Štěpánov nad Svratkou offers several ways to explore its history: visible mining remains at Havírna, a small museum dedicated to mining history and geology, and a nature trail leading to historic ore-mining sites. The surrounding area also features protected habitats and climbing crags. Topics range from archaeology and local history to distinctive plants and climbing.
Mining History in the Landscape and Museum
The Havírna mining site is an important example of a medieval mining, processing and settlement complex, notable for its size and state of preservation. Remains of silver ore mining are visible on the site, along with relics of production buildings and probably also settlement buildings. The cautious interpretation of the settlement traces is part of the site's history.
The small Hornický cechhaus Štěpánov museum presents the area's mining history and regional geology. It is located in the cellars of one of Štěpánov's oldest houses and offers insight into the ore district, once known for mining silver, copper and lead ores. Visits must be arranged in advance. As this policy may change, check the current arrangements before planning your visit.
Church, Hradisko and Wartime History
The area's architectural and local history also reaches far back: Štěpánov Church may have been built around 1230; experts date its construction more likely to after 1235. Hradisko, above Štěpánov, was fortified as early as the beginning of settlement in the region. Trenches and wall remains have survived from the castle.
Another historic site lies in the vicinity of Štěpánov nad Svratkou: in 1944–1945, the headquarters of the Jermark partisan brigade operated from a World War II bunker. The area's history therefore spans the period from early fortifications to the wartime years of the 20th century.
The Štěpánovský čtyřlístek Nature Trail
The 14-kilometre Štěpánovský čtyřlístek nature trail starts at the school in Štěpánov nad Svratkou and passes sites associated with the historic mining of non-ferrous metal ores. Eleven stops provide information about local history, nature and folk architecture. As well as mining, the route highlights the area's architectural and natural heritage.
The route length provides a useful planning guide, while the stops each focus on their own themes. Visitors particularly interested in historic ore extraction can explore the subject at sites along the nature trail, at the Havírna mining site and in the museum's geology exhibition. However, a visit to the museum must be arranged in advance.
Natural Monuments and Climbing
Štěpánov nad Svratkou is part of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. The U Hamů Natural Monument protects a 3.1782-hectare dry slope with xerothermic vegetation in the cadastral area of Borovec. The plants mentioned there include juniper and stemless gentian. The Nad koupalištěm Natural Monument is different in character: it comprises a mosaic of small-scale habitats shaped by extensive farming and featuring near-natural conditions. It is home to the common spotted orchid, as well as the highly endangered early marsh orchid and burnt orchid.
Nearby, Vysoká skála is an approximately 50-metre-high vertical rock face used by climbers. Among the most frequently climbed routes are Malinová, Osiková, Západní hrana and Plavovláska. Weathered rock and loose stones should be taken into account when planning a climb; check the conditions on site.
Discover more destinations: Malá Losenice, Matějov, Nová Ves U Nového Města Na Moravě, Vidonín, Uhřínov, Horní Rožínka, Věchnov, Sulkovec.
For the wider travel overview: Žďár Nad Sázavou District.
