Bystricko region in the Czech-Moravian Highlands is a rediscovered tourist paradise in the Svratka river nature park, which boasts the Pernštejn and Zubštejn castles. Check out the “Bison Country” hiking trail by bike or on foot, visit the “Seven Wonders of Bystřicko” or with friends or family take a trip to “Moravian Switzerland” – the upper basin of the Svratka River, around the Vír Reservoir, a picturesque landscape with preserved rural architecture.

Visit the Svratecka water educational footpath  with the Vír Reservoir, the Karasín and Horní les lookout tower or the 13th century church at Vítochov. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy the unique nature park and a number of small nature reserves and natural landmarks.  

One-day trip to Svratka river nature park

Follow the current of the Svratka River from Dalečín via Vír to the unique Svratecka water educational footpath. Climb one of the local lookout towers on clearly marked hiking trails. Alternatively, you can visit Pernštejn Castle or the newly opened ruins of Zubštejn Castle. Visitors can unwind at the sports hall in Bystrice nad Pernstejnem town with bowling, squash and a climbing wall. 

Weekend stay 

Day 1: A trip from Bystřice leads you through the valley of the meandering Bystřička stream to the remains of castles used to watch over the landscape. The route leads along hiking trails to the Aušperk, Zubštejn and Pyšolec ruins (25km). 

Visit Bystřice’s Eden Centre. Learn about crafts traditionally linked to the region and the lives of beekeepers, wood carvers, basket makers, weavers and brewers. In the home pharmacy you will discover the secrets of producing natural products from an herb garden. Take a tour of adjacent buildings where animals are raised or ride a horse at the stables. 

Day 2: Take a train from Bystřice to Nedvědice and visit the Pernštejn Gothic Castle. Don’t miss the Pernštejn nature trail leading to the Maria Laube lookout tower. 

Long weekend

Day 1: Set off from Drahonín or Habří along the river Bobrůvka. Pass through the river’s romantic valley lined with rocks, springs and waterfalls (approx. 15km). The route leads to the Podmitrov forest guesthouse, which offers a restaurant and small zoo. Other farms providing accommodation in a country atmosphere and boasting environmentally friendly breeding and regional products are to be found in Habří, Horní Rožínka and Věcov.

Day 2: Visit nearby Žďár nad Sázavou, a UNESCO historical landmark: Santini’s Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Zelená hora. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Šiklův mlýn Wild West town, where in summer months a rich programme awaits. Check out Dolní Rožínka and its Draxmoor castle of horrors.  

Day 3: Take in Bison Country from the Karasín lookout tower and set out on a walk (5km in total) to Vítochov and the Romanesque Church of St. Michael at the village of Rovečné (3km), visit the Horní les lookout tower, which offers a majestic view on the natural park. In the afternoon, visit the museum in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem and its exhibitions on local ethnography and the development of the settlement. You will doubtlessly be captivated by the exposition on the history of uranium mining in the vicinity, supplemented by geological collections.