Sirákov: Stream, Border Stone and History

Sirákov offers several specific points of interest for planning your trip: the Sirákovský potok stream, which flows through the village; the nearby historic provincial border between Bohemia and Moravia; and the border stone on Blažkov. Other highlights include the biography of meteorologist František Augustin, a blue-marked hiking route to a viewpoint, and a tradition held regularly on Christmas Eve. The landscape, history of science, route navigation and seasonal customs give your stay a range of different themes. Before choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether you are most interested in geographical features, local history or a seasonal experience.

The Stream and Historic Border Location

The Sirákovský potok flows through Sirákov and rises one kilometre east of the village. Sirákov also lies near the historic provincial border between Bohemia and Moravia. The stream is a direct feature of the local landscape, while the border gives the village a place in its historical and geographical context. A watercourse through the village and a historic border nearby thus offer two distinct points of reference.

František Augustin and the Border Stone

František Augustin was born on 24 May 1846 in House No. 1 in Sirákov, near Polná, in the Žďár nad Sázavou District. He died on 1 December 1908 and became the most prominent figure in Czech meteorology in the second half of the 19th century. His story connects a precisely identified birthplace in Sirákov with the history of Czech meteorology. If you would like to explore local history through biographies rather than buildings, his life offers a distinct perspective.

The Čechy–Morava border stone on Blažkov is a stone prism 170 cm high and 25 × 25 cm wide. It stands at the edge of the forest beside the road towards Újezd. The site was restored in 2015. Nearby are a historic information board with a map, a display case containing a uniformed soldier, and a covered bench with a visitors’ book. It is advisable to check locally before your visit.

Hiking Routes and the Chapel

A blue-marked hiking route starts at the junction of the Sirákov–Újezd road, crosses the Sirákov–Bohdalov road and leads to a viewpoint at 680 m above sea level. If you would like to make a viewpoint the focus of your hike, the elevation provides a specific point of reference. Check trail conditions locally before planning your route.

A hiking account from 2021 describes a blue-marked route that continues through the Blažkov area to Sirákov, where the Chapel of the Visitation is located. The two route descriptions have different points of focus: one identifies the viewpoint at 680 m, while the 2021 account mentions the chapel in Sirákov. This lets you choose between the listed stops according to your interest in the view or local history.

A Christmas Eve Tradition

The Sirákov Volunteer Fire Brigade regularly holds a gathering on Blažkov on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, potatoes are roasted in the ashes and tea is brewed in a kettle over the fire. This regular event differs from the geographical and historical points of interest: it is a seasonal reason to visit. If you are planning to attend on a particular Christmas Eve, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Nížkov, Znětínek, Radňovice, Meziříčko, Velká Losenice, Nyklovice, Strážek, Dolní Heřmanice

For the broader travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.