Štěpánov Nad Svratkou

Štěpánov Nad Svratkou combines historical traces, protected nature and trails with a clear regional theme: mining. Families who want to combine active and quieter activities can plan their stay around these focal points.

History between the church, castle and mining

The church in Štěpánov may have been built around 1230; experts date its construction more likely to the period after 1235. Hradisko is also located above Štěpánov. It was fortified as early as the beginning of settlement in the region. Ditches and wall remains have survived from the castle, creating another historical point of reference connected with the landscape.

The Havírna mining area is particularly significant. Due to its size and state of preservation, it is considered an important testimony to a medieval mining, processing and settlement area. The site contains visible remains of silver ore mining as well as relics of production buildings and probably also settlement structures. Those who would rather learn about the region’s history in a small museum can visit the Hornický cechhaus Štěpánov, which houses an exhibition on the mining history of the area and regional geology. The museum is located in the basement rooms of one of Štěpánov’s oldest houses and provides an insight into the Štěpánov ore district, formerly known for the extraction of silver, copper and lead ores. A visit must be arranged in advance.

In the vicinity of Štěpánov there is a bunker from the Second World War, where the headquarters of the Jermark partisan brigade operated in 1944–1945. A Cubist building was also constructed in 1923–1924 based on a design by Prof. Ing. Arch. Miloslav Kopřiva (1894–1968).

Nature trail with history, nature and folk architecture

The Štěpánovský čtyřlístek is a 14 km nature trail. It starts at the school in Štěpánov nad Svratkou and leads past places connected with the historical mining of non-ferrous metal ores. Eleven stations provide information about local history, nature and folk architecture. This gives the trail a particularly clear connection between the landscape and the region’s past, without explaining mining solely through museum interiors or visible terrain remains.

Nature park and protected habitats

Štěpánov nad Svratkou is part of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. The natural area includes several protected sites with different focal points. The U Hamů natural monument in the cadastral area of Borovec covers 3.1782 ha. It protects a dry slope with xerothermic, or dry and warm, vegetation, including juniper and the gentian species Gentiana cruciata.

The Nad koupalištěm natural monument consists of a mosaic of small-scale habitats shaped by extensive agriculture and characterized by near-natural conditions. The common orchid Anacamptis morio as well as the critically endangered species Dactylorhiza majalis and Dactylorhiza incarnata occur there. Vysoká skála is also located nearby, a roughly 50-metre-high vertical rock face used by climbers. Among the most frequently climbed routes are Malinová, Osiková, Západní hrana and Plavovláska.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When searching for a hotel in Štěpánov Nad Svratkou, the desired travel style can be organized well around the experiences: the focus can be on mining history and historical traces, the 14 km nature trail can provide the active highlight, or the protected habitats and rocky landscape can be the deciding factors.

More places for your travel planning: Pokojov, Chlumětín, Malá Losenice, Milasín, Nyklovice, Prosetín, Velká Bíteš, Dolní Heřmanice.

To the main travel overview: Žďár Nad Sázavou District.