Cycling from Slavonice to the Heart of Bohemian Canada
A 46 km bike trip through the heart of Bohemian Canada — beautiful nature, a castle, a lookout tower, and swimming opportunities.
Join us on a cycling tour from Slavonice to the heart of Bohemian Canada. This 46 km long route takes you through areas once roamed and raided by the infamous outlaw Johann Georg Grasel in the early 19th century. You'll visit Malá Hluboká Chateau, climb one of the newest lookout towers in the country, swim in the clean Zvůle Pond, and explore the majestic Landštejn Castle. We recommend riding counterclockwise if you don’t want to carry purchased ceramics from Maříž all day…
Route description
Slavonice (Náměstí Míru) – behind the Dačická Gate, turn left onto the Grasel Trail (yellow dots + white "G") toward the Church of Corpus Christi – through the forest to the Grasel Cave turnoff (optional 250 m detour) – at the fork turn left past the Velký Troubný nature reserve via cycling routes 1006 and 1004 to Peníkov (or continue on the Grasel Trail to Peníkov) – continue on route 1004 to Český Rudolec – follow the red tourist trail to Radíkov – about 300 m beyond Radíkov turn right to Nový Svět (recommended detour to the U Jakuba lookout tower: first right in Nový Svět, then right again at the solitary house) – Terezín – continue on the red trail to Zvůle Pond – take route 1119 below Šibeník hill, then 1115 to Rožnov – continue on 1115 to Landštejn Castle – then on route 32 to Staré Město pod Landštejnem – follow route 32, then 1003 to the tripoint below Čihadlo hill – continue on 1003 through Maříž back to Slavonice.
Points of Interest
Slavonice – a town famous for its unique ensemble of mostly Renaissance townhouses with ornate gables, sgraffito facades, and vaulted ceilings. Don’t miss the chance to explore the mysterious underground tunnels.
Church of Corpus Christi (also called Church of the Holy Spirit) – surrounded by ancient lime trees, it stands on a hill northwest of Slavonice. Built between 1478–1491 on the site of an older church from the 13th century.
Grasel Trail – Part of the route follows the oldest Grasel Trail, which runs from Slavonice via Český Rudolec to Dolní Bolíkov (return by train possible). The educational trail leads to places where the feared "crook" J. G. Grasel robbed, hid, and survived. The son of a beggar woman and an executioner, he became a gang leader at a young age. There are seven Grasel Trails on both sides of the Czech-Austrian border.
Grasel Cave – a small cave formed under a granite outcrop, said to have been one of Grasel’s hideouts.
Schiller’s Rock – about 200 m from the cave lies a group of granite boulders up to 12 m tall. Legend says Friedrich Schiller once visited and was inspired to write The Robbers here.
Water Saw Mill Peníkov – established around 1865, with original equipment still intact. Powered by a nearby pond, it was active until the 1950s. Restored between 2001–2005, it's now operational and open to visitors.
Malá Hluboká Chateau – a Neo-Gothic chateau in Český Rudolec, remodeled in 1861, inspired by Windsor Castle. Ongoing renovation is gradually restoring its former beauty. Don’t miss the local Zámecký Brewery.
U Jakuba Lookout Tower & Forest Park – a 40.7 m tall wooden tower shaped like a pencil, located near Valtínov on Havlova Hill (680 m). Offers views of Bohemian Canada and the 837 m Javořice, the highest peak of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Children will love the new educational forest park with trails, ponds, and rock formations – the most famous being Devil’s Butt (Ďáblova prdel). Once you see it, the name will make perfect sense!
Zvůle Pond (10 ha) – swimming in clean, peaty water surrounded by forest is unmatched. Relax on sandy or grassy beaches, rent paddleboats or sports gear in nearby camps. Look for giant granite rocks in the area — like the famous Devil’s Bread (Ďáblův chléb), resembling a sliced loaf.
Bison Ranch Rožnov – watch American bison in open pastures. Adventurous visitors can book a ride among them; more cautious ones can try a bison steak or local bison beer. The ranch is also home to Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Landštejn Castle – built in the early 13th century as a guard fortress on the Bohemian border trail. Self-guided tour available. Climb the stone tower for breathtaking views of the forested Bohemian Canada landscape.
Maříž – a village known for ceramics. In the Oáza center, you can paint a mug, plate, kettle, or animal figure. Instructors explain ceramic techniques. Try printing a T-shirt or throwing a bowl on the pottery wheel.
