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Gravel Bike
UNESCO Gravel Tour: Stage 3 – Žďár nad Sázavou – Třebíč
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Photo: Lucie Čapková, Highlands
From Žďár through a landscape of ponds and forests
After leaving Žďár nad Sázavou, the route turns south and winds through the rolling countryside of the Vysočina region. The first part of the stage features quiet country roads and forest sections that allow you to enjoy the region’s typical atmosphere. The route passes through Nové Město na Moravě and gradually approaches the valleys of the Oslava and Balinka rivers, which are among the most beautiful natural areas in this part of the Vysočina region.
Velké Meziříčí and the Balinka Valley
An important stop is Velké Meziříčí, a town situated at the confluence of the Oslava and Balinka rivers. The town is dominated by its castle and, above all, by the monumental railway viaduct, which ranks among the region’s most striking engineering landmarks. Around the town, the route winds through the picturesque Balinka and Nesměř valleys. Quiet forest paths, meandering rivers, and a minimal human presence create an environment where it’s easy to lose track of time, and the kilometers seem to pass almost on their own.
It is precisely this part of the stage that best illustrates the character of the Vysočina region—a landscape that does not dazzle with its grandeur but gradually wins you over with its authenticity, tranquility, and ever-changing scenery.
Třebíč: The Third Peak of the UNESCO Triangle
The final kilometers lead to Třebíč, the third city forming the Vysočina UNESCO Triangle. Arriving in the historic center is a reward for a full day in the saddle. The Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Prokop are among the most significant UNESCO sites in the Czech Republic and create the city’s unique atmosphere.
The narrow streets of the former Jewish quarter, historic houses, cafés, and views of the basilica invite you to take an evening stroll. After three days of cycling, Třebíč is the ideal place to rest and recharge before the final stage.
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route follows paved roads, gravel roads, dirt roads, and forest trails. After rain, natural sections may be slippery, muddy, or covered with loose gravel. Expect rocks, roots, potholes, and ruts in some places.Exercise extra caution on longer descents, at blind forest intersections, and when passing through Žďár nad Sázavou, Velké Meziříčí, and Třebíč. In the Balinské and Nesměřské valleys, expect to encounter hikers. In the historic center of Třebíč, significantly reduce your speed and respect pedestrian zones and any restrictions for cyclists.
Tips and suggestions
Although the actual riding time is about five hours, set aside a full day for this stage, including stops at Zelená hora, the Tree of Life, Velké Meziříčí, and the historic center of Třebíč.Food and drink options may be limited between towns, so be sure to bring plenty of water and food. Before setting out, check the weather, the conditions of the forest trails, and the opening hours of the sights. We recommend saving the route to your phone or bike GPS for offline use.
Roadbook
After leaving the town, you’ll set out through rolling countryside among ponds, meadows, and forests. One of the highlights of the first section is the Vejdoch Lookout near Jáma with the Tree of Life. From this open landscape, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Žďár region and the surrounding highlands.
The route continues toward Velké Meziříčí. Even before arriving in town, you can climb up to the observation tower on Fajtův Hill. Velké Meziříčí is dominated by the castle complex, the railway viaduct, and the monumental Vysočina highway bridge spanning the Oslava River valley.
Beyond the town, you’ll enter the Balinské Valley, through which the Balinka River flows. Forest trails, river meanders, rocks, and tranquil natural nooks create one of the most impressive parts of the entire stage. The wider area also includes the Nesměř Valley and the Kobylinec Natural Monument.
The final kilometers lead through the rolling countryside of the Třebíč region to Třebíč. As you approach, views of the city and its historic landmarks gradually come into view.
The stage’s finish is in the Jewish Quarter and at the Basilica of St. Prokop, which, together with the Jewish cemetery, are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After crossing the finish line, you can also visit the Rear Synagogue, the Seligmann Bauer House, Třebíč Castle, or one of the overlooks above the city.
Muzeum nové generace na zámku ve Žďáru nad Sázavou
Kamenný most u zámku ve Žďáře nad Sázavou
CHALUPA VYSOČINA
Dřevěný krytý most Velké Meziříčí
Zámek a Muzeum Velké Meziříčí
Židovský hřbitov Velké Meziříčí
Vyhlídková věž kostela sv. Mikuláše Velké Meziříčí
Historické jádro Velkého Meziříčí
Luteránské gymnázium Velké Meziříčí
Židovská čtvrť Velké Meziříčí
Přírodní park Balinské údolí
Vyhlídková věž kostela sv. Martina Třebíč
Kostel sv. Martina Třebíč
Galerie Franta Třebíč
Židovská čtvrť a židovský hřbitov Třebíč (UNESCO)
Expozice Kaiserpanorama – historický stereoskop Třebíč
Malovaný dům Třebíč
Za řemesly minulosti Třebíč
Bazilika sv. Prokopa Třebíč (UNESCO)
Public transport
You can reach Žďár nad Sázavou by train or regional bus. From the train and bus stations, continue by bike to the starting point of the route near Žďár nad Sázavou Castle and Zelená hora, following your navigation app.
The stage ends in Třebíč, from where you can continue by train or local bus. When returning to Žďár nad Sázavou, expect to make transfers. Before your trip, check the current schedule, whether bicycles are allowed on board, and whether you need to reserve a space for your bike.
Directions
To get to Žďár nad Sázavou, take Highway I/37 from Havlíčkův Brod or Velká Bíteš, or Highway I/19 from Nové Město na Moravě. Upon arrival, follow the signs to Žďár nad Sázavou Castle and Zelená hora.Since this stage ends in Třebíč, plan ahead for your return via public transportation, vehicle transport, or continuing on to the final stage of the gravel circuit.
Parking
For a full-day trip, we recommend using the parking lot at Žďár nad Sázavou Castle. From there, you can continue by bike to the trailhead and to Zelená hora. The parking lot directly in front of the historic site at Zelená hora has a capacity of only about five passenger cars and is therefore not suitable for long-term parking.If you’re planning to complete the entire multi-day loop, we recommend arranging parking with your accommodation provider in advance. Always check the current traffic signs and parking lot operating conditions before parking your vehicle.
Coordinates
Equipment
We recommend a gravel or mountain bike in good working condition, tires suitable for gravel and forest trails, a bike helmet, and gloves. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, a spare inner tube or repair kit, a pump, basic repair tools, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and a fully charged phone or bike GPS with the GPX route saved.Given that this stage is one-way, it’s also a good idea to bring bike panniers with gear in case you need to spend the night in Třebíč.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions