Nedvedice: Pernštejn Castle, Marble and Educational Trails

Nedvědice combines medieval history, regional craftsmanship and paths through the landscape of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. The most prominent feature is Pernštejn Castle: an exceptionally well-preserved medieval castle that was once the seat of the Lords of Pernštejn. Together with exhibitions, viewpoints and two educational trails of different lengths, it creates a destination where you can combine culture and outdoor activity.

Pernštejn Castle and the History of Nedvědice

In Pernštejn, you can trace the development of the seat through several periods. It evolved from a simple castle construction through a late Gothic fortress and a Renaissance palace to a Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical residence, as well as the Romantic style of the 19th century. Nedvědice itself also has a long history: the oldest written record dates from 1350. The settlement probably arose below the seat of the Lords of Pernštejn.

Silver Coin Hoard and Marble Tradition

Since September 2018, the permanent exhibit “Expozice stříbrného mincovního pokladu” has been housed in the historic House No. 32 in Nedvědice. The exhibition contains all 284 coins found in 2016 near the settlement of Dolní Čepí, not far from Nedvědice. This gives the local history a very tangible focal point that differs from the architecture of the castle.

Another focus is marble from Nedvědice. On display are white, blue, grey and pink marble, original stone-cutting tools, and information panels about the history of local marble quarrying and processing. Stonework was historically the best-known craft in Nedvědice. Marble from Nedvědice was used in the reconstruction of Pernštejn Castle and the church in Doubravník.

Landscape, Gardens and Viewpoints

The entire cadastral area of Nedvědice and Pernštejn belongs to the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. On the south-western slope of Pernštejn Castle lies a renovated garden that combines different garden styles in mountainous terrain unusual for a garden. This ensemble includes a formal French garden, a romantic garden, an Anglo-Chinese area and woodland sections.

For a view of the castle, the “Skalní vyhlídka” viewpoint on the path from Pernštejn to Sejřek is a good choice. In 2015, as part of the educational trails, it was professionally reconstructed with a stone staircase, offers an unusual view of Pernštejn Castle and is freely accessible year-round. The Maria Laube viewpoint is also called Mařenčino loubí and lies on the yellow-marked hiking trail towards Věžná. It can be reached from Pernštejn Castle in about ten minutes on foot and also offers a view of the castle.

Educational Trails for Walks and Bike Tours

The two educational trails differ in their routes and length. The red educational trail “Naučná stezka I” leads from Nedvědice to Pernštejn Castle and back over 4 km. The blue educational trail “Naučná stezka II” runs for 5.2 km from Pernštejn via Smrček to Nedvědice. With 19 stops, “Naučná stezka I” connects sights and natural attractions in the surroundings of Pernštejn Castle. The educational trails are suitable for walks and bike tours and are equipped with benches, shelters and bicycle stands. The different route lengths help you compare the option that best suits your day’s plans without equating the two trails.

Orientation for Your Stay

The Tourist Information Centre in Nedvědice provides information about cultural, historical and natural sights, cultural, sporting and social events, accommodation, dining and timetables. Nedvědice railway station has been in operation since 1905. When choosing accommodation in Nedvědice, you can therefore first decide whether the castle and local history, the educational trails or a combination of both should be the focus of your trip.

Other Places for Your Research

To compare other places, you can also look at Hradčany, Hrušovany U Brna, Rojetín, Přibyslavice U Velké Bíteše, Ochoz U Tišnova, Odrovice, Šerkovice and Újezd U Tišnova.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brno-Country District.