Slana combines a valley landscape framed by hills with tangible traces of its architectural, craft and cultural history. Its themes range from rocks and streams to village heritage and marked cycling and hiking trails. The Tyl Slaná theatre group also adds a changing cultural programme to the character of the area.
Valley and Watercourse
Slana lies in a valley framed by hilly terrain. Its geology includes Permo-Carboniferous rocks of the late Palaeozoic, including melaphyre, as well as local Tertiary formations with basalt intrusions. The landscape is therefore shaped not only by its valley form but also by its varied rock formations.
The Hořenský potok flows through the municipality from west to east. Its source is near Tuháň, a district of Stružinec; in the district of Bořkov, it flows into the Oleška. The stream is 2.73 kilometres long. Its source, course through Slana and confluence near Bořkov give it a clear local connection.
Architectural and Cultural Heritage
Beside the primary school building stands an iron cross cast in 1840. Its base is made of grey sandstone and was crafted by Jan Zeman of Žernov. House No. 43 in Slana is also a listed monument. There is a bell tower in the cemetery, and the district of Bořkov is home to the well-preserved log houses Nos. 5, 25 and 45. These examples show different forms of architectural heritage: from the combination of iron and sandstone to wooden log houses.
A biographical trace also forms part of the local cultural history: the academic painter Vladimír Komárek was born in Hořensko, a district of Slana. This connection complements the architectural landmarks with the story of a person associated with the area.
Flax and Craftsmanship in Local History
Flax cultivation was once one of the few sources of income for the ancestors of people in this poor area around Slana. The flax was processed at home. According to the records in the municipal chronicle, Josef Ducháč of House No. 17 was the last handloom weaver, working at a handloom until 1914. Cultivation and processing shed light on two different aspects of this former livelihood: agriculture and domestic crafts.
Trails and Cultural Programme
Cycling Route No. 4175 passes through Slana and connects the area with the Český ráj and Krkonoše regions. Two marked hiking trails also lead from Slana to different destinations: the blue-marked route leads to Lomnice nad Popelkou, while the green-marked route leads to Jilemnice. This lets you distinguish the hiking options by destination and trail colour. Check the route numbers, trail markings and local conditions before setting out by bike or on foot.
The repertoire of the Tyl Slaná theatre group consists mainly of comedies. The group also stages performances by its own and visiting companies, social evenings and musical events. Specific performances and dates vary; check the programme in advance if you would like to plan a visit during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Libštát, Rovensko Pod Troskami, Stepanovice, Jesenný, Sekerkovy Loučky, Chutnovka, Martinice V Krkonosich, Rochlitz An Der Iser.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Semily.
