Sázava between Cycling Routes and History

Sázava lies in the landscape of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. Cycling routes associated with former railway lines, historic religious buildings, and the memory of a water-powered hammer mill give the town several distinct points of interest. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider not only where to stay, but also what you would like to focus on: cycling, local history, or a combination of the two.

Cycling routes with different layouts

The Posázavská cycling route leads above the river and over the embankment of a former railway line to Sázava. The Přibyslav–Sázava cycle path is described differently: opened in 2011, it is more than nine kilometres long and follows the track bed of a disused railway line. It is suitable for cycling and inline skating.

The specific layout of each route is the main point of reference for comparing them: the Posázavská cycling route is characterized by its approach above the river and over the railway embankment. The length, former railway alignment, and suitability for cycling and inline skating are defining features of the Přibyslav–Sázava cycle path. At both ends—in Sázava and Přibyslav—you can continue on local cycling routes. If you plan to use inline skates, factor the current path conditions into your planning.

Hammer mill, congregation, and prayer house

A water-powered hammer mill in Sázava operated until 1714. When the dam of the Dářko pond burst, a major flood destroyed the hammer mill, along with the mills and the entire village. The hammer mill did not resume operations afterward.

The religious history can also be traced through specific events. Protestants met in Sázava at Špinar’s Mill. After the Patent of Toleration, the Protestant residents joined the Augsburg Confession congregation in Krucemburk in 1783; as early as 1784, they founded an independent Reformed congregation. The two dates mark a rapid progression from joining an existing congregation to founding their own.

Construction of the prayer house began on 15 July 1785, with financial support from the miller Špinar. It was ceremonially consecrated on 20 November of the same year. As an exception to the strict Toleration regulations, it was allowed to have a semicircular apse. The building’s form is thus directly linked to the building regulations of the time.

Landscape and buildings in Sázava

Sázava is surrounded by the landscape of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. Another building with a distinctive shape is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: it is shaped like a biblical ark and has a 15-metre-high metal cross.

On the edge of the village, beside the road to Velká Losenice and next to Pekelský Mill, stands a two-storey stone building with windows set in stone frames. Those interested in architectural history will find several specific points of interest in Sázava, from the prayer house with its semicircular apse to this building on the edge of the village and the ark-shaped chapel.

Holiday homes as an accommodation option

Resort Erich offers ten renovated Javorina-type holiday homes in Sázava u Žďáru nad Sázavou. If you are considering this accommodation for your trip, check availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vepřová, Chlum-Korouhvice, Radostín Nad Oslavou, Lisna, Martinice, Černá, Petráveč, Otín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.