Býšovec: Educational Trail, Marble and Pernštejn Castle

Between the Educational Trail, Marble and History

A blue-marked educational trail, viewpoints overlooking Pernštejn Castle and traces of marble quarrying give Býšovec a distinctive character. Particularly interesting is the 5.2-kilometre Pernštejn–Smrček–Nedvědice educational trail. It leads visitors to Smrček, a hamlet belonging to the municipality of Býšovec, and connects several stations where the landscape and regional history directly meet. Those who choose Býšovec as a destination will find a place where outdoor activity and culture can be combined in a manageable way.

The important Vienna–Prague long-distance cycle route also runs through Býšovec. It can be followed all the way from Vienna to Prague. The educational trail and the long-distance cycle route represent two different types of route: the educational trail leads via Smrček and Nedvědice, while the long-distance cycle route connects Vienna and Prague.

The Educational Trail through Smrček and on to Nedvědice

From the bus station in Smrček, the educational trail follows a forest track past an old Pernštejn marble quarry and the Roudné pits, crossing a hill before reaching Nedvědice. The route is defined not only by its length but also by its distinctive stops. The Pernštejn–Smrček educational trail also leads to viewpoints offering unusual vistas of Pernštejn Castle and the surrounding peaks.

One special viewpoint is “Stráž”, a post in Pernštejn Castle’s lookout system on the summit of this hill. From there, there is a view of Pernštejn Castle. Below Hulákovy Hill, the Hradní lom marble quarry lies along the educational trail. Those looking for another activity in addition to walking can find a private horse farm in Smrček offering horseback rides.

Býšovec and Smrček with a Historical Character

Býšovec is documented in a record from 1350. The seal of Adam of Býšovec from 1484 is considered the first evidence of the coat of arms of the Lords of Býšovec. In 1398, Vilém of Pernštejn granted an allodial estate in Býšovec to Jan z Býšovce and his wife Kateřina.

The local chapels complement these historical references with clearly recognisable architectural details. The Chapel of Saint Lawrence in Býšovec has an octagonal turret clad in galvanised sheet metal at the western end of the roof ridge. In Smrček, the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua is crowned by a tall octagonal onion dome with a lantern.

The connection with Pernštejn Castle is also reflected in the building material used. During the castle’s major remodelling, begun shortly before 1460, marble from the Hradní lom quarry near Smrček was used above all. This gives the marble quarry along the educational trail additional historical significance, meaning that its role extends beyond the landscape alone.

Further Impressions and Regional Search

At the Smrček–Býšovec shooting range, hunters organise the traditional public shooting competition “O Pernštejnský pohár” every year. For your further search, you can also check Bohuňov, Nové Mesto Na Morave, Poděšín, Stránecká Zhoř, Hodíškov, Unčín, Hamry Nad Sázavou and Vlkov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.