From Slavonice to the Deep Forests of Česká Kanada

Total length

19 km

Duration

6 hours

Terrain

Paved forest,field, and asphalt roads

Difficulty level

Easy route

Marking

Yes

Route description

After you have fully enjoyed the view of the square lined with decorated facades of bourgeois houses, leave the town through the Dačice Gate and turn left onto Jana Žižky Street. Here you will join the marked Grasel Trail (letter G), which you follow to the Church of the Body of Christ. From there, také a field path back to the asphalt road towards Stálkov. After about 500 meters, you will reach a gamekeeper’s lodge housing the Museum of Driftwood. Another 500 meters further, you come to Bejček’s Mill. Continue approximately 300 meters more to the crossroads at Silniční Pond, where turn left onto a field path. After another 300 meters, you will reach the Slavonice Fortress area and the Fairy Tale Forest Trail. From here, continue on the red tourist trail northwest along a cascade of ponds until you reach the crossroads at Pfaffenschlag. The green tourist trail (0.5 km) leads directly to the Pfaffenschlag archaeological site. Then return to the red trail and follow it to Staré Město pod Landštejnem. The path is lined with military bunkers called „řopíky.“ From Staré Město, head south toward Dobrohoř Castle. Near Dobrohoř, turn left, follow the asphalt road past the agricultural area to the forest crossroads, where turn left again. After half a kilometer, the path bends right; continue on this forest road further southeast. After nearly 2 kilometers, you reach Trojmezí (Tri-border). From there, follow the Greenway Prague–Vienna long-distance cycling trail leading to Maříž and back to Slavonice square.

Interesting places on the route

Slavonice – Registered on the UNESCO tentative list and awarded Historical Town of the Year 2017, Slavonice boasts a unique set of monuments. In the town center, you can see richly decorated houses with vaulted cellars and other monuments built in Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Visit, for example, the House of the Giordans, which houses a Lutheran prayer room on the first floor. Also unique is the accessible systém of drainage canals and tunnels. The town’s lookout tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the town and its surroundings.

Church of the Body of Christ – This church is the oldest building in Slavonice, dating probably from around 1280. Its picturesque surroundings offer a nice view of Slavonice.

Museum of Driftwood – Located in the local gamekeeper’s lodge, this private museum exhibits a large collection of objects often with curious shapes. The Czech film Cesta z města (Journey from the City) was partly filmed here.

Bejček’s Mill – Mini Zoo – A popular recreational site offering accommodation and dining options, along with tours of the local mini zoo.

Slavonice Fortress Area – This area is a part of the defensive fortification line from 1937–1938 and features an educational trail with 13 stops.

Fairy Tale Forest Trail – A children’s trail with 8 stations featuring fairy tale tasks.

Mrhal Pond – One of the most charming sport and recreation spots nearby. The pond’s perimeter offers excellent conditions for fishing, governed by local regulations and open for year-round fishing. The maximum depth is about 15 meters.

Pfaffenschlag Archaeological Site – Remains of a medieval village burned during the Hussite wars. The foundations clearly show the layout of individual buildings.

Staré Město pod Landštejnem – A small town located in the Česká Kanada Nature Park offering accommodation, dining, shops, sports facilities, and bus connections.

Dobrohoř Castle – The castle offers interior tours including current exhibitions. The castle café and a shop selling souvenirs and regional products are worth a visit. Accommodation is also available.

Trojmezí (Tri-border) – A triangular border stone marking the meeting point of three lands—Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria.

Maříž – A picturesque village famous for its original and unmistakable pottery with cheerful patterns and colors. In the local workshop, you can paint your own ceramic piece or buy ceramics as souvenirs in the shop. The village also offers a restaurant and accommodation.