Doubravčice: Hotels and Accommodation

The hillfort near Doubravčice is considered one of the oldest Slavic fortified settlements in Bohemia. The history of the area is connected with medieval castles, abandoned settlements and preserved traces in the Šembera landscape.

History and Townscape

The visible remains of Šember Castle include masonry remnants of the fortification walls on the eastern wall, depressions indicating cellars, remnants of medieval building walls, the site of a half-timbered palace and ramparts. Šember Castle was built on the site of the hillfort in 1357.

Further archaeological traces can be found in Dolánky: an abandoned medieval village with a castle site, an abandoned pond with a dam, a large farmstead and several preserved medieval paths. Dolánky is an abandoned medieval village in a valley through which a small tributary of the Šembera flows, in the eastern part of the cadastral area of the municipality of Doubravčice.

The original form of Doubravčice’s upper village square has been preserved; several well-preserved rural buildings stand there. The first documented written mention of Doubravčice appears in a deed of donation by John of Luxembourg, issued on 25 August 1331 in Tuhošť (Domažlice).

Landscape and Views

The hillfort near Doubravčice lies less than 1 km from the village in the woods above the Šembera. It is situated on a spur up to 60 m high, protected by steep slopes and accessible only from the south.

At the highest point of Doubravčice, near the water tower at the junction of Pod Vodárnou and Nad Lomem streets, there is a broad view of the surrounding area.

Paths and Educational Trails

Yellow and green hiking trails pass through Doubravčice. Below the village, in the Šembera valley, yellow, green and red trails intersect. A red hiking trail also runs through the Šembera corridor; below Tuchoraz, it is complemented by the “Zahrady” educational trail. Doubravčice is also part of a system of marked cycling routes.

Two restored field paths complement the routes through the landscape. The “U hruštičky” field path near Doubravčice is planted with cherry and rowan trees and also includes a pear tree. The “Osičiny (Jabloň)” field path lies at the edge of Doubravčice in the direction of Mukařov and was renovated in 2013; fruit trees and shrubs grow there.

The “Údolím Šembery” educational trail, opened on 10 September 2011, is equipped with 12 information panels, interactive elements and questions for children and adults. It is approximately 8.5 km long, is considered easy to moderately difficult and is recommended for families with children.

The Šembera is navigable almost all year round when the water level is somewhat higher, though conditions are better when the ponds are being drained. Because the riverbed is overgrown in places and trees have to be carried around, the journey is slow.

Sports and Dining

The multifunctional playground and sports field offers facilities for basketball, volleyball, foot tennis and floorball, as well as fitness equipment for adults.

Doubravčická hospoda has 60 seats and a garden with a children’s playground. Hot meals and a daily menu are available.

More Destinations

More destinations: Radovesnice I, Kolín, Vitice, Nová Ves-Ohrada, Masojedy, Nebovidy, Žehuň, Mrzky.

To the main travel overview: Kolín District.