tour can also be combined with a train journey. The spring and church offer their own perspectives on local history. You can decide whether marked trails or the history of the town’s buildings will play a bigger part in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Žabonosy, Pňov-Předhradí, Vrátkov, Mrzky, Třebovle, Klášterní Skalice, Polepy, Polní Voděrady

For the main travel overview: Kolín District.