A protected stratovolcano and a lookout tower with a covered viewing platform define the nature attractions at Velký Roudný. In Roudno and at the chapel, local traditions and cultural monuments add another dimension—from a memorial to the First World War to an annual Mass dedicated to the saints.

Volcanic Landscape and Former Use

The Velký Roudný National Natural Monument has been protected since 1966. It protects a uniquely well-preserved stratovolcano from the Early Quaternary in the Bohemian Massif. Velký Roudný has three lava flows. A quarry was formerly operated in the longest, northeastern flow to extract basalt.

This brings two distinct aspects together in one place: a protected volcanic landscape and the former use of basalt. Those interested in geology can explore the stratovolcano not only by learning about its classification, but also by examining its lava flows and the former quarry.

Lookout Tower and Trails at Velký Roudný

The Velký Roudný lookout tower was built in 2007. The 20-metre-high wooden structure is made of glued laminated larch beams, stands on concrete foundations and has a covered viewing platform at the top. From there, the view extends to the ridge of Hrubý Jeseník, Nízký Jeseník, Krnovsko, Opavsko, the Beskids and the Oderské vrchy. The panorama thus takes in several named geographical areas.

The trails lead to different destinations: the “Po vulkanitech” educational trail leads to the summit of Velký Roudný, while the Křížová cesta Stations of the Cross lead to the memorial to the victims of the First World War near the summit. Regional cycling route No. 6148 runs through the cadastral area of the municipality of Roudno. If you plan to use it, check its current route, as route details may change.

Memorial Sites and Local Traditions

The memorial to the victims of the First World War in Roudno consists of three plaques mounted on tuff stones. They commemorate the residents of the municipality who were killed, died or went missing between 1914 and 1918. The memorial is a protected immovable cultural monument and was fully restored in 2015.

The Velký Roudný Chapel has been protected as an immovable cultural monument under number 3941 since 16 September 1996. An annual Mass dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul is held in the chapel. Since 1978, the New Year’s ascent of Velký Roudný and the gathering at the chapel have been traditions in the municipality of Roudno.

The Church of St. Michael in Roudno is one of the Czech Republic’s immovable cultural monuments; its register number is 102169. A special detail is the church tower clock’s dials: they are made of 24-carat gold. The church, chapel and war memorial represent different aspects of local history—a religious dedication, a recurring community tradition and the remembrance of residents who died or went missing in the First World War.

Discover more destinations: Ryžoviště, Oborná, Sucha Rudna, Lomnice, Mala Moravka, Svobodné Heřmanice, Rymarov, Horní Benešov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Bruntál.