Branky – Castle Park, Castles and the Loučka

Castle history and Baroque traces

Branky combines a multifaceted local history with a castle park, the Loučka stream and cycling connections. If you would like to combine culture and landscape during your stay, you will find various points of interest here: historic buildings, a cultural monument with an accessible park, as well as natural sections between Branky and Poličná.

The so-called old castle probably originated in the 18th century through the conversion of an earlier fortress and today serves as the municipal office. The new castle was built in Branky as a Baroque knight's residence by František Erasmus Lockner z Lockenau at the beginning of the 18th century. It acquired its present appearance through a historicist renovation at the end of the 19th century under the then owner, Dr Hans Huber. In the 1930s, the sculptor and painter Josef Siegel created the unique interior furnishings of the new castle at the request of the then owner.

The parish church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is also part of the local history; it was consecrated in 1787. In front of the church stands a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1734, created by Max. Lockner of Lokenav. Branky therefore offers several historical points of reference that can be incorporated into a culturally focused trip.

Castle Park between Monument and Nature

The castle park in Branky is part of the cultural monument. The revitalised castle park is fully accessible. Its features include numerous valuable trees and shrubs, a pond and a summer amphitheatre. These various elements give the park a distinct character of its own: here you will find not only the historic connection with the castle, but also landscaped open spaces and bodies of water in one place.

Loučka, Cycling Connections and Protected Habitats

A second side of Branky can be seen along the Loučka. The signposted Route 6216 leads from Poličná along the Loučka stream to Branky. In addition, a cycling tour of around five kilometres leads from the Bečva cycle route via Abácie Park and Poličná along the Loučka stream to Branky.

Between Branky and Poličná, the meanders of the Loučka stream form a section almost two kilometres long. The protected kingfisher breeds in this section. The Modrý rybníček in Branky is also notable from a natural-history perspective: it serves as a refuge for amphibians and is also an area of entomological importance. The term describes its significance for the study of insects. Those who would like to consider bodies of water, stream landscapes and protected habitats alongside culture when choosing a destination will find a second focus in Branky.

Branky as a Basis for Choosing Your Destination

When looking for accommodation in Branky, you can therefore first determine the character you want for your stay. The castles, the parish church and the castle park represent the cultural and historical side of the town. The Loučka, the meanders between Branky and Poličná, the cycling connections and the protected habitats at Modrý rybníček form the landscape focus.

Other Places on the Same Level

If you would like to place Branky in a broader comparison of destinations, you will also find Velké Karlovice, Zašová, Zubří, Janová, Horni Lidec, Oznice, Police and Lačnov on this level.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.