A castle perched on a rocky outcrop on the left bank of the Oslava shapes the image of Náměšť nad Oslavou. The Renaissance building, historic monuments and hiking route through the Oslava Valley give a stay different points of focus. There are also gardens with views over the town and the surrounding landscape. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether culture or nature will play a greater role in your trip.
Castle, Gardens and the Oslava
Náměšť nad Oslavou Castle is considered an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture in Moravia. Its location on a rocky outcrop on the left bank of the river directly links the architecture with the Oslava. The castle grounds include an English park and a small French garden. Numerous old and rare trees grow there, and the gardens offer views of Náměšť and the surrounding landscape. The castle thus brings architecture and landscaped green spaces together without limiting the site to a single theme.
The Baroque bridge over the Oslava also adds its own historical note: it was built in 1737. The cultural promenade links the town’s most significant monuments, adding to the selection of places that shape Náměšť’s cultural character.
Church, Exhibitions and Music
The Church of St. John the Baptist is early Baroque and features sculptures by Adolf Loos. It was built in 1639 by Count Jan Baptist of Werdenberg as a Baroque deanery church. The building thus offers both an architectural classification and a specific date in the town’s history.
The Gallery in the Old Town Hall regularly hosts exhibitions by artists in the historic rooms of the former Renaissance town hall; the exhibition program may change. Three permanent museum exhibits are devoted to the studio of photographer Ondřej Knoll of Náměšť, Papírníkova tiskárna and Řeznické muzeum. Check before visiting whether the respective exhibitions are open. The traditional Folkové prázdniny music festival is also held in the town. If you plan to travel for it, check the latest dates.
For a playful experience, Záhada ztracené rovnováhy takes visitors through historic sites in Náměšť nad Oslavou and explores their hidden secrets. Together with the churches, gallery and museum exhibits, the game adds an activity involving several historic sites to the cultural offerings.
Hiking Route and Natural Areas
The hiking route through the Oslava Valley starts in Náměšť nad Oslavou. From the railway station, a red-marked trail follows the left bank of the river. The route offers a clear starting point for anyone wishing to add a hike to their stay. Important for planning: the rocky section is impassable when water levels are high. Check conditions before setting out, especially if the water level is high.
Protected natural areas also form part of the town’s landscape, each with its own location. The Náměšťská obora natural monument lies within the town; fallow deer are kept there, and the area is of European importance. Part of the Údolí Oslavy a Chvojnice nature reserve also lies within the town. These details give nature enthusiasts a different way to explore the area than the castle and monuments, without combining the two protected areas into a single route.
Getting There and Choosing Accommodation
Náměšť nad Oslavou is served by single-track regional railway line 240. It runs via Brno, Náměšť nad Oslavou, Třebíč, Okříšky, Jihlava and Havlíčkův Brod. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetable. You can then choose the focus of your stay when selecting accommodation: Renaissance architecture, historic sites and exhibitions on the one hand, and hiking and natural areas on the other.
Discover more destinations: Rapotice, Slavičky, Bochovice, Radkovice U Budče, Lomy, Kamenná, Hartvíkovice, Kožichovice.
Back to the regional travel overview: Třebíč District.
