WELCOME TO THE JESENÍKY MOUNTAINS!

WELCOME TO THE JESENÍKY MOUNTAINS!
My name is Viola. I was given the name after the flower that grows on the plains and alpine
meadows and pastures – Viola lutea subsp. sudetica. It grows in the Krkonoše and elsewhere in
the south of our country, in Slovakia, Poland and the eastern Alps, but it is an endangered species
that needs to be protected. Just imagine if all the fragrant violas vanished! We are proud of some
other beautiful flowers. Some of them are endemic, like the bell Campanula gelida or the ribwort
Plantago atrata subsp. sudetica. The Jeseníky Mountains are abundant in animals. You may encounter footprints of Lynx lynx, and a few years ago bears and wolves were reported. There is a
good chance that you will spot a doe or a chamois. I have a couple of friends who live in a large
city and would never ever change it. They don't understand why I am still here. But the Jeseníky
region is connected with the whole world via the Internet and satellites. And I have a lot of things
that my friends living in cities don't have. I love zumba and rap, snowboarding and biking, rides
on the horseback, hiking in the mountains and trips to volcanoes. I am learn to climb on the rocks
and I have already tried a paintball game. I am glad that I can go hiking with my grandparents.
We simply love it. We walk and listen to the birds sing. We talk about this and that, and look
forward to a delicious treat in some of the mountain chalets that prepare meals according to the
Praděd Cook Book. Let me take you around the most charming and extraordinary sites that we
can offer in the Jeseníky. They include natural, technical, historical and cultural sites of interest,
some of them demonstrating the craftsmanship of our ancestors as well of today's people. Join us,
but take your mobile phone, a map and mountain or water gear with you.
Sincerely, Viola
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DISCOVERING THE JESENÍKY MTS.
...on the trail of natural, technical, historical and cultural places
of interest
Peter‘s Stones
The vast round ridges, wide mountain saddles with
curving roads and, in the case of the Ramzovské saddle, also a railway track, the sharply cut valley with icy
brooks and waterfalls, seemingly endless forests, peat
bogs, distinct rocks and caves, the iceberg-shaped
Great Basin (Velká kotlina) with slowly melting spots of snow even by the beginning of
summer – all of this is what the Jeseníky Mts. offer. The landscape is picturesque and impressive, with abundant fauna and flora. In 1969 the territory of 740 km2 was declared
the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area. It comprises four national nature reserves Praděd,
Šerák-Keprník, Rejvíz and the peatbog Rašeliniště Skřítek, nineteen nature reserves
and six nature monuments. Most of the protected territory is covered with woods, mainly
spruce groves and beech woods to a smaller extent. The reserves are accessible to the public, but you must follow marked trails – at Rejvíz you should use the wooden walkway. It
is forbidden to break branches, pick flowers, berries and mushrooms. Noisy activities and
all-terrain vehicles are also forbidden.
Nature as a treasure
My grandma once recalled a class trip on which she sunbathed on the top of Peter's Stones, the
shale and gneiss rock formation above Ovčárna. Today you cannot get near this place, as it is
closed to everybody except conservationists. They monitor the presence of the bellflower Campanula gelida at the foot of Peter's Stones, or rather in the rock clefts at anelevation of 1 430 metres above sea level, the only habitat of this precious plant. These species are called endemic. One
more thing, according to legends Peter's Stones used to be the site of witch meetings.
Petrovy kameny (Peter´s Stones). There are more endemic species in the Jeseníky
Mts., including Plantago atrata subsp. sudetica, Dianthus carthusianorum subsp. sudeticus,
Poa riphaea, Salix herbacea and Juncus trifidus. Botanists say these are rare remnants of the
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Ice Age biotope. A great garden in the Jeseníky Mountain range is situated in the Great Basin
(Velká kotlina). The site boasts 350 species and sub-species of higher plants. Walking along the
main ridge you may come across Campanula barbata, Gentiana punctata, or Anemone narcissiflora. Near mountain water springs you can admire Gentiana verna. Interesting plants, wood
species and animals are shown on information panels along the trails.
