Semice: Nature, Trails and Culture

The protected area of the Polabské hůry preserves well-preserved examples of the white slopes of the Elbe region, which serve as refuges for many endangered plant and animal species in a landscape dominated by intensive agriculture. It also protects semi-natural dry grasslands, shrub formations on calcareous soil and extensively mown meadows ranging from the lowlands to the foothills.

On the summit of Semická hůra, the area includes thermophilous fringe species alongside small stands of black pine. Semická hůra (Semice nad Labem) is a hill in the vicinity of Semice.

The hills of Zálužník (Kounice), Jalovčí (Milovice-Benátecká Vrutice) and Kateřina (Milovice nad Labem) lie around Semice. These terms classify different natural features: protected area, dry grasslands, shrub formations, meadows and hills each represent separate levels of landscape description.

Excursion tips in Semice include the educational trail “Krajinou Rudolfa II.” A red-marked hiking route leads through Semice to Hradišťko and Nymburk. The cycling route “Na kole mezi Prahou a Kolínem” leads to Semice and there points towards Hradišťko, Sadská and Kersko.

For planning a day trip, the three trail formats can first be distinguished by activity type and then by their route. The educational trail, hiking route and cycling route provide different details that can be used to organize your own plans.

The trail options differ not only in their activity but also in the directions mentioned: the hiking route connects Semice with Hradišťko and Nymburk, while the cycling route points towards Hradišťko, Sadská and Kersko. Thus, the educational trail, marked route and cycling route remain identifiable as distinct forms of exploring the landscape.

At the same regional level, you will also find Dvory, Košík, Čilec, Choťánky, Budiměřice, Křečkov, Třebestovice and Žitovlice.

During the Thirty Years’ War, Swedish troops destroyed and burned the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in 1641. In 1731, the church was built on the site of an earlier church; it is a Baroque building with a mansard tower.

The Šáteček children’s folk ensemble was founded in 1985 at the primary school in Semice and is dedicated to the folklore of the central Elbe region. Šáteček consists of two dance groups and a music group, which perform together in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Those approaching the town through culture can distinguish between a specific building, its architectural history and a folk ensemble. The historical and cultural connections are not limited to Semice itself.

In the wider regional surroundings of Semice lies Práče, a fortress. U Svatého Vojtěcha, a church, is also located in the wider regional surroundings of Semice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nymburk District.