Where to go on a trip Haná

A smaller resort for families and beginner skiers

Ski areál Kladky is located in central Moravia, in the municipality of Kladky in the Olomouc Region, within the landscape of the Kladecko Nature Park. It offers a pleasant environment, a good range of trails, and a peaceful operation ideal for instruction, children, and skiers who do not require large resorts.

The resort operates at an altitude of around 610 metres above sea level. It features one main downhill run of red difficulty, approximately 710 metres in length with an elevation drop of around 85 metres, which includes a gentler section at the run-out suitable for less experienced skiers as well. Transportation is provided by a double-anchor lift (Doppelmayr), a Poma lift, and a small children's rope tow for the youngest visitors. The entire trail is illuminated for night skiing, and an artificial snowmaking system is utilised when necessary. The resort additionally offers a ski school, a rental shop, a ski club with refreshments, and sanitary facilities.

Access and parking

The resort is situated beyond the municipality of Kladky, with access led via local roads with directional signage towards the slope. Parking is provided free of charge directly next to the lower station of the lift. Regarding public transport, a bus connection to the municipality of Kladky may serve visitors, from where the resort can be reached on foot via a local path by walking from the bus stop.

Where to set off for a trip from the resort

In the immediate vicinity, towns such as Šternberk or Uničov can be visited. Nearby, visitors will also find, for example, the Javoříčské jeskyně caves, Relax Park Bouzov, or Hrad Bouzov.

Plumlovská přehrada is an extensive water body on the border of the Drahanská vrchovina and Haná. It lies on the Hloučela River about 3 kilometres from Prostějov. It ranks among our oldest reservoirs and covers an area of 65 hectares. Its construction began as early as 1913 and initially did not meet with great enthusiasm among the population. Originally, it was supposed to be completed within five years, but World War I interrupted the plans. The complete finishing of the Plumlov dam thus took place only in 1932.

The main reason for construction was primarily flood protection and the support of the flow of the Hloučela River. However, a flood came sooner, and so in 1920, a large amount of water from persistent rain caused such damage at the dam that the final construction cost increased up to twelvefold.

Now, Plumlovská přehrada serves mainly tourists and athletes. Grassy beaches and refreshments are available, but for anyone who is not entertained by merely lying by the water, the offer of one of the rental shops can be utilized to cross the surface criss-cross on a paddle boat or a small boat. Other water sports also do not remain in the background, and so it is possible to see skilled paddleboarders or fast kayakers.

The Plumlov water reservoir is also important from a cultural perspective. Various significant events for the general public have taken place here, for example, the International Music Festival for Children and Youth with Disabilities as well as a large number of other concerts. An interesting and relatively popular event is also the dragon boat race, which takes place on various water bodies throughout the republic.

Not far from the dam is the early Baroque zámek Plumlov, part of which is also the torso of the never-completed castle of the same name. Visitors' holiday by Plumlovská přehrada thus does not have to be solely about swimming, but history lovers will also find something to their liking. After all, tourists and cyclists will not come up short either. A number of marked trails lead through the surroundings of the dam; visitors simply need to choose the one that suits them. Then it is only a matter of planning a date, finding suitable accommodation near Plumlovská přehrada, and coming to relax from demanding working days.

A garden that inspires

On the outskirts of the village of Borotín, in the picturesque landscape north of Boskovice, lies the Arboretum Borotín. This botanical garden, established in the 1970s, today offers more than 3,000 plant species. It is a place where the beauty of nature meets the ingenuity of landscape architecture, perfect for a peaceful walk or finding inspiration for one's own garden. The Arboretum is freely accessible year-round and open during daylight hours, with no entrance fee required.

The plant world by continents and styles

Arboretum Borotín is divided into thematic sections that allow visitors to explore different gardening cultures from around the world. The Japanese and Chinese sections, with bonsai trees, stone lanterns, and wooden bridges, evoke the harmonious atmosphere of Eastern traditions. The herb garden will enchant visitors with the scent of lavender, mint, sage, and other, less-known medicinal plants, while the alpine garden with its water features resembles a magical mountain landscape with ponds, streams, and a water wall. The pavilion with a green roof offers seasonal exhibitions of flowers, woody plants, and decorations. The entire area is complemented by information boards and carefully maintained paths that guide visitors through this quiet landscape full of scents and colours.