The alpine meadows were once pastures. Sheep returned to the meadows below the Švýcárna
mountain chalet at the beginning of the 21st century. The Jeseníky Mountains are a great habitat for rare birds such as Anthus spinoletta, Turdus torquatus, Oenanthe oenanthe, Luscinia
svecica svecica, Tetrao urogallus,Tetrao tetrix and Crex crex. The forests are home to Ciconia nigra while the rocks hide nests of Falco peregrinus. In old rock galleries you may spot bats and
the alluvial plains host endemic butterfly species such as Cnephasia chrysantheana and several kinds of Maniola.
Praděd. Is the tallest mountain in Moravia and Silesia 1 491 or 1 492 meters tall? Increasingly precise methods say 1 492 metres, but if you climb on foot or by bike, you
will reach an even higher point. The view tower with a TV transmitter is 162 m high and
open all year round. When the sky is clear, you can admire the panoramas of not only the
Jeseníky Mts. with the upper reservoir of the Dlouhé Stráně pump-storage power plant,
but even the distant mountain ranges
such as the High Tatras, the Greater
Fatra, the Lesser Fatra, the Beskydy and
even the Krkonoše Mountains. The top
of the tower is the highest point in the
Czech Republic. Originally, there was
a 32.5 m high stone lookout tower on
the top of the mountain, which was
opened by the Moravian-Silesian Sudeten Mountain Association in 1914. It
looked almost like a Gothic castle, but
it could not withstand the wind conditions. It collapsed in 1959 and old photos are all that is left now. Using these
photos, the descendants of the former
builders made a waterworks tower
with the Lehesten lookout in Thuringia in Germany in 2004. You can see View of Praděd
a replica of a wooden painting from the
original lookout tower in the Praděd Gallery U Halouzků in Jiříkov near Sovinec.
Mořské oko (Sea Eye) is a small lake on top of Milíč Hill (698 m above sea level) above
Karlovice. It used to be a quarry and swimming in it is forbidden. Anyway, it is really worth visiting and the best access is the Masaryk Trail from Karlovice. You will be rewarded with gorgeous
views of the valley of the Opava River and – from Mořské oko – the valley of Adamov, which
used to be a traditional mountain village where, despite the severe climate, apricots were
grown. If needed, there is a shelter near the guide post to sit and relax for a while. The trip
to Mořské oko is pleasant both by foot or bike.
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Rešov Falls
Rešov Falls. The Rešov Falls on the Huntava River in the Nízký Jeseník range are accessible from the village of Rešov near Rýmařov. The forest trail is app. 1 km long and is
attractive for less experienced tourists as well. When the snow is melting of after a rainy
period, the waterfall is truly spectacular. The gorge of the Huntava will offer you views of
several water cascades up to ten metres high.
Břidlicová stezka (Slate Trail). This considerably long (33 km) educational trail
was built in 2005 by the city of Budišov nad Budišovkou in collaboration with Svatoňovice
and Čermná in Silesia and with funds from the Moravian-Silesian Region. The trail presents
sites where slate was mined and processed more than a hundred years ago. The slate was
used on the roofs of village houses as well as the National Theatre in Prague, for example.
On the way, you will come across 12 information panels. The trail begins in the valley of
Budišovka at the old Woodboys quarry and it is good to go there by bike. Of course, you don't
have to cover the whole distance. It is good to visit Černý dvůr, which is a multi-levelled underground complex. Tens of thousands of bats spend the winter in this protected natural
formation. The trail will then take you to the Museum of Slate in Budišov nad Budišovkou
and to another attractive historic milestone known as the Road to Czech – German
Understanding in Guntramovice, at the foothills of Mt Červená Hora.
The idea to build a road of granite slabs bearing the names of their donors – citizens, associations, towns and villages – as a message disseminating conciliation and efforts to live
and work together was the brainchild of the Vlastenecký poutník civic group (Patriotic Pilgrim). The first slab was laid in 1999 at the site of the common grave of fallen soldiers from
the 1758 battle between the Prussian Army and the Austrian Army under General Laudon.
