the ninth stage of hiking
Světlá nad Sázavou - Havlíčkův Brod
Basic information about the trail
Connecting the renowned glassmaking town of Světlá nad Sázavou with the historic center of Havlíčkův Brod, this scenic stage of the Cyril and Methodius Route offers hikers a captivating journey through the heart of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Starting near the picturesque Světlá Chateau and its expansive landscape park, the 17.8-kilometer trail guides long-distance walkers along the meandering Sázava River, combining rich industrial heritage with tranquil natural scenery. As the route weaves eastward, walkers traverse an enchanting countryside characterized by wooded riverbanks, gentle rolling hills, and quiet rural settlements. The path highlights the region’s deep connection to traditional crafts, particularly centuries-old glassmaking, stonecutting, and river trade. Along the way, hikers encounter historical stone bridges, rustic mill sites, and serene natural spots that showcase the authentic character of the Posázaví landscape. Ending at the historic Havlíčkovo Square in Havlíčkův Brod, this well-accessible hiking stage is an ideal choice for active cultural tourists seeking a balanced outdoor experience. With excellent train connections running parallel to the trail and clear route marking, the stage invites walkers to enjoy the physical and cultural benefits of long-distance walking along the Council of Europe’s regional heritage network.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Světlá nad Sázavou
Ending point: Havlíčkův Brod
Distance: 17,8 km
Estimated travel time: 5:03 hours
Difficulty: medium
Altitude: ascent 248 m, descent 218 m
Surface: mainly paved roads, dirt and forest roads.
Critical points: none
Our tip:
Take enough food and drink with you, as there are sections of the trail without the possibility of buying food during the journey.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Castle Světlá nad Sázavou
- Zámecká 1, 582 91 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.zameksvetla.cz
- info@zameksvetla.cz
- +420 778 075 588
Discover Nobles Heritage and Glassmaking Traditions at Světlá nad Sázavou Chateau
Prominently situated near the Sázava River, Světlá nad Sázavou Chateau (Zámek Světlá nad Sázavou) is an exceptionally preserved architectural landmark of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Originally constructed in the 14th century as a fortress by the Trčka of Lípa family, the site underwent significant extensions over the centuries, evolving into a grand four-wing complex that harmoniously combines Renaissance elements with striking Neoclassical facades.
The chateau’s rich interiors showcase diverse exhibition circuits focused on European historical clocks, antique furniture, historical toys, and the region’s famous glassmaking tradition. Surrounding the residence is an extensive 16-hectare English-style landscape park featuring serene ponds, historic bridges, romantic pavilions, and scenic walking paths that complement the natural beauty of the upper Sázava valley.
As a major cultural POI and the official starting point for the Světlá nad Sázavou – Havlíčkův Brod hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Světlá Chateau offers long-distance walkers an inspiring heritage experience. It invites travelers to explore noble history and local craftsmanship before embarking on their journey through the scenic river landscapes of the region.
Museum Světelska
- Zámecká 1, 582 91 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.zameksvetla.cz/muzeum-svetelska
- info@zameksvetla.cz
- +420 778 075 588
Discover Local Crafts and Heritage at Muzeum Světelska in Světlá nad Sázavou
Housed in the historic premises of the Světlá nad Sázavou Chateau complex, Muzeum Světelska serves as the primary cultural repository for the historical heritage of the upper Sázava region (Posázaví). Dedicated to preserving the authentic traditions of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina), the museum offers visitors a comprehensive look into the industrial, artisanal, and everyday life of the town and its surrounding countryside across the centuries.
The museum’s curated exhibitions highlight the two defining traditional industries of the region: famous local glassmaking and skilled stonecutting. Highlights include unique displays of cut crystal, historical glass products from regional glassworks, tools of granite workers, and exhibits mapping local folklore, famous personalities, and the development of the Sázava River trade.
As an insightful cultural POI along the Světlá nad Sázavou – Havlíčkův Brod hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Muzeum Světelska provides long-distance walkers with an ideal introduction to the region’s cultural identity. It allows hikers to deepen their understanding of local history and human craftsmanship before embarking on their journey through the scenic Sázava valley.
