Velke Mezirici – Castle, Nature Park and Observation Tower

Velke Mezirici combines historical discoveries with a protected river landscape. Here, you can explore a castle and museum, take in the city from above, and focus on hiking or cycling in the Balinské Valley. This places culture, urban history and nature experiences on an equal footing in your travel plans.

Between the Motorway and the Castle Park

Velké Meziříčí is located in the immediate vicinity of the D1 motorway between Prague and Brno, approximately at kilometre 145 from Prague. For travel planning, this location provides a clear point of reference between the two cities, while the exact travel time remains unspecified. The extensive castle park next to Velké Meziříčí Castle is freely accessible. This complements a visit to the castle and museum with a separate place in the castle grounds, allowing culture and time outdoors to be combined at the same stop.

The Castle and Museum as a Cultural Centre

The original castle of Velké Meziříčí was built around 1230 and is considered one of the oldest stone noble castles in Moravia. The Velké Meziříčí Museum, founded as a regional museum in 1893, is located in the castle. It presents historical and natural history collections. The tour also includes the castle salons, which recall the imperial manoeuvres in Meziříčí. This makes it possible to understand a visit not only through the architecture, but also through the region's history and the development of the town.

City Views and an Important Planning Note

The tower of St Nicholas Church houses an exhibition of historical photographs of Velké Meziříčí, a 3D model of the town and the tower keeper's apartment. After climbing 153 steps to the gallery, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the entire town. For 2026, please note that the tower is scheduled to be closed for reconstruction.

Balinské Valley: Nature Park with a Circular Trail

The Balinské Valley Nature Park was designated in 1984 over an area of 440 hectares. It extends through the Balinka valley west of Velké Meziříčí, via Baliny to Uhřínov, protecting the scenic valley of the naturally meandering river. The nature park is suitable for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing. It features an educational trail, a section of path prepared for cycling and a blue-marked hiking route. The 15-kilometre circular trail begins on the road from Velké Meziříčí to Uhřínov, opposite the turn-off to Hotel Amerika; parking a car is possible at the starting point.

Fajtův kopec and Views over the Surrounding Area

The Fajtův kopec iron observation tower near Velké Meziříčí is 36 metres high and is intended to resemble a DNA double helix in shape. Its viewing platform is located at a height of 30 metres. Access to the platform is via a self-service ticket machine. The tower therefore complements the cultural attractions with another independent viewpoint.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also check Herálec, Chlumětín, Moravec, Rousměrov, Malá Losenice, Ujčov, Radešínská Svratka and Otín.

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