Ostrov u Macochy – Karst Landscape, Trails and Culture

Ostrov u Macochy combines a distinctive karst landscape with nature, cultural and cycling experiences. The municipality lies in the northern part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area and extends on both sides of the Ostrovský žleb valley. The edge of the Ostrovská plošina lies in the central part of Ostrov u Macochy. This location combines an incised valley area with an open high plateau and gives the place different landscape spaces.

Karst between the Valley and the High Plateau

The “Balcarova skála–Vintoky” Nature Reserve is particularly characteristic. It protects a geomorphologically valuable karst area in Devonian limestone with cave systems. Those interested in the formation of underground landscapes will therefore find in Ostrov u Macochy not just individual viewpoints or trails, but a place where the geological character shapes the entire impression of the landscape. The cave systems complement the above-ground landscape with an underground space. The karst is thus visible here on different levels, from the Devonian limestone to the cavities in the rock.

Water here also follows the particular features of the karst. After a longer underground course and joining other disappearing streams, the waters of the Lopač emerge again at the Malý výtok Punkvy in the Pustý žleb. The underground course of the water is therefore just as much part of the landscape character as the valley and the limestone.

Walks and Cycling Routes

For a manageable outing, the “Around Ostrov u Macochy” route is interesting. The easy walk is 2.6 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half.

Ostrov u Macochy is also connected to several routes. The Jantarová stezka passes the information centre in Ostrov u Macochy, as does regional cycle route B. The information centre primarily serves tourists and cyclists. Those travelling by bicycle can also take note of local cycle route No. 5082, which leads to the Macocha Gorge. The two routes passing the information centre thus share the same point of reference in the village.

Another special feature is the Ostrovská propast. It lies in the park in front of the rectory; access is organised by SpeleoArt.

Historical Traces in the Village

The village’s history includes the late Baroque Church of St Mary Magdalene, dating from 1785. The windmill in Ostrov provides a different historical accent: it is a masonry windmill of the Dutch type, built from natural stone, and lies 600 metres northwest of the village centre above a former limeworks. The reference to the former limeworks connects the structure with the industrial and geological history of the surrounding area, without reducing the windmill to merely a sight. The church and windmill therefore set different historical accents: the former focuses on the sacred history of the village, while the latter highlights the architectural and economic history surrounding the former limeworks.

Which of these aspects takes centre stage can determine the character of the stay.

Other Places in the Same Selection

Other destinations in this selection are Habrůvka, Cetkovice, Lhota Rapotina, Lysice, Ústup, Úsobrno, Adamov U Brna and Kozárov.

To the higher-level travel overview: Blansko District.