From Libice to Poděbrady along the Cidlina and Labe riverside footpath: a 7 km trip

• Discover a little of Bohemia’s early medieval past on this easy walk along the scenic cycle and hiking path that runs between the historic towns of Libice and Poděbrady for 6 km directly beside the Cidlina and Labe rivers. In the 10th century AD, the Slavic house of Slavníkovci took control of much of northeastern and southern Bohemia, ruling their domains from the strongly fortified settlement at Libice nad Cidlinou. The settlement, constructed at the confluence of the Cidlina and Labe rivers, has actually been an important Slavic site since the 8th century AD.
• Little remains visible of ancient settlement today – just the raised outline of where the 3 km of circumference walls once stood, and the floor plan of early medieval churches constructed within the settlement. However, a virtual tour is available describing life in the settlement in the 10th century and there is more information in the Memorial Hall in the center of Libice nad Cidlinou village. The settlement lost its importance by the 12th century – it had been sacked at the end of the 10th century when the Přemyslid house which controlled much of central Bohemia conquered the territories of the Slavníkovci to unite Bohemia under one ruling house
• As both Libice and Poděbrady are on a mainline train route (with direct trains from Prague) and there are frequent trains between the two stations, it is easy to make this a one way trip if desired. Starting in Libice is recommended as walking towards Poděbrady allows full appreciation of the approaching majestic chateau. For more information about the important medieval town of Poděbrady, see the separate walk page.
• Finishing in Poděbrady also gives the option of sampling one of several excellent refreshment options in town at the end of the walk – try the Cucina jídlo&víno restaurant in the pedestrian spa area or the boutique café on the main square located in the highly rated Design Pension Twenty. If the weather is good, there are also a couple of outdoor bistros directly by the river, including U Přívoz (at the junction of the Cidlina and Labe rivers, just 2 km from Libice) and close to Poděbrady, the popular modern U Lupiče.
• The route between Libice and Poděbrady is on asphalt footpaths, so is easily managed with a stroller. The distance between the two stations is 7.6 km, as they are both slightly outside the center of the towns, but finishing at Poděbrady station means the final section is through the attractive pedestrian park area, with its elegant Art Nouveau spa buildings and numerous cafés and restaurants.
• Finally, if wanting a longer walk, consider extending the trip by walking the next 8 km of riverside path, from Poděbrady to Nymburk (that trip is described here), or simply walk back to Libice (there are a couple of nature trail diversions as alternative options to the riverside path – these are particularly attractive in spring time).

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Starting atLibice railway station, walk southwards along Na Okrajku street for 300m to reach the Cidlina river. Here turn right joining the GREEN hiking trail
• Follow the GREEN trail for 250m into the village center and there turn onto the RED trail in the direction of Poděbrady
• After 200m the Memorial Hall is on the left and after another 200m reach the entrance road up to the Slavic fortress area – there are several information boards at this spot
• After visiting the site of the Slavic settlement return back to the trail junction and continue on the RED trail which meets the Cidlina river again after 900m
• Continue on the riverside footpath beside the river to reach to confluence with the Labe in 500m (here is the U Přívoz pub)
• Continue on the Labe riverside path, still marked RED, for 3.7 km to reach Poděbrady chateau
• Just past the chateau on the embankment path there is a short flight of steps leading up to the car park beside the chateau. Take these steps and then walk through the car park to reach the main square
• On the opposite side of the square is a walkway – Divaldelní – which leads directly to the pedestrian spa and park area
• Walk through the park area to reach the train station in 800m