the fourth stage of hiking
Strážnice - Vracov
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Basic information about the trail
The trail runs almost exclusively through uninhabited countryside. You will enjoy especially the pine forests near Bzenec, which are besieged by mushroom pickers every year in September and October.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Strážnice
Ending point: Vracov
Distance: 16,0 km
Estimated travel time: 4:06 hours
Difficulty: light
Altitude: ascent 58 m, descent 36 m
Surface: partially paved roads, mostly forest and dirt roads.
Critical points: To cross the Morava River, it is necessary to walk about 1km along a class II road.
Our tip:
If you want to go back to your childhood years, plan to come to Vracov on one of the Sunday operating days of the Garden Railway 600. You won’t regret it.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Tourist Information Centre Strážnicko
- Vinohradská 35 696 62 Strážnice
- http://www.straznice-mesto.cz/
- infocentrum@straznice-mesto.cz
- +420 518 325 721
Open Air Museum in Strážnice
- Bzenecká 1510, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.skanzenstraznice.cz
- skanzen@nulk.cz
- +420 518 332 173
Open-Air Museum Strážnice: Step into Living History
Experience the charm of bygone eras at the Open-Air Museum in Strážnice, where history comes alive. Wander through traditional thatched-roof cottages and artisan workshops, and immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and harmony. Early efforts to establish an ethnographic open-air museum in Southeast Moravia began in the early 20th century, but it wasn't until 1973 that construction began in Strážnice. Since 1981, visitors have been able to explore the areas of Moravian Kopanice, Luhačovice Zálesí, Horňácko, technical water structures, a vineyard area, and a meadow farming area. The museum features over 64 structures set in a landscape artificially modeled to resemble the original environment.
Exhibitions within the buildings showcase the lifestyle and housing of people from both the mountainous regions of Slovácko and the fertile Pomoraví plains. The vineyard exhibition, unique in the Czech Republic, displays viticultural structures and equipment, tracing wine cultivation from ancient times to the present.
The National Institute of Folk Culture organizes over 12 themed events annually, featuring folk customs and craft techniques. The museum also hosts programs for the International Folklore Festival Strážnice every last weekend in June. The museum is operated by the National Institute of Folk Culture in Strážnice.
Strážnice Castle
- Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.nulk.cz
- info@nulk.cz
- +420 518 306 611
Strážnice Castle: A Journey Through Centuries of History and Beauty
Discover Strážnice Castle, a jewel of the town, surrounded by an expansive park. This castle offers a fascinating glimpse into history with its permanent tour, including a historical library and the newly opened castle chapel featuring a highly valuable altar. Strážnice Castle stands on the site of an original royal castle, likely built in the second half of the 13th century, which was owned by the lords of Kravaře from the early 14th century. Jiří of Kravaře carried out a major Gothic reconstruction in 1453. In 1486, the estate was mortgaged to the lords of Žerotín, who eventually purchased it after her death in 1500. Under the Žerotíns, the town and castle flourished, and the castle was transformed into a Renaissance residence in the mid-16th century.
During the Thirty Years’ War, the last Žerotín owner, Jan Jetřich II, had to leave due to his Protestant faith, and the estate was acquired by Imperial Colonel František Magnis. In 1854, Filip Magnis gave the castle its current picturesque Neo-Renaissance appearance. The Magnis family owned the castle until 1945, after which it was nationalized.
Since 1956, the castle has been the seat of the National Institute of Folk Culture. The accessible part of the castle includes a historical library, castle chapel, and exhibition spaces featuring folk costumes, musical instruments, photography, and historical puppets.
Visitors can also admire the 52-tree plane tree avenue, the largest collection of plane trees in the Czech Republic, and a protected 200-year-old acacia tree. The castle park is also the venue for the International Folklore Festival Strážnice, one of the oldest and largest folk festivals in the world.
