Baliny offers practical starting points for planning a trip, including a nature trail, a longer circular route and medieval heritage. It is important to distinguish between the two routes by length, estimated time and surface. The Balinka Valley also offers a distinct perspective on habitats and mill history.

Comparing the Nature Trail and Circular Route

The Naučná stezka Balinské údolí nature trail is 3.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours. Its twelve stops focus on flora. At some of the information boards, visitors can test their knowledge of nature; the trail is also aimed especially at children. Alongside the route itself, the nature trail therefore has a clear thematic focus: plant life and natural history.

At 15 kilometres, the Okruh Balinským údolím circular route is considerably longer. This makes the two routes easy to distinguish when planning: an approximate duration of two hours is given for the nature trail, while the circular route is substantially longer. Plan your day around the route you choose, and do not apply the nature trail’s estimated time to the longer circular route.

Habitats in the Balinka Valley

The boundary of the Přírodní park Balinské údolí nature park extends as far as Baliny. The Balinka Valley is home to species associated with river, meadow and woodland communities. Lush vegetation grows along the high banks, particularly willows, alders and poplars. Alongside the nature trail’s focus on flora, the area also features a variety of habitats and distinctive riverside vegetation.

Those interested in nature will find a range of topics here: the nature trail’s stops focus on flora and offer insights into natural history, while the description of the valley covers river, meadow and woodland communities, as well as vegetation along the banks. The nature park boundary and the habitats mentioned give the nature theme a specific connection to Baliny and the Balinka Valley.

Historic Traces and Mills

Baliny has been mentioned in written sources since 1317. There was already a manor and a mill here in the 14th century. The abandoned Čermákův mlýn is one of the oldest mills in the Balinka basin; it is mentioned in written sources dating from 1381. Another mill, Doležalův (Valův) mlýn, was probably built by the estate authorities in the 15th century.

These details offer several perspectives on the history of the village: from the earliest written reference to Baliny, through the manor and mill in the 14th century, to later references to mills. The claim that Doležalův (Valův) mlýn was built in the 15th century remains tentative. Mill history thus adds a historical focus to the nature themes, without suggesting that the two mills date from the same period or had the same status.

Starting Point, Trail Surface and Getting There

The starting point of the 15-kilometre circular route is on the road between Velké Meziříčí and Uhřínov, opposite the turn-off for Hotel Amerika. Parking is available for a car at the starting point. As access information may change, check the current route status before your visit.

The trail surface varies from one section to another. The paved sections between Velké Meziříčí and Šeborov, and between Svařenov, Hrbov and Velké Meziříčí, are suitable for cyclists and pushchairs. The surface between Šeborov and Svařenov, however, is difficult to travel along. The information about paved sections does not apply to the entire circular route, so take the surface of each section into account when planning.

The bus stops serving the circular route are Baliny, Baliny, rozc. 1.5 and Baliny, rozc. 2. The Baliny stop is on the route; the two stops with “rozc.” in their names are near the route. As bus stop information may change, check it before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Sázava, Sejřek, Bohdalec, Herálec, Nové Sady, Radňovice, Křídla, Osová Bítýška.

For the broader travel overview: Žďár Nad Sázavou District.