Church of St. Wenceslas
- Pěšinky 157, 582 91 Světlá nad Sázavou
- svetla.farnost.cz
- rkf.svetlanadsazavou@dihk.cz
- +420 776 215 841
Discover Medieval Foundations and Civic Heritage at the Church of St. Wenceslaus in Světlá nad Sázavou
Standing prominently on the main town square, the Church of St. Wenceslaus (Kostel sv. Václava) is the principal historic and architectural landmark of Světlá nad Sázavou. Originally built in the 13th century as a medieval parish church, the building reflects centuries of architectural development in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina), transitioning from its Gothic origins through major Renaissance extensions to its present late Baroque appearance.
The church is dominated by its impressive 35-meter-high bell tower, which features a distinctive gallery and offers sweeping views across the town and the surrounding Sázava River valley. Inside, the sanctuary preserves valuable historical furnishings, including a Baroque main altar, historic epitaphs of local noble families, and artistic details that highlight the long cultural and civic development of the local community.
As a central cultural POI located right at the starting area of the Světlá nad Sázavou – Havlíčkův Brod hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, the Church of St. Wenceslaus offers long-distance walkers an authentic historical anchor. It invites travelers to admire the town’s urban heritage and architectural history before setting off along the scenic river trails of Posázaví.
Information centre Světlá nad Sázavou
- nám. Trčků z Lípy 16, 582 91 Světlá nad Sázavou
- turistika.kyticesvetla.cz
- info@kyticesvetla.cz
- +420 775 653 884
Peasant Museum Michael's open-air museum
- Havlíčkovo náměstí 48, 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.muzeumhb.cz
- muzeum@muzeumhb.cz
- +420 569 429 151
Discover Rural Heritage and Vernacular Architecture at Michalův Statek
Located in the village of Pohleď in the Havlíčkův Brod district, Selské muzeum Michalův statek (Michal's Homestead) is a remarkably preserved National Cultural Monument showcasing regional rural life. Continuously owned by the Michal family from 1591 until the late 20th century, this timbered and masonry farm complex represents an exceptionally authentic example of folk architecture in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina) between the end of the Thirty Years' War and the abolition of corvée labor in 1848.
The enclosed traditional courtyard features a well-preserved main residential house with an original black kitchen, living room, and pantry, directly joined with cattle stables, a timbered granary, tool sheds, and a standalone 1920s retirement house (výměnek). Beyond the historical structures, the museum presents a living heritage experience with traditional livestock breeds, historical agricultural tools, and seasonal folk events, reflecting the daily routines, crafts, and customs of 17th- to 19th-century peasant life.
As a unique cultural POI along the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Michalův statek offers long-distance walkers an immersive historical stop in the Sázava River valley. It provides hikers with a vivid glimpse into regional agricultural traditions and authentic rural heritage before continuing their journey across the countryside.
Castle Okrouhlice
- Rubešovo náměstí 22, 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.farnosthb.cz
- farnosthb@seznam.cz
- +420 569 427 707
Discover Historic Architecture and Valley Heritage at Okrouhlice Chateau
Situated along the scenic Sázava River between Světlá nad Sázavou and Havlíčkův Brod, Okrouhlice Chateau (Zámek Okrouhlice) is a fascinating historical landmark in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Originally established as a medieval fortress guarding local trade routes, the site underwent subsequent Renaissance and Baroque transformations, evolving into a stately manor that reflects the rich aristocratic and regional history of the Posázaví area.
The architectural layout features a compact historical core surrounded by remnant parkland, capturing the evolving styles of noble country residences across the centuries. Though private property today, the exterior and surrounding village landscape retain an authentic rural charm, offering a picturesque glimpse into the historical settlement patterns along the river valley.
As an engaging cultural POI along the Světlá nad Sázavou – Havlíčkův Brod hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Okrouhlice Chateau provides long-distance walkers with a delightful heritage stop. It enriches the journey for hikers exploring the natural and historical treasures of the upper Sázava valley before they reach Havlíčkův Brod.
