Velké Meziříčí offers a variety of highlights to explore: the history surrounding its castle and museum, as well as natural attractions and viewpoints. The castle museum focuses on historical and natural history collections; at Balinské údolí Nature Park, you can enjoy hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing. The town lies near the D1 motorway between Prague and Brno, approximately at the 145th kilometre from Prague. So you can choose between cultural experiences and activities in the countryside during your stay.
Castle, Museum and Park
The original castle of Velké Meziříčí was built around 1230 and is one of the oldest stone noble castles in Moravia. The castle houses the Velké Meziříčí Museum, founded as a regional museum in 1893. It presents historical and natural history collections. The visitor route also includes the castle salons, which recall the imperial manoeuvres in Meziříčí. The museum route thus brings together collection themes and a specific historical memory.
The extensive castle park, which is open to the public, lies right next to the castle. It adds an outdoor space immediately beside the historic ensemble to a visit to the museum and castle. The park and museum route offer different ways to explore the castle surroundings: the route leads into the collections and salons, while the park provides freely accessible space alongside them.
City Views from the Church Tower
The tower of the Church of St Nicholas houses an exhibition of historical photographs of Velké Meziříčí, a 3D model of the town and the tower keeper’s apartment. The gallery is reached by climbing 153 steps; from the top, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the entire town. The tower therefore combines exhibits with a viewpoint: the photographs and model depict the town, while the gallery offers views from above.
The tower is scheduled to close for renovation in 2026. Check the latest information before your trip. This timing is particularly important if you are planning to include the tower in your stay.
Hiking and Cycling in Balinské údolí
Balinské údolí Nature Park was designated in 1984 and covers an area of 440 hectares. It stretches along the Balinka valley west of Velké Meziříčí, through Baliny to Uhřínov, and protects the scenic valley of the naturally meandering river. Its stated extent therefore encompasses more than a single destination; for practical planning, it is worth distinguishing the protected area from the individual trails described there.
The nature park has an educational trail, a section of trail partly adapted for cycling, and a blue-marked hiking route. Hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are listed as activities in the area. One specific option is the 15-kilometre circular route through Balinské údolí. It starts on the road from Velké Meziříčí to Uhřínov, opposite the turn-off for Hotel Amerika. Parking is available for a car at the starting point. The 15-kilometre circular route is one specific outing. In addition, the nature park has an educational trail, a section of trail partly adapted for cycling, and a blue-marked hiking route; hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are other activities.
Fajtův kopec Lookout Tower
Another distinctive structure is the iron Fajtův kopec lookout tower near Velké Meziříčí. It is 36 metres high, while the viewing platform is 30 metres above the ground. The two measurements therefore refer to different points on the tower. Its shape is intended to resemble a DNA double helix. Access to the viewing platform is via a self-service machine; check the latest access information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Velká Losenice, Malá Losenice, Horní Libochová, Křižánky, Sklené Nad Oslavou, Rožná, Bohdalec, Daňkovice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.
