Baroque architecture, protected wetland landscapes and a nature trail through the Elbe Valley give Lysá nad Labem a variety of facets. When planning your trip, you can consider cultural monuments, nature and outdoor activities separately, rather than trying to fit every experience into a single sightseeing focus. The town remains the starting point for your trip when choosing accommodation; which discoveries you combine depends on whether you want to focus on architecture, nature or activity.
Castle, monastery and church art
Lysá nad Labem Castle stands on the site of an earlier fortress and a later Gothic castle. The Baroque renovation was completed in 1738–1739 under František Antonín Špork. Important for planning your visit: the castle interior is not open to the public. The castle park, by contrast, is freely accessible and includes extensive grounds with Baroque sculptures. Opening arrangements may change, so check the conditions before your visit.
The Augustinian monastery complex also tells the story of the town’s Baroque architecture. It was built between 1730 and 1741 under Špork, to designs by architect Bartolomeo Scotti, and completed by Anselmo Lurago. Vineyards have been restored on the reconstructed terraces, and the town produces its wine from their grapes. The terraces also host cultural events. Architecture, today’s cultural program and local wine production come together here.
The Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (Narození sv. Jana Křtitele) was built in the first half of the 18th century to a design by František Maxmilián Kaňka. Statues of saints, Church Fathers, Evangelists and archangels stand along its perimeter wall. The church and wall are protected as immovable cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. For those interested in architecture, they offer another distinct point of interest alongside the castle and monastery.
Nature between wetlands and the Elbe Valley
Hrabanovská černava protects a Polabí wetland landscape with wetland and meadow communities, as well as a population of the highly endangered brown sedge. It is the largest remaining complex of species-rich wetland meadows in Polabí, known in Czechia as “černavy.” The Káraný–Hrbáčkovy tůně Nature Reserve includes part of the cadastral area of Lysá nad Labem. Protected habitats there include natural eutrophic waters, floodplain meadows, calcareous wetlands and mixed floodplain forests; populations of the great crested newt and stag beetle are also protected.
Nature is also part of the permanent exhibition at the Bedřich Hrozný Museum: its final section focuses on natural attractions in Lysá nad Labem and the surrounding area. The exhibition is housed in a reconstructed, Baroque building protected as a cultural monument. Another section presents Bedřich Hrozný’s scientific work and the ancient Near East. If you plan to visit the museum, check the current opening arrangements.
Exploring on foot or by bike
The Naučná stezka Údolím Labe (Elbe Valley Nature Trail) runs between Lysá nad Labem and Čelákovice, mostly on publicly accessible paths, and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. It is 21 kilometers long and has 24 information stations. The trail explains natural and historical features of the Elbe Valley at the places where they can be observed. Check the route in advance, as its configuration may change.
There are other cycling options, each with its own character. A short, family-friendly loop of about 23.7 kilometers passes through pine forests; swimming is possible at the Řehačka nature area. Check route details and swimming conditions before your trip. The cycling routes around Lysá nad Labem are well signposted, and there are several bicycle tire pumps in town. This infrastructure may also change.
Shibak Bike Park is on the outskirts of town in the Šibák area, with prepared trails for mountain bikes and scooters. The trails range from easy, rolling routes such as a pump track to higher jumps. The bike park is open to the public and free for all visitors; check the conditions before your visit, as they may change. The nature trail, loop and bike park thus differ both in their focus and in the routes they offer.
Horse racing and event dates
The racecourse in Lysá nad Labem regularly hosts race days for sports fans, families with children and day-trippers. The Večerní koňská Galashow is held once a year at Výstaviště Lysá nad Labem. If one of these events fits your travel plans, check the specific dates and admission conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kostelní Lhota, Kolaje, Písty, Mcely, Starý Vestec, Bristvi, Stará Lysá, Městec Králové.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Nymburk.
