Zruč nad Sázavou offers several distinct highlights for a stay: castle history, nature trails and routes along the Sázava River. There are two visitor tours in the south wing of the castle; in the park, stops introduce historical monuments and the history of the Schebek family. There are also routes of varying lengths and activities with their own themes. You can choose what to explore based on whether you are most interested in architectural history, a particular route or learning through play.
Castle history and historic sites
The south wing of the castle is open to visitors on two guided tours. Opening times may vary by season, so check the current visiting hours before your trip. East of the castle building, in the outer bailey, is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross complex. It includes the church, a mortuary, and perimeter and retaining walls. Another architectural landmark is the Chapel of St. James the Greater in the cemetery: a brick burial chapel in the Empire style, with a crypt, built in 1846.
The exhibitions also offer different points of interest. The interactive exhibition “The Story of the Sázava River” is housed in a former barn. The Boating Museum is located in Zručský dvůr, a former farm building of the Schebek family. Check the seasonal opening hours for the exhibition and museum before your visit. The “Baťa-era Zruč” portal offers digital access to another part of the town’s history: it documents and presents people, places, themes and documents from the Baťa era and the subsequent shoemaking era in Zruč nad Sázavou.
Choose trails and routes
The nature trail through Zruč Castle Park is two kilometres long and has 14 stops. They cover the park’s historical monuments and the history of the Schebek family, the castle’s last owners. The Zruč Trail to the Babka lookout tower offers a different length: it is seven kilometres long, starts in Zruč nad Sázavou and leads to the Babka lookout tower. Its viewing platform is atop a 24-metre-high tower and offers views of Zruč nad Sázavou and the surrounding area. The stated lengths make it easy to compare these routes by distance; no walking time is specified.
The 3.8-kilometre Zruč Cycling Trail runs along the Sázava River. It connects the new part of Zruč with the old town and continues to Domahoř. The route is suitable for cyclists, inline skaters and pedestrians, as well as cross-country skiers in winter. Alongside the nature trails, it offers a route for a variety of activities and users.
For themed activities that make learning fun, try the Fish Nature Trail at Na Rybárně. Games, secret missions and riddles teach visitors about fish found in rivers, ponds and streams in an entertaining way. The moat is home to the Knight Milota of Kolowrat Fun and Nature Trail, a weather-dependent learning and activity trail for children aged three and up. On the Knight Milota Trail, visitors can try activities such as throwing axes, archery, climbing a totem, crossing a horizontal beam, fishing and bowling.
Plan your visit
For directions around the castle: a car park is about 200 metres from the castle. The castle and information centre are wheelchair accessible; confirm current accessibility before your visit. Also take into account the seasonal opening hours of the exhibition and museum, as well as the weather-dependent nature of the learning and activity trail in the moat. This will help you choose which places and activities to visit based on the conditions during your stay.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Horka I, Záboří Nad Labem, Hostovlice, Svatý Mikuláš, Čestín, Třebětín, Samopše, Nepoměřice.
Return to the broader travel overview: Kutná Hora District.
