Křtiny: Church, Karst Valley and Trails in the Moravian Karst

Křtiny between a Baroque Church and Karst Landscape

Křtiny lies at the upper edge of the Josefovské údolí karst valley. The town combines a distinctive church complex with walking trails, an extensive arboretum and special insights into the landscape of the Moravian Karst. This makes it possible to plan a stay around different interests: culture in the town, walks with views, nature observation or a trip to a cave.

Culture with Unusual Details

The Church of the Holy Name of Mary is open to the public year-round. The Baroque monument was designed by Jan Santini-Aichel; the church also houses a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary of Křtiny. Another special place is the Křtiny Ossuary. It contains the remains of hundreds of medieval residents of Křtiny, as well as several skulls decorated with enigmatic ornaments.

The Zvonohra is also part of the town's cultural distinctiveness. It has 33 bells and can be programmed with up to 1,000 songs. In addition to the church's architecture and historic furnishings, Křtiny therefore offers another independent experience that is not limited to an ordinary town tour.

Walk, Cave and Viewpoints

The Radostná cesta is a walking trail approximately two kilometres long with an elevation gain of 50 metres. Several viewpoints offer views of the church and town centre. Its length, elevation difference and viewpoints make the route a clearly defined way to explore Křtiny on foot, without describing the walk merely through a general promise of scenic landscapes.

Výpustek Cave is located about two kilometres from the centre of Křtiny and can be reached by bicycle or car. There, visitors can travel 40,000 years back through history. When choosing a day trip, this creates a clear contrast between a route with views of the town and an excursion centred on the cave's history.

Arboretum with an Educational Trail and Wood Art

Křtiny Arboretum covers 23 hectares. Around 1,000 native and exotic tree and shrub species are cultivated there. The grounds also feature more than 25 wooden sculptures and objects created by students of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University in Brno. The “Domácí dřeviny” educational trail places additional emphasis on native woody plants. The arboretum thus combines size, plant diversity, design and education into a distinct visitor experience.

More Options for Active Days

Koupaliště Křtiny is located in the valley of the Křtinský potok stream. The grounds offer free permanently installed parasols, outdoor play equipment for children and a swing, as well as changing rooms, toilets and outdoor showers. For cyclists, the cycling network in the Moravian Karst passes through Křtiny on a recommended route via Hádek towards Adamov.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Křtiny, the experiences you want can therefore determine the right focus: the church and town centre, the Radostná cesta walking trail, the arboretum, Výpustek Cave, Koupaliště or the recommended cycling route. For more destinations in the same overview: Doubravice Nad Svitavou Doubravice Nad Svitavou, Petrovice Petrovice, Cetkovice Cetkovice, Dolní Lhota Dolní Lhota, Sebranice Sebranice, Skalice Nad Svitavou Skalice Nad Svitavou, Kulirov Kulirov and Bedřichov U Lysic Bedřichov U Lysic.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Blansko.