Průžek's Mill
- Bratrská 1315/30, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.straznice-mesto.cz
- +420 605 482 543
Průžkův Mill in Strážnice: A Journey Through Milling History
Průžkův Mill in Strážnice, one of the oldest preserved buildings in the town, with records dating back to 1543, offers a fascinating journey through the history of milling. Tourists can admire the mill's historical architectural features, including massive supporting beams and a unique wooden milling torture pillory from 1601. The mill's evolution from a water mill to a steam mill in the late 19th century, and then to an electric roller mill in the 1930s, highlights its technological development.
The interior is fully equipped with milling machinery from the 1930s, showcasing how the mill operated until 1975. Today, the mill houses a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of milling. This site provides a unique glimpse into the traditional craft of milling and the lives of past generations in South Moravia, making it a must-see for history and technology enthusiasts.
Blueprint workshop
- J. Skácela 1547, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.straznicky-modrotisk.cz
- obchod.modrotisk@email.cz
- +420 518 332 537
Indigo Dreams: Witness Centuries-Old Craftsmanship at Strážnice's Blueprint Workshop
Step into the heart of traditional craftsmanship at the Blueprint Workshop in Strážnice, one of the last two operating workshops of its kind in the Czech Republic, boasting over a century of history. Here, you'll witness an authentic demonstration of traditional blueprinting, a process unchanged since its establishment in 1906.
The workshop employs an ancient technique of negative printing, where fabric is patterned with a resist and then dyed in an indigo bath. Once the resist is removed, the design is revealed in the fabric’s original color. The blueprints produced here are adorned with both traditional regional patterns and designs inspired by heritage, featuring the unique artistic contributions of designers from the Centre for Folk Art Production, while also providing space for contemporary designers.
The textiles are offered both by the meter and as a variety of practical and decorative products, tailored to meet modern demand. The blueprint goods from the Strážnice workshop are prized for their original, aesthetically valuable motifs and the irreplaceable shade of blue achieved with indigo dye. This high-quality handiwork is an indispensable part of the Czech Republic’s cultural heritage, as evidenced by its inclusion on the national UNESCO list in 2015, and its subsequent addition to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in November 2018, a joint application by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
The workshop also includes a shop where visitors can find the entire range of products.
Synagogue and Jewish cemetery
- Bzenecká 696 62 Strážnice
- muzeum-straznice.webnode.cz
- ivo.vratislavsky@wo.cz
- +420 518 334 155
Echoes of Faith: Exploring Strážnice's Historic Synagogue and Reverent Jewish Cemetery
Delve deeper into the poignant history of Strážnice's Jewish community by visiting its remarkable Synagogue and the adjacent, historically significant Jewish Cemetery. These sites together offer a powerful narrative spanning centuries. In the mid-17th century, Count František Magnis, the then-owner of the Strážnice estate, gifted a plot of land near the Jewish quarter for the establishment of a cemetery. During the 18th century, older tombstones from the original cemetery within Strážnice's Old Town were moved to this new location, which now covers five thousand square meters. A significant landmark nearby is the Jewish ritual bath, or mikveh, built over a natural spring in the cellar of a neighboring house.
The cemetery showcases various types of tombstones, with the oldest being stone stelae embedded directly in the ground. The most prominent rabbinic graves, often adorned with depictions of blessing hands, are located near the eastern side of the synagogue. Among those buried here is Rabbi Aron ben Benjamin ha-Levi, who passed away in 1686. The cemetery holds an estimated 1500 graves, with older stones crafted from sandstone, granite, or marble, and newer ones from light or dark granite. Until the mid-19th century, inscriptions were exclusively in Hebrew. The last burial took place in the 1950s.
The spiritual heart of the Jewish community was the Synagogue. The original synagogue, of unknown age, stood on the same site as the current one. Likely severely damaged by fire, a completely new synagogue was built in 1804 and renovated in 1870 by Leopold Slovák. Services were held here until 1941. During the war, on June 22, 1941, the synagogue was demolished by SA units and later used as a warehouse. It was returned to the Brno Jewish Community in 1991, and its interior murals have been restored. The space features a vaulted ceiling decorated with geometric and plant motifs, as well as a starry sky. The synagogue’s modern windows have semicircular tops and colorful stained glass featuring the six-pointed Star of David. Today, the synagogue is open to the public during the summer tourist season and hosts exhibitions on Jewish themes.
