Jindřichův Hradec 1: Discover Jindřišské údolí and Blažejov

Jindřichův Hradec 1 offers a remarkable combination of wooded landscapes, marked trails and medieval traces. The character of the surroundings is particularly evident in Jindřišské údolí: the approximately 7 km-long valley area leads from Jindřiš through the area below Blažejov to Malý Ratmírov.

Discovering Jindřišské údolí on foot

Jindřišské údolí is divided into two sections of approximately 3.5 km each: from Jindřiš to Pod Blažejovem and from Pod Blažejovem to Malý Ratmírov. The route from Jindřichův Hradec to Malý Ratmírov first crosses the wilder section of the valley and then reaches the dam of Ratmírovský rybník. An important restriction is documented when choosing a suitable excursion: the marked path through the valley is suitable for pedestrians only, and the lower section of the valley in particular cannot be cycled.

The Jindrova naučná stezka provides another point of reference. It runs via Jindřiš and Blažejov to Malý Ratmírov. All information boards also feature a dedicated children's section for preschool children and younger schoolchildren. This means that the educational trail combines the route through the landscape with age-appropriate information, without requiring a second destination for the experience.

Woodland landscape and Ratmírovský rybník

The valley is characterized by block scree forests, fir stands and relict pine forests. Protected plant and animal species also contribute to the exceptional diversity of this natural area. At Malý Ratmírov, Ratmírovský rybník lies directly on the Hamerský potok; Malý Ratmírov belongs to the municipality of Blažejov. The pond is currently used as an important recreational pond.

Vítkův hrádek and the history of Blažejov

Below Blažejov, you can visit the remains of Vítkův hrádek on a rocky promontory above the Hamerský potok. The medieval watch castle dates from the first half of the 13th century. From Blažejov, the remains are easily accessible via a marked hiking trail. Vítkův hrádek is considered an important archaeological site in the municipality of Blažejov: the triangular castle core was protected by a rampart and moat and preserves the remains of a wall and a palas with so-called ear-shaped masonry.

A distinctive cultural feature in Blažejov is the Church of Saint Elizabeth. It was originally an early Gothic building from the second half of the 13th century. The portal on the ground floor of the tower dates from around 1300. In 1863–1864, the church was extended and remodeled in the pseudo-Romanesque style. Its documented architectural features include the single-nave masonry building, the polygonal presbytery, the buttresses and the west tower.

Further destinations for your research

For further travel planning, you can also view Hrutkov, Hříšice, Polště, Písečné U Slavonic, Hamr, Rodvínov, Bednárec and Studená U Telče.

For the overview of the broader area: Okres Jindřichův Hradec.