Přerovská hůra

Přerovská hůra is a rocky witness hill rising above the village of Přerov nad Labem, in the Nymburk District of the Central Bohemian Region. It stands about 1 km northeast of the village's chateau, reaching 237 m above sea level and towering more than 50 m over the flat Elbe (Polabí) lowland — a striking, solitary landmark visible from a distance across the surrounding fields.

What is this place?

Přerovská hůra is one of three so-called witness hills that together form the protected landscape group known as Polabské hůry, alongside Semická and Břístevská hůra, spread across the cadastral territories of Přerov nad Labem, Semice, and Bříství. The whole complex, covering nearly 25 hectares, was declared a specially protected area in 2018, preserving one of the last remaining stretches of "white slopes" in the region — sun-exposed, calcareous hillsides supporting rare steppe-like, heat-loving vegetation.

What will you see?

The south-facing slopes of Přerovská hůra host rare, protected steppe and xerothermic plants, including goldilocks aster, feather grass, mouse garlic, and autumn gentian — species typical of dry, sun-baked grassland that has become scarce elsewhere in this part of Bohemia. Among the wildlife recorded here are a dark-colored chafer beetle, the European mantis, the agile frog, and the sand lizard — all species tied to warm, dry habitats that are increasingly rare across the Elbe lowlands. The hill is also listed among the Czech Republic's significant geological localities, and under the name "Bílá hůra" it is known as a site of archaeological finds, pointing to human presence in the area since ancient times.

How to get there?

Přerov nad Labem is a small village of around 1,300 residents in the Nymburk District of the Central Bohemian Region. The best starting point for a visit is the village center near the chateau, from which a short, roughly one-kilometer path leads northeast up to Přerovská hůra. The surrounding countryside is flat, so driving to the village and continuing on foot is the most convenient way to reach the hill.

When to visit?

Spring and summer are the best seasons, when the heat-loving steppe plants on the south-facing slopes are in bloom and the longer daylight hours make for pleasant walking. Autumn brings quieter visits, with fewer people around — a good option for travelers looking to enjoy the site away from busier trails.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Přerovská hůra? It's a witness hill in the Nymburk District, part of the protected Polabské hůry area, known for its rare steppe vegetation on south-facing slopes.

Can visitors walk up to it? Yes — the hill lies close to the center of Přerov nad Labem and is reachable on foot, though as a protected area it calls for respecting the local plants and wildlife.

What makes this site special? Rare, protected steppe plants and dry-habitat animal species, along with recognition as a notable geological and archaeological locality.

How large is the wider Polabské hůry protected area? It covers nearly 25 hectares and links three hills: Přerovská, Semická, and Břístevská hůra.