At present, two hundred slabs have been installed, displaying the names of donors from as
far away as the USA and New Zealand. In summer 2011, a chapel was erected at the site.
It is consecrated to St John of Nepomuk, the joint patron of the Bavarian and Czech tribes.
Volcanoes in the Bruntál region. I am glad that the Czech Tourist Club in Krnov invites the general public to their regular events. Their hike around the volcanoes of the Bruntál
area takes place on the last Saturday of April. The group, guided by Radek Vrba, sets out from
the main square in Bruntál. You can choose the length of your trip (between 7 and 50 km).
The shortest option will take you to Uhlířský vrch above Bruntál – the youngest volcano in the Czech Republic. It is 672 m high and its cone hides a quarry where tuff was once
mined. The educational trail ends in the extinct volcano body.
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Lava Flow near Mezina is another site on the way around Bruntál volcanoes. It is located
near Mezina, not far from the water reservoir Slezská Harta. The quarry features basalt organshaped formations; finds of the green mineral olivine have also been made. To the south-west
of this nature monument, you can see the distinct top of the extinct Quaternary period Venus
volcano (643 m). It is covered with rusty scoria and volcanic sand. The top resembles a bowl
and includes a side crater with a cave rock shelter.
Lava flow near Mezina
The highest volcano in the Nízký Jeseník range is called Velký Roudný (780 m). It was active
until the beginning of the Quaternary period. Along with its 'smaller brother,' Malý Roudný, it is a
dominating landmark. The wooden lookout tower on the top of Velký Roudný offers marvellous
views of Slezská Harta, Praděd and – if the weather is good – the whole region of the Jeseníky
Mountains. Velký Roudný is a national nature monument. The protected basalt cone is the most
significant and best-preserved stratovolcano in the Bohemian Massif. It consists of four lava flows
and volcanic tuffs.
Radek Vrba knows a lot about the volcanoes. In addition, he told me about Razovské tuffits – volcanic rocks formed by a lava outburst from Velký Roudný (located near Razová).
I was taken by the fact that our ancestors had built shrines on tops of extinct volcanoes. There
is a chapel on the top of Velký Roudný as well as 15 images of the Stations of the Cross. On the
top of Uhlířský Hill you can visit a pilgrim church. On the way along a four-row alley of linden
trees (300 years old) you will pass carved Stations of the Cross created by František Nedomlel
from Bruntál.
Recommended technical monuments
Lime kiln in Razová. The hundred-year-old curiosity is hidden in a small wood, so it is
difficult to spot it from the path. This lime kiln was built by our ancestors in 1912 from rough
quarry stone. Members of the Old Bruntál Club renovated this technological treasure in 2001
and made it accessible to the public. The kiln was used to burn lime from the limestone found
in the surrounding area. The kiln was heated by wood and the limestone was put on the top.
After about 24 hours of burning, the smoke above the kiln vanished and the lime was transported to building sites.
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The lime kiln is situated approximately 2 km from Razová in the direction of Leskovec nad
Moravicí. For navigation, you can follow the instructions on information panels. (Right)
Lorenz-Vavřinec steel mill in the Valley of the Highwaymen from Drakov
Lorenzova-Vavřincova huť (steel mill) in the Valley of Highwaymen. The
unique technical monument of old steel making can be found at Drakov, on the road from
Mnichov to Rejvíz, in the valley of the Černá Opava. The Krisch brothers built it around 1807 and
this facility is the only preserved remnant of the renowned iron-making history of the Sudeten
region. Historic sources mention that the iron melting process in these first low furnaces (called
'dýmačky') was rather lengthy. It was not the ironworks we know from today's Ostrava, for
example. As the furnaces were stoked with charcoal, they were built directly in the woods near
the source of this fuel. The Vavřinec steel mill is preserved thanks to enthusiasts from the Friends
of Vrbensko Society. It is some 11 m tall and its base is 6.5 × 6.5 m. This technical curiosity is
one of the stops on the educational trail called the Valley of Highwaymen from Drakov, which
ran along a medieval merchant trail. Are you wandering why the valley was named after the
highwaymen? The path along the Černá Opava was used by merchants, gold prospectors, miners and wandering knights on the way from Olomouc to Poland. They would often fall into the
hands of highwaymen. There were rumours that the robbed victims were thrown off the cliffs.
