Brtnice: Castle, Bridge View and Brtnická Trail

Brtnice combines Moravian history with trails that bring together nature and historic monuments. One of the town’s most striking features is the Baroque Židovský (Dolní) Bridge, built of stone. Six art-historically valuable statues of saints by the local sculptor D. Lipart adorn the structure. From the bridge, you can see the castle; this view is sometimes referred to as “Brtnické Hradčany.” Here, architecture, religious sculpture and views of the historic aristocratic residence come together in one place.

The Castle and Special Historical Landmarks

Brtnice Castle is one of the important aristocratic residences in Moravia. In the so-called Sál vjezdů, you can see stucco decoration from the 1730s, as well as a valuable, unique cycle of 11 hanging paintings by the painter Töpper. Thus, the castle focuses both on the decorative design of an interior and on an extensive series of hanging paintings. The parish church of sv. Jakuba Většího also preserves an exceptional detail: a richly decorated Renaissance baptismal font made of copper, shaped like an apple on a branch. Alongside the castle and bridge, the font adds another accent of Renaissance art in Brtnice.

You can find further historical traces in the Jewish cemetery of Brtnice. The oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1672. The Paulánský klášter was built between 1639 and 1644 and is accessible only from the outside. Special visiting hours apply to the church of blahoslavené Juliány Collalto and its tower: access is available during events and services, as well as by prior arrangement with the parish office.

Museum and Seasonal Exhibitions

The Muzeum Josefa Hoffmanna is located in the birthplace of the architect and designer Josef Hoffmann in Brtnice. Seasonal exhibitions are held at the museum every year. The exhibitions are visited not only by specialists but also by the general public, providing another cultural highlight for your exploration of Brtnice. The birthplace thus brings together Josef Hoffmann’s life and work, architectural and design history, and a changing programme of exhibitions.

Brtnická Trail: Circular Route and Longer Hike

The Brtnická Trail follows a 2,700 m circular route through Brtnice. It combines the exploration of natural beauty with visits to historic monuments. The trail also connects to a system of cycle paths and walking trails. If you prefer a longer route, you can walk from the ruins of Rokštejn to Brtnice along a blue-marked hiking trail. This section is approximately 7.5 km long. The two distance figures help distinguish a compact loop from a longer hike and determine the focus of your day.

This allows you to combine different highlights in Brtnice: a short circular route, a longer marked trail, historic buildings and insights into Moravian cultural history. When planning, note the access regulations for individual sights, especially the Paulánský klášter and the church of blahoslavené Juliány Collalto.

More Destinations for Your Search

For further orientation, you can also visit these places: Záborná, Ježená, Šimanov, Zdeňkov, Měšín, Boršov, Bílý Kámen, Hodice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jihlava District.