Valy can be explored through two distinctive themes: the meandering Struha stream and the early history of the vanished settlement of Lepějovice. When looking for a holiday apartment in Valy, it helps to make a simple decision first: would you like your stay to focus more on the natural landscape and walking trails, or on local history and buildings? Both themes have specific waypoints and details.
The Struha and its protected landscape
The Meandry Struhy natural monument lies within the cadastral area of Valy. It protects the naturally developing Struha stream, its bankside vegetation, the floodplain forest and adjacent meadows as part of the natural landscape of the Elbe. The natural monument includes the Struha’s original meandering streambed and the woodland complex around the church of Lepějovice. The watercourse, banks and forest give the natural area its distinct contours.
Trails and getting your bearings
A green hiking trail runs near Valy u Přelouče to the former site of Lepějovice and continues along the meandering Struha stream. Check the trail markings before setting out. The route “When the Landscape Is Born – Meandry Struhy” starts in the municipality of Valy u Přelouče. Both details provide specific points of reference for planning; no walking time or difficulty level is specified.
There is also a named reference point for getting there: Valy u Přelouče stop is listed on the Přelouč–Heřmanův Městec route. Check the timetable before travelling.
Local history and the historic landscape
The early history of Valy is connected with the vanished settlement of Lepějovice, first mentioned in writing in 1167. The green hiking trail leads to the former settlement site, making it a historical trace that can also be explored as a destination.
Another historical reference is the landscape of fishponds: in the mid-16th century, a comparatively large fishpond system was established in the shallow valley of the Zlatý potok near Valy. It comprised four large stocking ponds: Valský, Hluboký, Páral and Lepějovský. This describes the system as it existed at the time and does not specify which ponds remain today.
Buildings and specific details
The Church of the Archangel Michael has a massive square tower with seven storeys. The “Z pěti kanálů” bridge is a protected technical monument dating from 1845. The two structures offer different points of reference for exploring architecture and the history of technology.
The Lepějovice forester’s lodge is located on the site of the vanished settlement of Lepějovice, southeast of Valy and about 100 metres southeast of the church of Lepějovice. It stands alone at the edge of the forest, at a crossroads of farm tracks. Remains of the former Valy fortress survive in house no. 15; its exterior walls contain traces of the old structure. House no. 15 is a private residence.
Choose the focus of your stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Valy, you can first decide what you would like your stay to focus on: the landscape along the Struha and its walking trails, or local history and its buildings. This lets you guide your choice by the specific themes that define Valy, rather than turning individual sights into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Bukovka, Jankovice, Slepotice, Jaroslav, Dříteč, Mikulovice, Rybitví, Živanice
For the broader travel overview: Pardubice District.