Information centre Havlíčkův Brod
- Havlíčkovo náměstí 57, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- tic.muhb.cz
- icentrum@muhb.cz
- +420 569 497 353
Vysočina Museum
- Havlíčkovo náměstí 48, 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.muzeumhb.cz
- muzeum@muzeumhb.cz
- +420 569 429 151
Discover Regional History and Book Culture at the Vysočina Museum in Havlíčkův Brod
Located directly on Havlíčkovo Square in the prominent Renaissance building known as Havlíček’s House (Havlíčkův dům), the Vysočina Museum in Havlíčkův Brod (Muzeum Vysočiny Havlíčkův Brod) is a vital cultural institute dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Sázava River region. The museum resides in a beautifully restored burgher house featuring a late Gothic core and an ornate Renaissance gable, making the structure itself a significant architectural landmark within the town's historical center.
The museum’s permanent exhibitions offer visitors a rich journey through regional history, focusing on traditional crafts, local trade guilds, and the literary history of the highlands. Special emphasis is placed on the life, work, and legacy of the renowned 19th-century Czech writer, journalist, and patriot Karel Havlíček Borovský, who lived in the house. Additionally, the museum highlights the town’s long-standing tradition of book printing and publishing, showcasing rare historical volumes, regional art, and cultural artifacts.
As a key cultural POI at the starting point of the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, the Vysočina Museum provides long-distance walkers with essential historical context. It allows travelers to immerse themselves in the literary and socio-cultural identity of the highlands before embarking on their journey along the scenic Sázava River valley.
Dean's Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- Rubešovo náměstí 22, 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.farnosthb.cz
- farnosthb@seznam.cz
- +420 569 427 707
Discover Architectural Heritage at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Havlíčkův Brod
Dominating the skyline just off the main town square, the Deanery Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Děkanský kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie) is one of the oldest and most significant architectural landmarks in Havlíčkův Brod. Originally founded in the late 13th century alongside the development of the medieval town, the church stands as a testament to the long urban and cultural evolution of the Sázava River region in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina).
The church complex features a striking blend of architectural styles, combining a medieval Gothic core and vaulting with later Renaissance rebuilding and elegant Baroque interior modifications. Adjoining the main sanctuary is an iconic four-sided bell tower reaching a height of over 50 meters, housing the famous historical bell named “Vilém,” cast in the late 14th century, which remains one of the oldest preserved bells in the Czech Republic.
As a central cultural POI at the starting point of the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, the Deanery Church offers long-distance walkers an enriching historical milestone. It serves as a prominent landmark to begin your journey, allowing travelers to appreciate the artistic and civic heritage of Havlíčkův Brod before embarking along the scenic valley of the Sázava River.
Staffel's Bastion
- Havlíčkův Brod
- www.muzeumhb.cz
- info@muzeumhb.cz
- +420 569 429 151
Discover Medieval Fortifications and Artistic Legacy at Štáfl's Bastion in Havlíčkův Brod
Nestled along the surviving southern stretch of Havlíčkův Brod's medieval fortification walls, Štáfl's Bastion (Štáflova bašta) is a remarkably preserved architectural landmark of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Originally constructed in the 14th century as a key semicircular defensive tower for the town's protection, the structure uniquely blends stone fortification engineering with a picturesque half-timbered and log upper story added in later centuries.
The bastion is deeply connected to the life and work of the prominent 20th-century Czech painter, illustrator, and mountain enthusiast Otakar Štáfl, who used the atmospheric space as his studio. Today, the carefully restored interior serves as a cultural landmark and exhibition space dedicated to Štáfl’s artistic legacy, as well as showcasing traditional crafts, vernacular timber architecture, and the historical development of Havlíčkův Brod’s medieval defense systems.
As a picturesque cultural POI near the starting point of the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Štáfl’s Bastion offers long-distance walkers an inspiring heritage stop. It invites travelers to admire the town’s historical craftsmanship and artistic identity before setting off along the scenic pathways of the Sázava River valley.
Park Future
- Havlíčkův Brod
- tic.muhb.cz
- icentrum@muhb.cz
- +420 569 497 353
Discover Urban Nature and Historical Ponds at Park Budoucnost in Havlíčkův Brod
Extending gracefully from the edge of the historic center along the Cihlářský Stream, Park Budoucnost is the green lung of Havlíčkův Brod and one of the largest municipal parks in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Established in the late 19th century by a local civic association, this expansive landscape park covers over 25 hectares, seamlessly connecting preserved urban nature with the town’s rich cultural heritage.
