Branka U Opavy combines a valley landscape with clearly dated traces of local history. The town lies in a valley of the Moravice about 300 metres wide, running from north to south between the foothills of the Nízký Jeseník range. There are also cycling connections through the town, a pump track and a leisure area with places to take a break. This gives visitors various ways to explore the area: its landscape and distant views, historic buildings and monuments, or opportunities for exercise on cycling routes and a circuit.
Valley, ridges and distant views
To the west, the valley is bounded by the Hanuše ridge, at 427 metres, and to the east by Branecký kopec, at 376 metres, also called Branská hůrka. The surrounding area offers views across the fertile Opava Lowland; Praděd and the Jeseníky ridge are visible on the western horizon. The names and elevations provide clear reference points on both sides of the valley, while the distant views extend beyond the valley itself to the plain and the western horizon.
Local history in the centre
Branka u Opavy was first mentioned in 1257, when the municipality was part of the Hradec estate. The first written mention of the Branka mill dates from 1339. In 1842, Chaplain Jan Chovanec began keeping the local chronicle, which is described as the oldest chronicle in rural Opava. These dates mark different historical reference points: the early mention of the municipality, the mill, and a chronicle whose keeping began in the 19th century.
In the town centre stands the larger Chapel of the Holy Trinity, consecrated on 11 June 1843. Its new bell, named “Václav Jan,” has been rung since 15 October 1944. The First World War victims’ memorial is also located in the centre. It was unveiled on 28 October 1923; the hourglass motif symbolises the transience of life. The chapel, bell and memorial thus connect different periods in local history, while keeping their dates distinct.
Events with changing dates
The Branský Literary Festival is a literary and musical festival in Branka u Opavy. Its eighth edition took place on Saturday, 8 June 2024, from 4 p.m. in the Czech-Polish Friendship Pavilion. The schedule and performers vary from year to year. The summer cinema is also a traditional film screening: previous screenings attracted visitors from other places as well as local residents, and the dates change each year. In the municipality, the association Spolek pro děti ZŠ a MŠ Branka u Opavy continues a tradition of events for children that has lasted for more than ten years; individual event dates also change annually. So if you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check its date.
Cycling routes and pump track
Marked cycling route 6055 runs from Branka u Opavy via Chvalíkovice and Vršovice to Raduň, where it connects in Branka to Route 551. Route 551 runs from Opava to Hradec nad Moravicí through Branka and is used by cyclists and inline skaters.
The pump track in Branka u Opavy offers another way to get active: it is a closed, purpose-built circuit with rollers and banked turns that can be ridden without pedalling. This makes it possible to choose between a circuit and routes linking named towns.
Výletiště leisure area
The Výletiště leisure area has children’s play equipment and recreational facilities. Other amenities include a covered wooden pavilion with seating, a place to charge electronic devices, a bicycle pump and an outdoor fire pit. These practical details can help with planning: seating and shelter from the weather are available alongside facilities for children, a charging point and a bicycle pump.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Služovice, Skřipov, Bohuslavice, Hať, Dolní Životice, Slavkov, Štáblovice, Darkovice.
Go to the overview of the wider area: Opava District.
