Chleby combines a zoo with church history and a cycling route that passes through the town. If you are weighing up the destination, wildlife, cultural history and cycling offer different points of interest. The zoo provides specific information about its development and various programmes; the churches mark historical milestones, while the bus and cycling route are relevant to planning your journey.
Chleby Zoo: Wildlife and Programmes
Chleby Zoo was founded on 5 June 1997, based on the animal collection previously owned by the Fraňek couple. It is home to more than 420 animals from at least 120 species; these figures may change. Its institutional history is also noteworthy: in 2004, it became the first official non-state zoo in the post-revolution era in the Czech Republic.
The zoo’s hands-on programmes include activities where visitors can try out the work of animal keepers. If you are interested in this practical side of animal care, check availability and booking conditions before making firm plans; both may change.
The zoo offers educational programmes led by an instructor for kindergartens and pupils in the first and second stages of primary school. This is a separate programme area from the hands-on activities for visitors. School-year planning and reservations may change, so groups should confirm dates and reservation conditions in advance.
Plan Your Journey by Bus or Bicycle, or Visit the Waterway
Bus route 673 runs directly from Nymburk railway station to Chleby. This provides a specific option for planning your journey from the station. Check the timetable before travelling to make sure your plans match the service you intend to take.
A cycling route also passes through Chleby: “From Nymburk to the Zoo and Loučeň Castle” is 36 kilometres long in total. The 36 kilometres refers to the entire route, not a section starting from Chleby. Road conditions and waymarking are also relevant when planning your stages; both may change and should be checked before your ride.
The body of water at Chleby is part of the current fishing grounds of the Nymburk anglers. Anyone wishing to fish there should check access and the applicable permit rules in advance. This makes fishing a distinct part of a trip, separate from planning a bus journey or cycling tour.
Churches and Local History
The foundation stone for the Roman Catholic Church of St Lawrence in Chleby was laid on 8 May 1780. The church was completed two years after construction began. The Reformed Toleration Congregation in Chleby was founded in 1783; this adds a distinct point about the congregation’s history to the account of church construction.
The Evangelical Church in Chleby was built between 1885 and 1888 in the Neo-Romanesque style. This adds further architectural details from a later period to the history of the Roman Catholic church and the Reformed Toleration Congregation. Visitors interested in architecture will find specific dates and a named style here; those focusing on the zoo can instead explore Chleby primarily through its wildlife and the programmes on offer there.
Discover more destinations: Vrbice, Oseček, Loučeň, Kounice, Hradčany, Sokoleč, Poušť, Vykáň.
For the broader travel overview: Nymburk District.