Strážnice City Museum
- Nám. Svobody 486 696 62 Strážnice
- muzeum-straznice.webnode.cz
- ivo.vratislavsky@wo.cz
- +420 518 334 155
Uncover Strážnice's Soul: Journey Through History at the City Museum
Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Strážnice's past at the City Museum. Born from the vision of local intellectuals in 1935, the museum diligently collects and preserves artifacts that tell the story of the town and its immediate surroundings, safeguarding its heritage for generations to come. After a period of dormancy, the museum was revived in 1993 and opened its doors to the public in 1995, nestled within a historic building on the main square. Today, it safeguards over 10,000 fascinating objects, meticulously cataloged and cared for by the dedicated local Museum and Heritage Society.
Explore the museum’s diverse exhibition spaces, spanning the ground floor, upper level, and even a unique stone vaulted cellar dating back through the centuries. The first floor houses compelling permanent exhibitions showcasing the natural wonders, pivotal historical moments, vibrant associations, and rich cultural life of Strážnice and its region. The ground floor regularly hosts engaging temporary exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Since 2012, the beautifully renovated museum cellars offer an atmospheric setting for further exploration.
With a constant stream of varied and engaging short-term exhibitions, the museum consistently draws visitors. From showcasing local artists and passionate collectors to highlighting intrepid travelers and significant local figures, and even featuring captivating natural history displays and interactive exhibits for children, the Strážnice City Museum offers something for everyone. Over the past two decades, it has hosted more than 100 exhibitions, welcoming over 50,000 curious minds. Since 2004, the Museum Society has also published the informative annual journal, ‘Okolo Strážnice’ (Around Strážnice).
National Natural Monument
Váté Písky and Dúbrava
- Bzenec
- www.straznice-mesto.cz
- infocentrum@straznice-mesto.cz
- +420 518 325 721
Discover the Moravian Sahara: Explore the Unique Blown Sands of Váté písky
Unearth a truly extraordinary natural wonder at Váté písky, a unique habitat often nicknamed the 'Moravian Sahara'. Stretching for 5.5 kilometers and reaching up to 60 meters in width, this fascinating area lies nestled between the Rohatec and Bzenec-Přívoz railway stations. The Váté písky National Nature Reserve stands as a singular example in the Czech Republic of an open sand ecosystem, boasting a highly specific and captivating array of plant and animal species. While pine forests, planted in the late 19th century to stabilize the once-shifting dunes that threatened surrounding fields, now dominate, the area remains a crucial haven for sand-loving flora and fauna from across the country.
This remarkable location teems with life, hosting numerous bird species like the European nightjar, hoopoe, and woodlark. Its sparse vegetation supports a rich diversity of drought-tolerant mosses and lichens. Furthermore, a wealth of rare ground beetles, as well as a significant population of Hymenoptera, particularly solitary wasps, velvet ants, and bees, thrive here. Keen observers might even spot a praying mantis or dozens of spider species.
The origins of this unusual landscape have been the subject of various theories. While some suggest winds deposited a ten to twenty-meter layer of sand at the end of the Ice Age, the prevailing explanation points to sediments from the Morava River. These sands were subsequently blown out by winds and, in places, reach depths of up to 30 meters. Interestingly, part of the National Nature Reserve also features an excellent in-line skating trail, offering a unique way to experience this remarkable environment.