Transformations of nature in every season

The garden offers a unique experience throughout the year. In spring, perennials, rhododendrons, and ornamental shrubs awaken; in summer, the garden reaches the peak of its variety and offers pleasant shade under the tree canopies. In autumn, the leaves turn gold and red, and the fruits ripen. In winter, the garden takes a well-deserved rest, but its architecture and structure stand out even more at that time.

For whom is the arboretum suitable

Arboretum Borotín is an ideal destination for all age groups. Families with children will appreciate the spacious and safe area free from road traffic. Seniors and couples will find their own enjoyment thanks to the quiet atmosphere and the possibility of resting on the provided benches. Gardeners and botanists will find inspiration and education here due to the wide range of represented plants. The entire area is barrier-free. Due to the protection of the exhibits, entry with dogs is not permitted.

How to get to the arboretum and what to expect on site

The Arboretum is located in the village of Borotín near Boskovice, in the Blansko district. It is possible to park a car in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. If travelling by bus, one can reach the village of Borotín comfortably, and from there, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Arboretum. Within the grounds, visitors will find benches, information boards, and shelters. Please note that there are no catering services directly in the garden, but in the village of Borotín, visitors will find refreshments where they can stop for a meal or a drink.

The Massive Ruin of a Gothic Castle Above Boskovická brázda

Hrad Boskovice, an extensive ruin towering above the town of Boskovice in Moravia, is one of the most significant Gothic castles in the Jihomoravský kraj (South Moravian Region). It was probably founded in the mid-thirteenth century and belonged to the estate of the lords of Boskovice, who were among the most powerful Moravian nobles. The castle was originally conceived as a guard and defensive castle. It reached its greatest expansion under Ctibor Třebovský of Boskovice in the fifteenth century. After the nobility moved to a more comfortable Renaissance chateau in the town, the castle began to decay in the seventeenth century. During the Thirty Years' War, it was still used as a military bastion, but after the war, it was definitively abandoned. Today, it is an extensive and romantic ruin that offers views of the surrounding area and is gradually being conserved. It is known for its massive defensive tower and the remains of palace structures.

Access

Hrad Boskovice is located on a hill above the town of Boskovice in the Jihomoravský kraj (South Moravian Region). Access by car is possible via road I/43 with a turn-off onto the local road leading to the castle. Parking is available below the castle. A tourist trail leads from the town to the castle. Boskovice has railway and bus connections.

What is Worth Knowing

In the town of Boskovice, visitors can visit the Empírový zámek Boskovice (Empire Chateau Boskovice), which served as a more comfortable residence for the Dietrichštejn family. The Židovské město Boskovice (Jewish Town of Boskovice) with its preserved synagogue is also unique. North of the town, hrad Pernštejn (Pernštejn Castle), one of the most beautiful Gothic castles in Moravia, is accessible. Zámek Kunštát (Kunštát Chateau) is also located nearby.

The deepest chasm of its kind in the Czech Republic and Central Europe, over 138.5 metres deep. This is the Macocha Abyss. It is located in the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), near the village of Vilémovice, in the Blansko District. The abyss was most likely formed by the collapse of the ceiling of a large underground chamber of the Punkevní jeskyně, through which the Punkva river flows. Should you visit the Punkevní jeskyně, you will be able to reach not only the bottom of the abyss but also take a boat that will transport you to it.

The upper part of the Macocha Abyss is 174 metres long and up to 76 metres wide. At two points, at different levels of the abyss, two viewing bridges are available to visitors. The first dates back to 1882 and is located in the highest part. The second is 92 metres lower and was built in 1899. The entire surroundings of the Macocha Abyss have a special, almost magical atmosphere. Just as Prague has its infamous Nuselský most (Nusle Bridge), for the Blansko region, the Macocha Abyss is a typical site where dozens of people have decided to end their lives.

Even the legend associated with the Macocha Abyss has a tragic undertone. Once, in the nearby village of Vilémovice, lived a young farmer named Hálek. When his wife fell ill and subsequently died, Hálek was left alone with his young son, Martínek. As often happens, Hálek eventually remarried, and before long, his wife gave birth to a son. Then, difficult times began for Martínek. His stepmother favoured her own child and turned against Martínek. Hálek tried to help his firstborn son in secret, but it was all to no avail.

One day, when Hálek travelled to town with his younger son, the stepmother took Martínek into the forest to pick strawberries. They reached an abyss with a small lake, which was said to be so deep that it had no bottom. The stepmother sent Martínek to the very edge of the abyss, claiming that the most beautiful strawberries were there. Martínek, afraid to disobey, leaned over the abyss; the stepmother then pushed him, and Martínek plummeted into the depths. The wicked woman ran away from the abyss, but on the way home, she began to realise what she had done and returned to the site. She knew that Hálek would never forgive her for this, and she could not live in peace anyway. Therefore, she covered her eyes and jumped down into the abyss.

When the farmer returned from town and could not find his wife and the boy at home, he set out to look for them. Neighbours told him that they had gone to pick strawberries. The farmer reached the abyss, and suddenly, a great storm broke out. He was about to run and hide, but suddenly he heard a child crying. He leaned over the edge of the abyss and saw his Martínek, who, as if by a miracle, had caught onto a bush growing on the slope of the abyss. He ran for a rope and pulled the boy up. Judging by a headscarf that had also caught on the bush, he realised what had happened to his wife. Ever since, the abyss has been called Macocha (Stepmother). And it is said that during a storm, you can hear a faint crying coming from the abyss. That, they say, is the unhappy stepmother moaning.

The first to penetrate the Macocha Abyss was the team of Karel Absolon through the Punkevní jeskyně from the Pustý žleb valley, via the so-called "dry route". The first human stood there on 31 January 1914. In the 1930s, Macocha was also made accessible via the so-called "water route," along the Punkva river through the water chambers. At the bottom of the abyss, there are two small lakes – the Lower and the Upper. Beneath the Lower lake, there are further, as yet unexplored spaces. If the water level of the lake rises, for example, during persistent rain, it connects with the Upper lake. Conversely, during periods of drought, the water dries up completely.

The Macocha Abyss is certainly the most famous tourist attraction in the entire Chráněná krajinná oblast Moravský kras (Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area). For this reason, especially during the holiday season, there is a large number of tourists, and tours should be booked in advance. In addition to the Punkevní jeskyně, you can also visit the nearby Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně, jeskyně Balcarka, or Kateřinské jeskyně. This area is a paradise for both professional and novice speleologists.

Finding accommodation near the Macocha Abyss will be a breeze with the MegaUbytko portal. Cosy cottages, guesthouses, or apartments in the Blansko region are ready for you, and their owners and operators, known for their cordiality, will be happy to share not only the legend of the stepmother but also provide many interesting tips for trips or lesser-known places in this area. And there are truly many interesting attractions in the Blansko region. Do you not believe it? Come and see for yourself.

The flooded Zatopený lom Želeč u Drysic is a picturesque and popular site that originated as a remnant of stone mining and now serves as a tranquil natural location.

The site is located between the municipalities of Želeč and Drysice, in the Vyškov district, on the border of the Haná and Drahanská vrchovina regions. The quarry is characterized by its clean water, which, due to its depth, maintains a refreshing temperature even during the peak of summer heat. Access to the water surface is modified in several places; however, the overall character of the site remains natural, without asphalt paths or organized facilities. The surroundings of the quarry are lined with high rock walls, which are popular with cliff jumpers, although this activity requires maximum caution. Given that this is an unofficial swimming spot, great emphasis is placed on the responsibility of visitors towards nature, especially regarding the maintenance of cleanliness. The site is surrounded by deciduous trees that provide natural shade, and thanks to its location in a gently rolling landscape, it offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rest from the bustle of the city.

What can you find here?

Within the area, you will find a flooded water surface with various levels of access to the water, from gentle banks to steep rock ledges. The surroundings of the quarry consist of grassy and earthy areas suitable for sunbathing or picnics, and a network of narrow beaten paths leading around the entire perimeter of the quarry. As this is a natural site, there are no snack bars, changing rooms, or toilets here; therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with everything you need in advance.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for lovers of natural swimming and people looking for silence and privacy in the bosom of nature. It is also sought after by young people and groups of friends due to the possibility of jumping into the water from the rocks; however, due to the absence of lifeguards and rescue equipment, it is recommended only for proficient swimmers. The place is also suitable for dog owners, who can enjoy free movement by the water here, and for photographers attracted by the contrast of the light rock and the turquoise surface.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Just a short distance from the quarry is the village of Drysice, where you can view the historic building of the local granary or the kostel Narození Panny Marie. For history lovers, the town of Vyškov with its zoopark and Dinopark is within accessible distance. If you are looking for further natural beauty, we recommend a visit to the Moravský kras with its caves, which is located west of the site, or the rozhledna Chocholík near Drnovice, which offers a view of the entire Vyškovská brána.