Ústup – Trails, Views and Village History

Ústup lies in the northwest of the South Moravian Region beneath the peaks of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The village combines rural architectural history, religious landmarks and several trails leading to a viewpoint in the surrounding area. Those who want to combine cycling, hiking, landscapes and regional history when planning their trip will find a range of starting points here for exploring the area.

Religious Landmarks and Village Architecture

Among the notable cultural and historical features are the Boží muka wayside shrine in Ústup. This small masonry religious monument has stone reliefs and dates from 1805. The depictions show the Great Calvary, the Nativity, the Last Judgment, the Baptism of Christ and the Holy Trinity. The monument is therefore remarkable not only for its age, but also for the thematic variety of its reliefs.

Another religious landmark is the chapel in Ústup, which was dedicated to the Holy Spirit in 2006. The sculpture of the Holy Spirit on its side wall was created by the artist Karel Ševčík. A parish pilgrimage service is also held in Ústup during the Pentecost festival. The religious landmarks, along with the older farmhouses lining the village green and several houses featuring elements of folk architecture, including timber-framed structures, form part of Ústup’s townscape.

Cycling and Hiking Trails around Ústup

Two cycling routes are specifically connected with Ústup. Cycle Route 5085 runs from Kunštát via Sulíkov, Ústup and Veselka onwards to Trpín. Cycle Route 5088 leads from Olešnice via Ústup and connects there with Cycle Route 5085. Depending on the route chosen, different places in the surrounding area can therefore be included in a cycling tour, rather than treating Ústup merely as an individual destination.

There is also a clearly described connection for walkers: a red-marked hiking trail leads from Olešnice via Ústup to Křetín. The 654-metre-high Špilberk is also located nearby. It can be reached via a branch from the red-marked hiking trail. When planning a hike, both the route through Ústup and a detour into the surrounding landscape can therefore be readily identified.

Views over the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

The lookout tower on Zelenkův kopec lies about 1 kilometre north of Ústup. The tower is 7 metres high; it was built and opened at the end of 2006. From there, views extend over the Žďárské vrchy and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and, in good visibility, as far as the Hrubý Jeseník and Orlické Mountains. The viewpoint complements the village’s architectural and religious sights with a landscape experience offering several long-distance views.

The Village’s Historical Context

Ústup’s history was shaped by its location on the so-called Imperial Road between Moravia and Bohemia. During military operations, this road was also important for transporting troops. Alongside its buildings, trails and viewpoints, this historical connection gives the village an additional regional dimension: Ústup represents not only a landscape beneath the peaks of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, but also a place on a formerly important route.

Other Places to Explore

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Ústup, you can broaden your search to include Újezd U Boskovic, Lysice, Bukovinka, Horní Smržov, Dlouhá Lhota, Bořitov, Úsobrno and Lhota U Olešnice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Blansko District.