Bzenec Castle
- Nám. Svobody 73, 696 81 Bzenec
- www.bzenec.cz
- projekty@bzenec.cz
- +420 722 183 283
Majestic Views & Ancient Wonders: Discover Bzenec Castle and its Millennial Linden Tree
While the grand neo-Gothic Bzenec Castle in South Moravia's Hodonín region remains a private residence, its enchanting English-style park welcomes visitors to a realm of tranquility and history. Here, you can marvel at the legendary Bzenecká lípa (Bzenec Linden Tree), a majestic tree estimated to be over 900 years old – a true silent witness to centuries of Moravian history. Though the four-winged, two-story castle with its distinctive polygonal corner turrets is not open for interior tours, its impressive façade, featuring a prominent balconied portico supported by pillars, provides a stunning backdrop to the surrounding landscape. Adjoining the castle are terraced gardens that seamlessly blend into the expansive parkland, creating a picturesque setting.
Today, the castle grounds also serve as a location for local wineries, which utilize the extensive Renaissance cellars beneath the structure. Adding to its charm, Bzenec Castle is also a sought-after venue for romantic wedding ceremonies.
A Glimpse into History:
The site of the current castle was originally occupied by a fortified late-Gothic stronghold, complete with a moat and walls. This fortress gradually transformed into a Renaissance chateau during the 16th century. A significant Baroque reconstruction took place between 1709 and 1710, under the ownership of Count Erdman of Pruskov, with designs by the architect Domenico Martinelli. However, in the 1850s, the Renaissance chateau was completely demolished, making way for the new, lavishly constructed English Gothic-style castle built between 1853 and 1855.
Jewish cemetery with a ceremonial hall
- B. Němcové 1471, 696 81 Bzenec
- www.bzenec.cz
- projekty@bzenec.cz
- +420 722 183 283
Silent Stones, Enduring Memories: Discover Bzenec's Historic Jewish Cemetery and Ceremonial Hall
Uncover a poignant chapter of Bzenec's history at its serene Jewish Cemetery, a protected cultural monument since 1988, and its recently restored Ceremonial Hall. Situated on a slope just east of Freedom Square, this significant site invites reflection on centuries of Jewish life in the region. While the exact founding date of the cemetery remains unknown, its origins may trace back to the medieval period. Within its 6,214 square meters, approximately 1,000 tombstones (macevot) stand as silent witnesses, including valuable Baroque and Classicist examples. The oldest visible stones date back to the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a tangible link to the past. Sadly, some older tombstones were repurposed during the socialist era.
The cemetery’s Ceremonial Hall, built in 1909, bears its own history. After World War II, it served as a warehouse for many years before undergoing a significant restoration in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Remarkably, a 2019 renovation unveiled original painted decorations hidden beneath layers of white paint.
Although the Bzenec Jewish community ceased to exist in 1940 due to the Holocaust, burials continued here after World War II, with the last known interment in the 1950s. A memorial to the victims of the Holocaust was unveiled near the Ceremonial Hall in 1956, serving as a solemn reminder of a tragic period.
Today, the cemetery is owned by the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and maintained by Matana a.s. Visitors can arrange a tour of the entire grounds during the opening hours of the local information center, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the rich, and at times sorrowful, history of Bzenec’s Jewish community.
Hill with the chapel of St. Florian
- Starý hrad, Bzenec 696 81
- www.bzenec.cz
- projekty@bzenec.cz
- +420 722 183 283
Ascend to Serenity: Panoramic Views and Sacred History at Bzenec's Chapel Hill
Even as you arrive in Bzenec's charming square, your gaze will likely be drawn to the picturesque chapel perched atop a hill, inviting exploration. Follow the path from the square towards the castle and its park, then set your sights on the Chapel of St. Florian and St. Sebastian, affectionately known as 'Bzenecký Floriánek', nestled amongst the vineyards on Starý hrad (Old Castle) hill. Your journey will lead you through quaint houses and traditional wine cellars before you ascend towards the vineyards. Skirting their edges, you'll reach a long staircase leading directly to the chapel, complete with a central handrail. Along the steps, you might notice local herbs awakening after winter. Midway up, two charming wooden sculptures await: a bunch of grapes and St. Urban, the revered patron saint of winemakers.
