Its location at a ford across the Elbe, its medieval urban history and its riverside landscape give Kostelec nad Labem several clearly distinct facets. Thematic connections include historic buildings and Jewish history, as well as floodplain woodland, meadows and wetlands. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to start by deciding whether cultural history, nature or a combination of the two should be the main focus.
Town History and Church Architecture
Kostelec nad Labem is a former royal town of medieval origin, located at a ford across the Elbe. Its historic centre is designated a conservation area. The town’s medieval development and its location on the river thus stand side by side as two defining historical features.
The Church of St. Martin dates back to the second half of the 13th century. It was later remodelled in the Late Gothic style and given Baroque features. It was restored in 1894, and Gothic elements have been preserved. Originally, it served as a parish church; it later became a cemetery church. Its history therefore spans several successive periods and different functions.
The Church of St. Vitus offers a different architectural emphasis: it is a three-aisled Gothic church with a polygonal presbytery and was remodelled in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. By comparison, St. Martin’s can be understood through its origins in the 13th century, its later alterations and its restoration in 1894. Those interested in church architecture will find two different building forms and histories here.
Another way to explore the town’s history is through its Jewish cemetery. It was established in 1594 on the eastern bank of the Martinský Stream in the suburb of Písek. Numerous tombstones of considerable art-historical value have been preserved, including many dating from the last quarter of the 19th century. The year of its establishment and the dates of many of the tombstones thus highlight different periods.
Riverside Landscape and Routes
The Polabí u Kostelce Natural Monument is an exceptionally well-preserved river floodplain. Its characteristic mosaic includes floodplain woodland, meadows, bodies of water and wetlands; numerous rare plant and animal species are also found there. In the northern part of the Kostelec nad Labem area, Staré Labe has the character of floodplain woodland. These descriptions draw attention both to the diverse floodplain mosaic and to the floodplain woodland character of Staré Labe.
There are two differently described options for walking. The Městský informační okruh is a short educational trail that presents the history of Kostelec nad Labem. It has six stops with information boards. A description dated 31 August 2025 gives these route details; they may change. Check the latest route information before setting out.
An infrastructure report dated 29 July 2026 describes the modernised, ten-kilometre section of the Labská stezka between Kostelec nad Labem and Tuhaň as a paved asphalt path that can be used by cyclists and pedestrians. Route conditions can change, so check them before your trip. The difference between the routes is clear: the educational trail offers a concise introduction to the town’s history, while the section of the Labská stezka is ten kilometres long and can be used for cycling or walking.
Cultural history, riverside landscapes and outdoor activities therefore offer different ways to shape a stay in Kostelec nad Labem. You can take these into account when choosing your destination and a suitable holiday apartment.
Discover more destinations: Kanina, Nedomice, Vraňany, Zlosyn, Čečelice, Veltrusy, Kralupy Nad Vltavou, Lobeč.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Mělník.
