Ždánice: Nature Park, Trails and Moravian History

On the edge of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park, Ždánice combines a quiet landscape, varied trails and a multifaceted Moravian history. Around the town, you will find opportunities for walks in the forest, notable routes for hikers and cyclists, as well as historical traces dating back to the Middle Ages. This means that your stay can be arranged according to your interests: with short walks nearby, longer excursions through the region or cultural and historical discoveries directly in Ždánice.

Landscape in the Nature Park and Trails Through the Surroundings

The Svratecká hornatina Nature Park protects a varied landscape in the Moravian foothills of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Its area includes the Svratka valley and its tributaries, as well as characteristic settlements and monuments. The forests near Ždánice are suitable for walks and complement the longer routes that pass through the town or its surroundings.

The Cyril and Methodius Trail passes through Ždánice and reaches the square in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem via the Rácová walking area with its ponds. Another option is the Rácová educational trail: the easy, 2.5 km route begins in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem and ends on the road south of Ždánice. Those looking for a longer hike can consider the 19 km Z4 route, “From the Observation Tower to the Ancient Little Church.” It reaches Ždánice from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem via the Rácová area and then continues to the Karasín Observation Tower.

Cycling and Winter Sports

There are also cycling options of varying lengths. The approximately 70 km circular cycling route through the Zubří area follows Cycle Route 5180 through Ždánice towards Karasín. The route runs mainly along paved roads. Shorter is the 19 km Z6 “Výhledová” circular route, which leads from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem via Ždánice to Karasín.

In winter, there are cross-country skiing trails near Ždánice with connections extending to the Nové Město na Moravě ski resort. In addition to walks and cycling trips, this provides a choice of winter routes through the regional landscape.

Local History and Small Monuments

In Ždánice itself, you will encounter several tangible testimonies to the town’s history. House No. 18 is an example of 18th-century folk architecture. Near the former school stands an iron cross from 1933. A marble cross in the village park was erected in 1918 and restored in 1949. There is also an iron cross from 1881 in the fields towards Bystřice.

The documented history of the village goes back further. Ždánice is documented as being owned by Doubravník Monastery from 1335. Until 1409, the village of Ždánice belonged to the Pernštejn family. The Kos family is documented in Ždánice until 1538. There is also a connection to art history: the father of the sculptor Vincenc Makovský came from Ždánice.

Destinations in the Wider Area

The ruins of Aueršperk Castle and the Karasín Observation Tower complement the selection of nearby destinations. The ruins of Aueršperk Castle are freely accessible via a terrace path from the valley floor and via a direct ascent from the south. The Karasín Observation Tower is accessible every day of the year. The ruins of Pyšolec Castle can be reached from Zubštejn via a red-marked trail.

For a broader selection of destinations, you can also consider Rozsochy, Ruda, Stránecká Zhoř, Dobra Voda, Milasín, Tři Studně, Ubušínek and Karlov.

For the main travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.