The “Poznáváme Bory” nature trail brings together landscape, geology and engaging interpretation: there are information panels and three interactive features at 36 stations. The route runs from the area around Dolní Bory, past the polder, to Horní Bory. It lets you discover different aspects of Bory through specific topics—from nature and rocks to local history.
A route through Dolní and Horní Bory
The nature trail is about six kilometres long and runs through Dolní and Horní Bory. Most of it is also accessible with a pushchair. The section between stations 16 and 17 is more challenging, so a baby carrier is recommended for small children. As trail conditions can change, check the current situation locally.
Sundial, sound and geopark
At the analemmatic sundial, you can learn how it works, sit down and enjoy the view across the landscape. Another station engages your sense of hearing: forest sounds can be transmitted into the large wooden megaphone horn of the “Ucho lesa” sound installation and then listened to. In the geopark, wooden sculptures of native animals offer insights into nature and geology. The stations therefore take different approaches—from explaining and observing to hands-on activities. The condition of individual installations may change; check a current trail guide before setting out.
Geology at the Horní Bory quarry
The Horní Bory quarry is classified as a geotourism attraction (geosite) and a field-trip location. The Kamenolom Horní Bory station uses information panels to cover the history of the quarry and the extraction of the deposit. Gneiss is quarried there, and large blocks of serpentinised peridotite are also exposed. A total of 55 mineral species have been found here. The use of the rock and the geological diversity of the site thus stand side by side—a subject that adds a distinct perspective to the nature trail.
Moorland and protected plants
Another natural highlight is the Mrázkova louka natural monument in Horní Bory. It protects a mosaic of wet cabbage thistle meadows, calcareous-free moorland hollows with mosses, and submontane Nardus grasslands. Protected plants include round-leaved sundew, narrow-leaved cotton-grass, marsh cinquefoil and marsh clubmoss. These different habitats and plants give the natural monument a character distinct from the nature trail’s geological stations.
St Martin’s Church and other trails
St Martin’s Church in Horní Bory is another prominent feature of the village. It is a Late Romanesque single-nave church and a landmark of the municipality of Bory. Its oldest surviving part dates from 1250 to 1280; the church has been listed as a monument since 1958. The two dates refer to different things: the earlier one dates the oldest surviving part of the building, while the later one is the year it was listed.
Red- and yellow-marked hiking trails and the “Mlynářská stezka” cycle route also run through the municipality. If you plan to include other routes, check the current markings and alignments in the municipality’s tourist information before setting out. The nature trail, church, geology and natural monument offer different points of interest to shape your exploration of Bory around.
Discover more destinations: Dalečín, Sviny, Lisna, Měřín, Tři Studně, Křižanov, Kadolec, Zvole.
For the wider travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.
