A weekend in the Vysočina Region: an itinerary for 2–3 days
During a two- to three-day trip to the Vysočina region, you can climb the highest peak of the Žďárské vrchy hills, go for a cycle ride and take a dip in a pond. You’ll also visit nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, the pilgrimage church on Zelená hora and the historic centre of Telč.
Before you set off on your trip, don’t forget to pack a snack at breakfast. At OREA, you can put together a snack to suit your taste and pack it into the bags provided.
Day 1: A trip to Devět skal
On the first day, set off on foot to conquer Devět skal, the highest peak of the Žďárské vrchy hills at an altitude of 836 metres and one of the peaks in the Koruna Vysočiny hiking project. It consists of nine distinctive rock formations, from which it takes its name. On the main rock block, there is a viewing platform with a railing offering views towards the River Svratka.
From OREA Resort Devět Skal, you can choose from several possible routes and, depending on your fitness level, visit other nearby peaks and spend an active day in the countryside. After returning from your trip, you can treat yourself to some wellness at OREA Resort Devět Skal.
Day 2: Cycling trip through the Žďárské vrchy
Plan a cycling trip for the second day. You can hire mountain bikes or scooters for children and adults directly at reception, whilst you can store your own bike in a lockable bike shed. Take the children on the Fryšávka Valley route, a moderately challenging circuit around Jimramov and Sněžné, covering just under 18 kilometres. More experienced cyclists can tackle the longer ‘To the Springs and Deep Forests’ route, a moderately challenging 34.5-kilometre loop via Tři Studně, Herálec, Křižánky and Milovy. On your return, there’s no need to travel anywhere else – simply head down to Milovský Pond, right next to the hotel, for a swim.
Day 3 (bonus): Zelená hora, or perhaps Telč?
On the third day, head to Žďár nad Sázavou. The main destination is the pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora, a masterpiece by Jan Blažej Santini that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. If you have time for a full-day trip, you can carry on to Telč. The historic centre, with its triangular square and arcades, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but Telč Castle, with its Renaissance-style state rooms and extensive park, is also well worth a visit.
Photo credits:
© CzechTourism – media bank, photographer: Libor Sváček / MCU Publishing
© CzechTourism – media bank, photographer: Aleš Motejl
Hotels nearby
At an altitude of 836 metres, Devět skal is the highest peak in the Žďárské vrchy hills. It consists of three elongated rocky ridges with nine towers and three smaller turrets. The name of the place refers to the nine distinctive rock formations. On the main one is a viewing point with a railing, offering views across the valley of the upper Svratka and the surrounding forests. The summit is also one of the stops on the ‘Koruna Vysočiny’ hiking trail.
Milovský Pond was established in 1610 by Vilém Dubský of Třebomyslice in the Milovská Basin, below the main ridge of the Devět Skal. The pond covers an area of 6.5 hectares and has a maximum depth of 4 metres. Today, it is one of the most popular natural swimming spots in the Žďárské vrchy hills.
Stříbrná studánka is a spring on the green tourist trail, south-east of the summit of Žákova hora. The water flows from it into the Břímovka, a tributary of the Svratka, although the spring is often mistakenly regarded as the source of the Svratka itself. It was here, on 27 June 1970, that the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area was officially declared; the decree was signed on the spot by President Ludvík Svoboda.
The pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora was designed by the architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel and built between 1720 and 1722 in the Baroque-Gothic style. Its floor plan, in the shape of a five-pointed star, is unique, surrounded by a cloister in the shape of a ten-pointed star. The church has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
The historic centre of Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is centred around the triangular Zachariáš z Hradce Square, lined with Renaissance and Baroque town houses featuring arcades. The old town is flanked on two sides by the Štěpnický and Ulický ponds, which, together with the town walls, once served as defences. Among Telč’s main attractions is also the Renaissance chateau with its state rooms, garden and extensive English-style park featuring a greenhouse.
