Samopše is defined by wooded hills and the deeply incised valley of the Sázava. Practical landmarks also help with travel planning: a marked cycle route through the area and the Samopše railway station near the Sázava. The landscape, cycling routes and travel options offer different perspectives on the area.
Wooded hills and river valleys
Samopše lies in a varied hilly landscape dominated by forests. The Sázava and the Úžický and Talmberský streams cut through deep, often winding valleys. Their slopes are rocky in places, alongside areas of natural character. If you take river landscapes and wooded hills into account when choosing a destination, the area has a clear focus on these features.
The regional biocentre RC 940 Přívlacký meander is designated within the Samopše area. If you plan to include this area in your visit, check local conditions and access. A natural feature lies in Přívlaky between Ledečko and Samopše: the Přívlacká mušle. Its narrowest section is 150 metres long.
Cycling routes by course and route type
A marked cycle route runs through the Samopše area along the Sázava–Talmberk–Rataje nad Sázavou corridor. Cycle Route 3/A offers another specific point of reference for planning: it is an approximately 13-kilometre loop via Sázava, Talmberk, Mrchojedy, Samopše and Budín, returning to Sázava. The corridor can thus be identified by its named places, while the description of Route 3/A also specifies that it is a loop and gives its approximate length.
From Samopše, Cycle Route 3/A continues along a path on the right bank of the Sázava to Budín and Sázava. This route description therefore also indicates the course from Samopše, not just the places on the loop. Before setting out, check the signage and route conditions.
Railway station and route orientation
The Světlá nad Sázavou–Čerčany railway line runs along the left bank of the Sázava near the boundary of the Samopše area; the Samopše railway station is on this line. The footbridge provides access to the railway station and to a holiday settlement on the left bank. If travelling by train, check the current timetable before departure.
A route from Samopše railway station follows the Sázava to the Vraník hillfort. This also makes the station a useful point of reference for finding your way along the river. The railway station and footbridge are two specific local landmarks; consider the timetable and route conditions as appropriate for your plans.
Talmberk and the history of the surrounding area
Talmberk is one of the named places along the cycling corridor. The Gothic castle was built on a rocky promontory and had already been abandoned by the beginning of the 16th century. Talmberk was first mentioned in written records in 1297; the Lords of Talmberk lived in the castle until the second half of the 15th century. Taken together, these details trace a chronology from its early mention, through the castle’s use, to its later abandonment.
Mrchojedy also has historical connections to the surrounding area of Samopše. The place is named in its first mention, from 1316, with Alvík of Mrchojedy as a local landowner. In 1337, part of Mrchojedy belonged to Sázava Monastery. These details refer to different relationships: one to a local landowner, and the other to a part of the village belonging to the monastery.
When considering Samopše as a destination, you can weigh up different interests: the wooded hilly landscape and its waterways, the routes, or the historical connections to Talmberk and Mrchojedy. For specific trips, the timetable, signage and local conditions are the practical points to check in line with your plans.
Discover more destinations: Slavošov, Staňkovice, Čestín, Černíny-Krasoňovice, Hostovlice, Hraběšín, Červené Janovice, Adamov U Tupadel.
For the overview of the wider area: Kutná Hora District.
