Vranovsko Circuit

We set out on an active and relaxing trip in a healthy environment. On a ride through the Vranov area, lovers of swimming, water sports, and fishing will all find something for themselves, as the heart of this region is the Vranov Dam, which is called the Moravian Adriatic due to its climatic conditions. Visitors passionate about history will not be disappointed either, as Vranovsko is rich in historical monuments and here we recall the glory of bygone times. The peaceful forests in the western part of the lake offer us a pleasant ride that we will certainly want to repeat soon. We leave the village of Šumná along cycle route no. 48 around the Vranov reservoir, used for swimming but also as a source of drinking water and electricity generation. Since 2006, boat transport has been restored on the dam with regular and sightseeing cruises. We pass through Vranov nad Dyjí, a town that is the most important tourist and recreational center. The settlement originally arose below an important castle. In the 17th century, the Romanesque-Gothic castle began to be rebuilt into a baroque chateau. The most artistically valuable parts of the chateau are the chapel and the hall of ancestors. The chateau (a national cultural monument) is surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Podyjí National Park and the waters of the Dyje River. From Vranov, we ride through Lančov to the ruins of the 13th-century Cornštejn castle. Originally a small structure, it was continually expanded and probably reached its peak in the 15th century. In the 1970s, extensive reclamation works began to save the remaining structures and allow safe visits. The ruins are now freely accessible. From Cornštejn, we head to the originally royal castle Bítov, first mentioned in 1064 as one of the most important in the country. Its collection of weapons is excellent, and somewhat curiously, a set of stuffed animals, especially dogs, reflects the hobby of the last somewhat eccentric castle owner. The castle is a national cultural monument. Near the castle is a castle zoo. The castle surroundings were popular with many of our artists before the dam was built due to their scenic beauty. In the homonymous village, you can visit a vintage car museum full of cars, especially the brand Tatra. Along cycle route no. 5011, we circle the Želetavka stream and ride through Vysočany, Oslnovice, and Korolupy, and then along cycle route no. 5007 to Uherčice. In the village stands a Renaissance chateau from the 16th century with ground-floor and upper arcade galleries and stucco interior decorations by B. Fontana – a national cultural monument (open in season). The chateau is connected to Renaissance Baroque gardens and a younger English park with romantic buildings. From there, we continue along cycle route no. 48, which leads us to the ruins of Frejštejn castle. Only the remains of the fortifications, gate, tower, castle chapel, and palace survive to this day. We continue through Starý Petřín. In the village stands a baroque church from the 18th century on medieval foundations. Folk architecture buildings have been preserved here. Through Podmyče and Vranov nad Dyjí, we return back to the village of Šumná.