Opolany brings together a tangible connection to nature and several traces of history: Oškobrh is home to protected habitats and prehistoric remains; the Protestant church and cemetery tell the story of the town in the 19th century. The Sánský Canal adds a history of water engineering to this picture. For planning purposes, the destinations are easy to distinguish: a hike to Oškobrh, which can start in Opolany, or the Opolany–Velký Osek educational cycling route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Oškobrh: nature conservation and archaeology
The Oškobrh Natural Monument includes the cadastral area of Opolany. It protects the population of the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and its habitat, as well as xerothermic steppe grasslands, exposed marl deposits and the species associated with these sites. Xerothermic refers to dry, warm site conditions; the term helps identify the steppe grasslands as a distinctive part of the protected area.
A hilltop settlement and a hillfort from several prehistoric periods have been documented in the summit area of Oškobrh. The archaeological site also includes the location of the former Church of St Peter and Paul. A hike to Oškobrh can start in Opolany. The route description was last updated in 2014; check the current trail conditions and access in advance.
Local Protestant history
The Protestant Reformed congregation in Opolany was established in 1885. The Protestant church was built in 1892–1893 and solemnly consecrated on 8 September 1893 by Superintendent J. E. Szalatnay. The Protestant cemetery was established in 1899. Its gravestones share a uniform design, modeled on the cemetery of the Moravian Church in Herrnhut (Ochranov) in Upper Lusatia. The cemetery was declared a state cultural monument in 1989 because of the uniform design of its graves.
The historical periods are clearly distinct: Oškobrh is associated with several prehistoric periods, the canal’s construction is dated to around 1450, and local Protestant history is linked to the founding of the congregation in 1885 and the church and cemetery in the late 19th century.
The Sánský Canal: water engineering and its course
The Sánský Canal has been preserved to this day. Around 1450, Jiří z Kunštátu built it to divert water from the Cidlina River to the Poděbrady ponds. It flows through Opolánky and passes Opolany, Odřepsy, Pátek and Křečkov. Its history thus combines a specific water-diversion purpose with a canal that has survived to the present day.
Opolany–Velký Osek educational cycling route
The educational cycling route provides a safe and convenient connection for pedestrians and cyclists, including tourists, in the area around the municipalities of Opolánky, Opolany, Kánín, Sány and Velký Osek. Information boards and navigation posts help visitors find their way. The route connects two main cycling routes via the newly built motorway embankment and uses existing paths. Before setting out, check local surface conditions and signage.
The two excursion options differ in their destination and purpose: the hike leads to Oškobrh; the educational cycling route connects two main cycling routes. This lets you choose between an outing focused on archaeology and natural landscapes and a route within the cycling network.
Discover more destinations: Vlkov Pod Oškobrhem, Písty, Loučeň, Sokoleč, Senice, Nymburk, Zbožíčko, Vrbová Lhota.
See the regional travel overview: Nymburk District.
