In Svratka, you can choose to focus on local history, art or outdoor activities. The “Svratka, její historie a příroda” educational trail combines history and nature in a circular route; the museum, church and two galleries offer further cultural points of interest. When planning your visit, it is therefore helpful to decide whether you would like to focus on a circular route, individual cultural sites or a seasonal activity.
A circular route through history and nature
The educational trail is a 3.35-kilometre circular route with 12 stops and information boards. It starts at náměstí 9. května in Svratka. Along the way, the stops provide thematic points of interest; if you would like to explore history and nature on a circular route, this is a clearly defined option. Trail conditions may vary depending on the weather, which you should take into account when planning your day.
Local history, the church and art
The Svratka Town Museum focuses mainly on the interwar period, post-war trade, regional history and local crafts. The Church of St John the Baptist offers a different historical perspective: it is mentioned around 1350 and was probably originally a wooden Gothic building. It acquired its present form during a reconstruction in 1789. The bell tower houses the Panna Maria bell, dating from 1480. The church thus brings together several historical points of reference: a mention around 1350, its presumed origins, the reconstruction and the dated bell.
The two galleries also differ in their focus. The Miloš Novotný Gallery permanently displays more than 90 paintings, including oil paintings and watercolours. Many of the subjects are connected to the Žďárské vrchy; the exhibition also includes expressive and abstract works. The Vysočina Painters’ Gallery opened in 2006. It presents works by artists with regional ties, alongside sculptures and natural growth forms. When choosing between the galleries, you can use these differences as a guide: one features landscape subjects and a range of painting styles, while the other highlights the artists’ regional connections and includes additional objects. Access arrangements at the Miloš Novotný Gallery may vary; check them before your visit.
Nature and outdoor activities
The Svratka Nature Garden is a park on the left bank of the Svratka River. Wetlands and wooden boardwalks shape the grounds and provide a landscape contrast to the museum and galleries. Reintroduced native trees and plants around the river provide habitat especially for birds and amphibians.
The Svratka swimming area is a public swimming facility with no admission charge. The artificial pool measures 50 × 12.5 metres. As it is open seasonally and access conditions may change, check that it is operating before you travel. Svratka also has a nine-hole golf course, a driving range and practice areas for putting and chipping. The Svratka Golf Course is among the oldest golf courses in the Czech Republic; check the current availability of the facilities before visiting.
In winter, Svratka’s cross-country ski trails are regularly groomed with snowmobiles and piste groomers for both classic and skating styles. Grooming depends on snow conditions. The requirements for these options differ: cross-country skiing depends on snow conditions, the swimming area on seasonal opening, and golf on current availability.
Discover more destinations: Lisna, Horní Radslavice, Jimramov, Březské, Štěpánov Nad Svratkou, Skorotice, Bory, Javorek.
See the overview of the wider region: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.
