Rudolec can be explored from different angles: the medieval fortress in the château and the village chapels on the one hand, and ponds, ridges and viewpoints on the other. Its building history ranges from a fortress with distinctive vaulted rooms to a chapel completed at the end of the 20th century. At the same time, the named landscape features offer different viewpoints to help you plan your stay.

Rudolec Fortress and Château

The medieval fortress in the north wing of Rudolec Château is fully preserved. Massive walls and four vaulted rooms define it. The fortress continues to serve as the estate administration’s headquarters and as its owner’s main residence. The château is currently privately owned and falling into disrepair. This present-day situation exists alongside the preserved fortress architecture and its continued use. If you are considering visiting the château, check in advance whether visits are possible.

Two Chapels, Different Traces of Time

The Chapel of Saint Anne was completed in the summer of 1998 and consecrated on 26 July 1998 during a pilgrimage Mass. A year after its consecration, a new bell was installed in its tower. The only surviving element of the original furnishings is a painting of Saint Anne. The chapel’s history thus encompasses both specific events surrounding its consecration and one surviving element of its earlier furnishings.

The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk above Rudolec dates from the late 18th century. It stands beside the road towards Jihlava, at an elevation of 674 metres above sea level. While the history of the Chapel of Saint Anne can be tied to events from 1998, the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk points to a much earlier period of construction. The two chapels thus offer different perspectives on the religious history of the area.

Ponds and Wetland Habitats

The Rybníky u Rudolce area comprises ponds with rare vegetation on areas of pond bed that periodically dry out, as well as adjacent wetland and marsh habitats. Notable plants include, in particular, slender mudwort (Coleanthus subtilis); amphibians are especially prevalent there. The habitats described thus bring together ponds that periodically dry out, wetland and marsh areas, and distinctive plant and animal life.

Olšinský Pond is in Rudolec and, together with other ponds around Bohdalov, is part of Bohdalovsko Nature Park. The individual pond can therefore also be viewed in the context of a larger pond landscape.

Hiking Trails and Views

A blue-marked hiking trail passes through Rudolec and along the Blažkov ridge. From Blažkov, you can see the Moravian and Bohemian sides of the Žďárské vrchy. A blue-marked hiking trail also passes by Vyhlídka nad Rudolcem, following the crest of the Arnolecké hory. The viewpoint offers views of Rudolec Château, Bohdalov and the Žďárské vrchy.

The views differ: from Blažkov, the Moravian and Bohemian sides of the Žďárské vrchy take centre stage; from the viewpoint, the named sights are Rudolec Château, Bohdalov and the mountains. Before setting out on a hike, check the current trail route, as route details may change.

Discover more destinations: Zadní Zhořec, Jabloňov, Býšovec, Radostín, Bystřice Nad Pernštejnem, Saar, Záblatí U Osové Bítýšky, Vídeň.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.