At the summit, the prominent Chapel of St. Florian and St. Sebastian isn’t the only point of interest. A wooden statue of St. Florian also graces the hilltop. Just before the chapel, a small gazebo with a round table and benches offers a perfect spot to rest. Below the gazebo, a small stone structure features a helpful directional sign.
From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Bzenec and its beautiful surroundings. While distant views and the sky might occasionally be affected by phenomena like Saharan dust, the immediate scenery is always captivating.
A Look into the Chapel’s History:
The chapel’s story began in 1703, commissioned by Count Erdman Pruskovský of Pruskov, who also oversaw the Baroque reconstruction of the Bzenec Castle. He provided a bell for the chapel and an altarpiece depicting St. Florian in an ornate carved frame.
The chapel became a beloved landmark of Bzenec, but its hilltop location made it vulnerable to lightning strikes and storms. In 1783, under the reign of Joseph II, the chapel was closed, with services only resuming after the law was repealed in 1793.
In 1852, the town funded repairs, and in the 1860s, the chapel underwent partial reconstruction, including the resizing of windows to better withstand strong winds. Tragedy struck on September 15, 1915, when lightning ignited the roof, causing a complete fire. Repairs weren’t completed until 1924, thanks to the initiative of Mr. Hanák, with Count A. Magnis providing timber and financial contributions from the town and the ministry. The chapel was rededicated on September 5, 1924.
The Second World War brought devastation. On April 18, 1945, the retreating German army, who had used the chapel as an observation post, mined and destroyed it at 11:30 AM. For over 70 years, only ruins stood on the hill, despite several attempts at restoration.
Finally, in 2016, an agreement was reached to rebuild the chapel in the spirit of its pre-war design. Reconstruction was completed in December 2017, and the grand reopening of the Chapel of St. Florian and St. Sebastian took place on May 5, 2018.
Church of St. John the Baptist
- J. Hanáka 809, 686 81 Bzenec
- www.bzenec.cz
- projekty@bzenec.cz
- +420 722 183 283
A Sanctuary Through Time: Discover Bzenec's Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist
Perched gracefully on a hill overlooking Bzenec, the Church of St. John the Baptist stands as a testament to centuries of faith and architectural beauty. Its origins trace back to the first half of the 13th century, with records mentioning a parish administration and the first Bzenec priest, Absolon, a court chaplain, as early as 1235. A smaller church once stood on this very site. However, history brought trials. On May 2, 1605, the original church was ravaged by fire during an attack on the town, tragically melting its bells. By 1695, the church no longer met the needs of the growing Bzenec parish. At the urging of Father Horg, Count Jiří Kryštof Proskovský commissioned a new temple, with the foundation stone of the present church laid on May 3, 1696. Construction was completed in 1702.
Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Bzenec church is a striking example of early Baroque architecture, measuring 13 meters wide and 45 meters long. It features a single nave with a quadrangular sacristy on its northern side. Entering through the main portal, visitors are immediately drawn to the barrel vault adorned with a portal bearing the coat of arms of Kryštof Pruskovský of Pruskov and his wife. Originally, a taller tower housed a bell from 1613, but a new bell was commissioned in 1768. The tower’s current form dates back to 1746. The crypts beneath, however, remain unchanged, serving as the final resting place for members of the count’s family and clergy.
Inside, the church is dominated by a magnificent main altar with a columned retable from the first half of the 18th century, featuring a painting of the Baptism of Christ. Statues of the Evangelists Matthew and John flank the columns, while Luke and Mark are positioned on consoles above. Wood carvings of St. Peter and Paul complement the main altar. Much of the interior furnishings also date from the 18th century, with some elements originating from the demolished Chapel of St. Florian and St. Sebastian and a chapel once located within the castle grounds.
Over time, the Bzenec church has weathered the forces of nature, including a lightning strike in 1825 that damaged the vault and the organ. It also bore witness to the conflicts that swept through the region.