The park is characterized by its scenic cascade of historical ponds—including the prominent Hastrman, Rytíř, and Cihlář ponds—framed by mature tree alleys, winding footpaths, and open meadow areas. Along its shaded avenues, visitors encounter notable monuments, including a memorial to the famous Czech writer Karel Havlíček Borovský, artistic sculptures, and remnants of old stone bridges, making it a peaceful sanctuary for both outdoor recreation and historical reflection.
As a refreshing natural POI along the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Park Budoucnost provides long-distance walkers with an inviting transition from the urban square to the open countryside. It offers an ideal spot to pause, recharge, and enjoy the harmonious blend of local history and nature before continuing along the scenic Sázava River valley.
Havlíček Square and town houses
- Havlíčkův Brod
- tic.muhb.cz
- icentrum@muhb.cz
- +420 569 497 353
Discover Historical Architecture at Havlíčkovo Square in Havlíčkův Brod
Serving as the natural heart of the town’s urban conservation area, Havlíčkovo Square (Havlíčkovo náměstí) is an exceptionally preserved architectural showcase in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). Framed by a remarkably intact ensemble of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque burgher houses, this spacious square reflects centuries of regional trade, civic prosperity, and rich cultural evolution along the historic transportation routes of the Sázava River region.
Among the square’s most prominent landmarks are unique architectural treasures such as the Old Town Hall (Stará radnice) with its distinctive facade, the iconic Havlíček’s House, and the house “U Černého orla” featuring intricate sgraffito decorations. The center of the square is adorned with a Baroque Marian plague column from the early 18th century and a stone fountain featuring a statue of Triton, creating an authentic atmospheric backdrop for visitors exploring the town’s heritage.
As a core cultural POI and the official starting location for the Havlíčkův Brod – Přibyslav hiking stage on the Cyril and Methodius Route, Havlíčkovo Square offers long-distance walkers an ideal setting to begin their journey. It invites travelers to admire the town’s rich urban history and vibrant local life before setting off into the rolling countryside of the Sázava River valley.
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Castle Světlá
- Zámecká 1, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- zameksvetla.cz
- info@zameksvetla.cz
- +420 778 075 588
Pension104
- Haškova 104, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.relaxprovas104.cz
- petr.dobry@email.cz
- +420 608 372 553
Restaurant and Hotel Barbora
- náměstí Trčků z Lípy 1045, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.hotelbarbora.eu
- hotelbarbora@centrum.cz
- +420 608 915 081
Pension Villa Amenity
- Horní 195, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.ubytovanivillaamenity.cz
- svetale@email.cz
- +420 606 391 307
Dublin bar
- Nové Město 1104, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.dublinbar.eu
- info@dublinbar.eu
- +420 774 081 904
Březinka Mill
- Dolní Březinka ev. č. 2, 58291 Světlá nad Sázavou
- www.mlynbrezinka.com
- mlynbrezinka@gmail.com
- +420 608 063 803
Pension Hurikán 63
- U Stadionu 2116, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.hurikan63.cz
- info@hurikan63.cz
- +420 605 214 341
Pension Starr
- Žižkova 3070, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.starr.cz
- recepce@starr.cz
- +420 569 426 000
Pension Jantar
- Bezručova 143, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.penzion-jantar.cz
- josef.mysicka@centrum.cz
- +420 720 522 585
Hostinec U Palánů
- Žďárská 1717, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.upalanu.cz
- hostinec.palan@centrum.cz
- +420 569 428 392
Hotel At the Golden Lion
- Havlíčkovo náměstí 176, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.uzlateholva.cz
- hotel@uzlateholva.cz
- +420 569 420 276
Pension U Kroupů
- Nádražní 106, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.ukroupu.cz
- ukroupu@fendrych.cz
- +420 777 917 188
Apartment U Truhláře
- Mírová 1308, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- ubytovani.venzhofer.cz
- ubytovani@venzhofer.cz
- +420 605 703 051
Pension U Kroupů
- Nádražní 106, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.ukroupu.cz
- ukroupu@fendrych.cz
- +420 777 917 188
Hotel At the Golden Lion
- Havlíčkovo náměstí 176, 58001 Havlíčkův Brod
- www.uzlateholva.cz
- hotel@uzlateholva.cz
- +420 569 420 276
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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