Cikháj lies in the heart of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area, between Žákova hora and Tisůvka. The variety of nature and hiking options provides practical guidance for planning a trip: around Žákova hora, forest and history take center stage, while the “Do pralesa” route has a specified length of 13 kilometers.
Forest landscape and protected nature
The Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area is 93 percent forested. This figure describes the protected area as a whole and gives an idea of the landscape in which Cikháj lies. The Žákova hora Nature Reserve protects natural mixed-forest ecosystems characteristic of the higher elevations of the Žďárské vrchy. Forest conservation and the region’s distinctive elevation are therefore among the features that shape a stay here.
Tisůvka is also a prominent landmark: the 800-meter-high summit is a natural monument above Cikháj. Together with Žákova hora, it provides a sense of the landscape that is already apparent from the town’s location. These two elevations highlight different nature destinations without requiring them to be combined into a single route.
Žákova hora: Forest and history
The first protection decree for Žákova hora was issued on December 31, 1933. The protected forest is of interest not only for its natural mixed-forest ecosystems; its long history of protection is also part of the story of the area. The Žákova hora educational trail provides information about the nature and history of the old-growth forest on Žákova hora. Visitors interested in both will find a clear thematic focus here.
The trail also follows partisan paths and passes one of the sources of the Svratka. Near Žákova hora, Stříbrná studánka is considered a source of the Svratka. The trail thus brings together forest history and a specific watercourse.
Hiking route and getting around
“Do pralesa” is a 13-kilometer hiking route through the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. It starts in Cikháj at a trailhead with a spacious parking lot. A stone partisan monument weighing 24 tons stands near the start. This connects route planning with a nature destination and a historic memorial site.
The two hiking options offer different points of interest: the Žákova hora educational trail focuses on nature, forest history, partisan paths, and a source of the Svratka. “Do pralesa” is the route with a specifically stated distance; it passes through the protected landscape area and starts in Cikháj. This distinction helps you choose based on your interests and how much planning you want to do, without assuming an unstated duration or length for the educational trail.
Planning your stay in Cikháj
If you’re looking for a hotel in Cikháj, the “Do pralesa” route can help you decide where to stay: its trailhead is in Cikháj. The nature and history around Žákova hora offer another focus for planning your trip. Consider whether you’d like to center your stay on the designated hiking route, the educational trail, or the protected forest landscapes. This lets you choose your destination based on the trails and nature destinations actually mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Baliny, Velké Tresné, Brezi Nad Oslavou, Bobrůvka, Sirákov, Blízkov, Nový Jimramov, Herálec.
See the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.