Until 1812, the area surrounding the church served as a cemetery. Later transformed into a park, it now features several statues and a protected Holy Trinity Column from 1764. This column originally stood in Freedom Square but was moved to its current location in front of the church in 1937 due to roadwork.
Recognized for its valuable Baroque architecture dating back to 1702, the Church of St. John the Baptist, together with the Holy Trinity Column from 1764, forms a significant architectural complex on the church hill, a protected landmark.
Information centre Bzenec
- nám. Svobody 75, 696 81 Bzenec
- www.bzenec.cz
- projekty@bzenec.cz
- +420 722 183 283
Church of St. Lawrence
- náměstí Míru 50, 696 42 Vracov
- www.favracov.cz
- favracov@ado.cz
- +420 739 344 040
Echoes of Gothic Grandeur: Discover Vracov's Ancient Church of St. Lawrence
Journey back in time at the Church of St. Lawrence in Vracov, a remarkable example of early Gothic Burgundian-Cistercian architecture dating back to 1240. Situated in the heart of Vracov on Peace Square, this historical gem has witnessed centuries of change, with later Renaissance and Baroque alterations adding to its unique character. The original presbytery, built in 1240, stands as a testament to the church's early form. In 1565, the church underwent its first major transformation, primarily affecting the nave. The early 17th century saw further modifications, including the rebuilding of the tower and the installation of two new bells. The Baroque era left its mark in 1734, with the addition of six new windows to the nave, largely shaping the church as it appears today. The exquisite sculptural decorations are the work of Ondřej Schweigl (1735–1812).
More recent additions include the stunning stained glass windows from 1935, adding vibrant color to the interior. A poignant Pietà above the Holy Sepulchre, located near the side entrance, was created by sculptor Josef Hladík in 1943, offering a space for quiet contemplation.
Beyond the church, on its southern side, lies a modern Stations of the Cross, constructed between 2003 and 2004. This contemporary addition features striking glass stained-glass panels and a powerful sculpture of Christ, providing a unique artistic and spiritual experience.
Located in Vracov, a town with its first written mention dating back to 1201 and granted city status in 1967, the Church of St. Lawrence stands as a significant landmark, connecting visitors to centuries of architectural and artistic evolution in this South Moravian region, easily accessible from nearby Kyjov, Hodonín, and Uherské Hradiště.
Information centre of the town of Vracov
- náměstí Míru 48, 696 42 Vracov
- www.mestovracov.cz
- infocentrum@mestovracov.cz
- +420 511 147 314
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Restaurant and Hotel Beta Bzenec
- nám. Svobody 760, 696 81 Bzenec
- hotelbeta.cz
- recepce@hotelbeta.cz
- +420 518 385 084
Restaurant and Hotel Lidový dům
- nám. Svobody 310/9, 696 81 Bzenec
- hotellidovydum.cz
- recepce@hotellidovydum.cz
- +420 702 276 181
Restaurant and Hotel Junior
- Náměstí Svobody 318, 696 81 Bzenec
- www.hotelbzenec.cz
- recepce@sosbzenec.cz
- +420 518 384 527
Restaurant At Petr
- Náměstí Míru 205, 696 42 Vracov
- www.restauracevracov.cz
- info@restauracevracov.cz
- +420 727 861 756
Tourist hostel in Vracov
- Sokolská 900, 696 42 Vracov
- www.vps-vracov.cz
- sokolovna@vps-vracov.cz
- +420 739 095 091
DJ pension
- Náměstí míru 210, 696 42 Vracov
- www.dj-penzion.cz
- info@dj-penzion.cz
- +420 777 007 743
Pension U Zachů
- nám. Míru 209, 696 42 Vracov
- uzachu.cz
- penzion.uzachu@centrum.cz
- +420 736 473 691
FrGo accommodation
- Vlkošská 176 69642 Vracov
- frgo-ubytovani.webnode.cz
- helena.goliasova@tiscali.cz
- +420 602 515 474
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Photogallery
Photos from hiking.
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide