Lelekovice – Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Lelekovice combines protected nature, diverse trails and remarkable evidence of the area's history. Around Babí lom, hiking and forest trails lead through a distinctive landscape; at the same time, the church, pilgrimage routes and the abandoned castle recall the area's long history. Those looking for accommodation in Lelekovice can therefore plan their stay according to their preferred focus: nature experiences, active trails or cultural discoveries.

Nature and Trails around Babí lom

The Babí lom Nature Reserve also includes the cadastral area of Lelekovice. It protects a geologically and geomorphologically unique rock formation as well as near-natural to natural forest communities. The area is also significant from an ornithological perspective. In the Babí lom area, there are climbing walls of lower difficulty, hiking trails and forest paths for recreational activities. A prominent attraction is the freely accessible Babí lom observation tower, which has been open to visitors since 15 May 1961. For a longer hike, the Stezka zdraví is a good option. It leads from Mokrá Hora via forest paths through the Ponávka Valley to Lelekovice, is 9.3 kilometres long and runs mostly through the forest or along its edge. The route has only gentle inclines, is suitable for all age groups and has its own appeal in every season. This also makes it possible to treat the route as an independent excursion focus, without demanding climbs determining its character. Another option is the Pěšina educational trail route. It runs from the terminus of bus line 41 in Poňava to the crossroads near Jehnice. Information boards along the route provide details about the area's plant and animal species. Approximately halfway along the route, there is a small seating area. In Lelekovice, the pilgrimage route project also includes a nature trail with views of the village and the Church of St. Philip and James.

Church, Pilgrimage Routes and Castle

The Church of St. Philip and James is the oldest surviving building in Lelekovice; its origins date back approximately to the mid-13th century. Its core has Romanesque-Gothic characteristics, and the church is also included on the list of state-protected immovable monuments. A cultural and historical hike leads along the Sedmiradostná pilgrimage route between this church and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vranov. Seven chapels line the route and symbolise the joys of the Virgin Mary. The medieval Lelekovice Castle also offers an insight into the area's past. It is a systematically researched castle ruin that has since been abandoned. It is first mentioned in written records from the mid-14th century; at the beginning of the 15th century, it already appears as deserted. Low walls remain on the site, illustrating the castle's location and layout. An information board is located at the edge of the site, while castle models are also displayed in the village square and at the municipal office.

Cycling Routes with Historical Connections

The “In the Footsteps of Defunct Railways” cycling route runs mostly along the former routes of discontinued or relocated railway lines and passes through Lelekovice. The Petra Bezruč Beer Trail runs mainly through forests on asphalt and gravel paths and largely away from road traffic. Thus, these routes focus not only on exercise, but also on former transport routes and the forest landscape. For more travel ideas, you can also view Pozořice, Želešice, Boudy, Neslovice, Skryje, Rozdrojovice, Kovalovice and Opatovice.

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.