Ždánice: Nature Park, Trails and Village History

Nature and trails around Ždánice

Ždánice lies on the edge of Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. The park protects the varied landscape of the Moravian foothills of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. It includes the valley of the Svratka and its tributaries, as well as distinctive settlements and monuments. This broader landscape setting complements the view of the village itself: the woods near Ždánice are well suited to walks.

A named trail offers a different way to find your bearings: the Cyril and Methodius Trail passes through Ždánice and reaches the square in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem via the Rácová walking area and its ponds. This gives you a choice between walks in the nearby woods and a described route connecting Ždánice with Rácová and Bystřice. In winter, cross-country ski trails nearby offer the possibility of connecting to the Nové Město na Moravě ski area. This connection is stated as a possibility; the ski trails are specifically associated with winter.

Comparing Hiking and Cycling Routes

Two routes, each 19 kilometres long, differ in how you travel and in their course. The Z6 “Výhledová” cycling loop runs from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem via Ždánice to Karasín. The “From the Lookout Tower to the Ancient Church” hiking route runs from Bystřice through the Rácová area to Ždánice and then continues to the Karasín lookout tower. Given that both routes have the same stated length, their courses and named intermediate areas are useful distinguishing features: Rácová is part of the described hiking route, while the cycling loop connects Bystřice, Ždánice and Karasín in that order.

Another option for cyclists is an approximately 70-kilometre circular route through the Zubří area. It follows cycle route 5180 through Ždánice towards Karasín and runs mostly on paved roads. Compared with the two 19-kilometre routes, it is considerably longer; its road surface and course along cycle route 5180 are also described. The approximate length is a guide, not an exact figure.

Architecture and Evidence of Local History

House No. 18 in Ždánice is an example of 18th-century folk architecture. Other specific points of interest are crosses at various locations: a marble cross stands in the village park. It was erected in 1918 and restored in 1949. Near the former school stands an iron cross dating from 1933. Another iron cross, dated 1881, is located in the fields towards Bystřice. Together, the house and crosses offer different ways to explore the area’s cultural history, from architectural context to precisely dated objects.

The history of ownership also provides a chronological perspective. Ždánice is documented as being owned by Doubravník Monastery from 1335. The village belonged to the Pernštejn family until 1409; the Kos family is documented in Ždánice until 1538. A biographical connection adds to this historical context: the father of sculptor Vincenc Makovský came from Ždánice.

Places to Visit Nearby

The ruins of Aueršperk Castle are nearby. They can be reached freely via a terrace path from the valley floor or by a direct ascent from the south. The Karasín lookout tower is also open every day of the year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Rosička, Milešín, Lavičky, Sejřek, Velke Mezirici, Velká Losenice, Podolí, Budeč

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