River Cidlina - Czech republic

spring (source):
Near to Košov u Lomnice nad Popelkou

flow length:
89 km

River description:

Cidlina river springs near to Košov (southwest near to Lomnice nad Popelkou) in an altitude of  580 m of  sea level.  At first, it flows through Turnov Highlands to the south, then continues to East-Bohemian plain, later turns – near to Chlumec - towards  east and afterthat – near to Poděbrady -  is meeting  the river of Elbe. The river-basin of Cidlina makes 1177 km2.

The river streams through moderate undulated countryside , little afforested only. From Bydžov it is a classical plain, quite densily populated. The slope of the river is small, therefore the whole flow belongs to easy and low ground rivers. The river-bed is prevalently clayish and its width does not exceed 20 m in average before the mouth. The difficulty does not exceed ZW step , in spite of the fact that in some places there are small rapids, several metres long, safely navigable.  The weirs are mostly not navigable , and under lower water-levels  there is necessary to go through  mill-race , leading away the water.

As to navigable affluents: we find the rivers Javorka and Bystřice in this river-basin, having the similar character. As to mill-races: we can name Mlýnská Cidlina I and II, which can be used for navigation from time to time.  The Sánský mill-race, which joined Cidlina and Mrlina, is not passable.  Attention while passing Žedhuňský pond, here is a birds´ reservation!

Cidlina could be navigable – in its upper flow from Jičín – at moderately  increased water-level after hard rain. From Chlumec nad Cidlinou the river is navigable all year round.  ¨The stated water-index in Sány is 60 cm (for the section  from Jičín) and 40 cm (for the section from Nový Bydžov) – could the situation a little misrepresented . The water is lead away through canals, on the contrary, the flow is increasing when the ponds are let out.

Cidlina is a pleasant river during autumn navigation and at higher water-levels. The navigation from Jičín is an excursion of several days, for a tour of one day we recommend to use the lower section. River Cidlina is suitable for open boats.

Accommodation:

The only camping place is situated before the mouth into Elbe, on the left side.

We finde accommodation in  bigger places along the river – such as in Jičín, Nový Bydžov, Chlumec and Poděbrady.

Food-supply:

It is available in places: Jičín, Vysoké Veselí, Smidary, Skřivany, Mlékosrby, Nový Bydžov, Chlumec nad Cidlinou, Žiželice, Žehuň, Libice.

First aid:

It os available in health centres  of Jičín, Nový Bydžov, Chlumec, Poděbrady.

Places of interest:

• Jičín: town´s preserved reservation with historical fortifications Renaissance castle of 16th century, re-built in Baroque style,Gothic church, rebuilt in Baroque style
• Nový Bydžov: Neogothic town hall, Gothic church of 14th century,Synagogue with a Jewish cemetery of 16th century
• Chlumec nad Cidlinou: a Baroque castle of 18th century with preserved parka Romanesque church of 12th century, rebuilt in Baroque style, the monument of  peasants´movement
• Žehuň: natural reservation, birds´  breeding place