Jívoví – Nature, Trails and History

Šebeň Nature Area and the View from Holý vrch

Jívoví can be explored through two distinctive natural experiences: the protected Šebeň nature monument and Holý vrch in the cadastral area of Jívoví. Šebeň lies between Jívoví, Cyrilov and Dobrá Voda, on the boundary between the Borská pahorkatina and Velkomeziříčská pahorkatina uplands. This extensive forest complex is known for its exceptionally large population of the wood ant species Formica polyctena. Šebeň contains more than 1,100 nests and is probably the largest known complex of this species in the Czech Republic.

The Šebeň educational trail makes this natural area tangible. It begins beyond Jívoví near Křižanov, 600 m along the road towards Radenice. The educational trail is 3 km long, takes approximately 2 hours and includes 12 information panels. Its scope is therefore clearly defined, without having to infer any further characteristics of the terrain from the trail distance.

Holý vrch complements the natural area with a sweeping viewpoint. From there, you can look out across the landscape of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands; to the south, the view extends far beyond Velké Meziříčí, while to the north it reaches the hills beyond Nové Město na Moravě. The ascent is gradual and can be managed by small children and with a pushchair. For family planning, this is a specific distinction from the longer educational trail: Holý vrch explicitly offers an ascent suitable for younger children and pushchairs.

Cyclists also have a documented connection to Holý vrch. A regional cycling route from Radenice to Cyrilov runs there on a paved path. When choosing accommodation in Jívoví, you can therefore consider whether your desired stay should focus more on the nature monument, the viewpoint, the educational trail or a combination of these destinations. A first-class road runs through Jívoví and is connected to the D1 motorway; this road connection is part of local orientation when planning a trip.

Jívoví Between Monastic History and the Chapel

In addition to its landscapes, Jívoví has a well-documented history. The village has been documented in written records since 1287. From its foundation until 1486, with the exception of the years 1422 to 1436, Jívoví belonged to Žďár Monastery. After 240 years, Jívoví once again came into the possession of Žďár Cistercian Monastery.

A visible point of reference is St. Anne’s Chapel in Jívoví. Construction began in 1931, and in 1934 it was consecrated on the feast day of Saint Anne. The furnishings of St. Anne’s Chapel were also assembled through donations. For a stay in which nature and local history are meant to go together, the chapel thus offers an independent cultural focus alongside Šebeň and Holý vrch.

More Destinations to Consider

For further selection, you can also research Zvole, Tři Studně, Bohuňov, Račín, Koroužné, Baliny, Dobra Voda and Nové Mesto Na Morave.

For the broader travel overview: Žďár Nad Sázavou District.