Cycling with the kids to the Vysočina Sea

A cycle trip in the Vysočina region to the largest lake in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands is one of the most popular family routes in the area around Žďár nad Sázavou. The circuit starts at the Pilák leisure centre and ends at Velké Dářko, nicknamed the ‘Sea of the Vysočina’. Before you set off on your bike, don’t forget to pack a snack with your breakfast. At OREA, you can put together a snack to suit your taste and pack it into the bags provided.

Route details

• Length: 24 . 3 km (from the Pilská nádrž car park)

• Bike type: trekking or mountain bike

• Difficulty: easy to moderate

• Elevation gain: 134 m

• Surfaces: tarmac cycle paths, forest and nature trails

Where does the route go?

The trip starts at the Pilská nádrž car park near Tálský mlýn in Žďár nad Sázavou (about 30 minutes’ drive from OREA Resort Devět Skal), from where it is just a few steps to the Pilák complex. From there, the cycle path follows an asphalt surface towards Polníčka. Beyond Polníčka, the route heads towards Velké Dářko pond.

From the crossroads by the Velké Dářko boathouse , head towards Radostín. On the way, you’ll come across a pond guarded by a statue of a water sprite. Passing through Radostín, the route then continues to Račín. From Račín, the loop turns back towards Polníčka and, following the cycle path around the Pilská reservoir, leads back to Pilák.

Mountain bikes can be hired directly from reception at OREA Resort Devět Skal.¨

Tip for young cyclists

The entire circuit is approximately 25 kilometres long, so it’s best suited to children who already have some cycling experience. Technically, it is not a difficult route, but apart from the comfortable cycle path from Pilák to Polníčka, you should also expect a variety of surfaces and sections that do not follow a dedicated cycle path.

For younger children or beginner cyclists, it’s better to choose the shorter option: set off from Pilák via Polníčka to Velký Dářek and return the same way. The route will be shorter, easier to follow and will still take you to the main destination of the trip, namely the ‘Sea of the Vysočina’.