Vanov: Nature, Trails and Historic Mills

If you’re looking for a hotel in Vanov, you can choose where to stay based on the themes of your trip. Nature, cycling, religious buildings and the history of milling offer different points of interest. Pastvina u Vanova, a nature route and a walking trail to the chapel give you specific places and paths to include in your plans. Consider whether scenery, trail length, religious art, golf or the technical history of mills should shape your stay.

Landscape and Nature

The notable landscape feature Pastvina u Vanova lies about 500 metres west of Vanov. This wet meadow is home to significant endangered plant species and also provides a habitat for vertebrates and invertebrates. Nature enthusiasts can take in both its plant life and its importance as a habitat. Pastvina thus offers a distinct focus alongside the trails and cultural and historical attractions.

Golf Resort Telč lies between the municipalities of Vanov and Volevčice. Its 18-hole course covers 70 hectares, and the landscape is characterised by forests and ponds. If golf is part of your travel plans, check the latest operating information in advance, as details may change.

Trails and Routes

The “Cyklostezka Telč - Řásná” passes through Vanov and is intended for cyclists and pedestrians. This 6 km nature route begins at the drinking fountain in Lipky. If you plan to take the route, check current trail conditions before setting out; they may change.

The “Procházka ke kapli sv. Karla” walking trail runs from Telč to the chapel and, at 3.5 km, is shorter than the 6 km nature route. The trails therefore differ both in length and in destination: the walking trail leads to a religious building, while the other route is designed as a nature trail. You can take both the purpose and length of each trail into account when choosing.

Chapel and Calvary

The Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo (sv. Karla Boromejského) stands near Vanov on a forest path towards Telč. It was formerly called Olivetská. Its location and former name make it a distinct cultural and historical attraction; the walking trail from Telč ends at this chapel.

The Baroque Calvary is also located near a chapel. It consists of a cross with statues of the Virgin Mary, Saint John and Mary Magdalene. This gives your travel plans another religious point of interest alongside the trail to the chapel, with specifically named figures and Baroque design.

Historic Watermills

The Šimkův watermill complex dates from the first half of the 19th century. The mill lies directly below the dam of a pond, linking its historical context to a specific setting in the landscape.

The Šiškův mlýn water-powered grain mill in Vanov was built in 1793. A small stream provided a drop of about fourteen metres, powering waterwheels in cascades across three levels. At Šiškův mlýn, the focus is on the use of the water drop; at the Šimkův watermill, the defining features are its construction date and location by the pond dam. These different points of interest help you appreciate each mill as a distinct historical and technical subject.

Discover more destinations: Kostelec, Jihlava, Mirošov, Jezdovice, Suchá, Švábov, Jersín, Rybné

For the broader travel overview: Jihlava District.