Valley of Lost Galleries in
Ondřejovice. If you are lucky, you
can take home a very special souvenir
from a trip to Ondřejovice – a little
piece of gold. When you visit the picturesque area of Zlaté Hory, you will
come across replicas of medieval mining mills on an educational trail called
the Valley of Lost Galleries. The 2 km
trail has twelve stops and teaches visiThe Valley of Forgotten Galleries
tors how our ancestors used to mine
gold. They had to carve galleries in the
rocks and dig out the gold ore, which was then transported to the mills driven by water wheels.
And then they carefully searched to spot the shining gold. When I first visited this site, I wanted
to find out if what the guidebooks wrote was true. They say that the water flows up the hill
in Ondřejovice. This curiosity is one of the stops of the educational trail and the optical illusion
is definitely worth seeing. The open-air museum is situated on the road from Zlaté Hory to
Ondřejovice. It is open from May to October (and in November if the weather is nice).
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Sometimes I argue with my dad about the difference between historical and technological curiosities. There is
hardly any: look at Ondřejovice, for example. While you
are wandering around the region, do you take notice of
the architecture? What do original village cottages look
like in the Jeseníky region? Is there any difference from,
say, Wallachian houses? The traditional cottage in the
Jeseníky mountains is built from locally available materials and looks like it is fixed firmly to the terrain. It is ready
to face the blizzards of winter. The ground floor is usually
low, the house has a decorated gable and a less distinctive
gable wall; the hipped end looks small. A single saddle roof covers both the residential and the
farmstead part. Windows are different from what you normally see in modern houses – they are
aligned with the wall and do not have a rough cross but square glass sheets with fine bars. Some
cottages have dormers. And if you discover a balcony, please write me which house and where it
was. Because you would discover a true rarity. It is surprising that we can boast about the work
of Josef Hoffmann, a native from South Moravian Brtnice renowned for architectural creations in
the Art Noveau style built in Vienna. Hoffmann designed the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, which is
now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He built a house for Sigmund Berl in Bruntál
(now the Mariana Berlová Cultural House) as well as villas for Fritz and Leopold Grohmann in
Vrbno pod Pradědem. Hoffmann also designed a villa in Pocheň (near the old factory), and he
used protruding roofs on several buildings in villages in the Vrbno region. We are proud of some
other architectural treasures such as a complex of spa facilities in Karlova Studánka built in a
uniform, pure style with basic colours. Now let me introduce some of our technical curiosities.
Historic train on the railway line ‚Osoblažka‘
Romantic train ride. If you set out for a ride from Třemešná to Osoblaha by car or bike,
you will travel about 15 km. However, if you board the historical train heading to the same destination, you will travel five kilometres more on the oldest narrow gauge railway in
Central Europe. In 1898, adventure rides were definitely not the main purpose the builders had in mind when they intentionally zigzagged the track with a gauge of 0.76 m. Although
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you might read in some guides that they wanted to meet the standards for the minimal length
of 20 km for the new track, it is not true. As the director of the Silesian Railways Robert Schaffartzik told me, the reason was more straightforward than that. The farmers did not agree to
sell the valuable land. Thanks to them you can now fully enjoy the train journey, passing four
bridges and 102 arches. The special train is operated from June to August. During the summer
holiday you can have a ride every Saturday and Sunday and on state holidays. However, you
can experience the narrow gauge track in a regular train on any day. It looks as if it's from the
beginning of the last century, it follows the same track as the historical train (the only other
train that runs on the tracks) and it transports locals to work, on trips and to meet friends.
The single track from Bruntál to Malá Morávka. In the beginning of 2011, the
supporters of the single track railway from Bruntál to Malá Morávka were saddened by the
decision of the CR Ministry of Transportation to cancel several lines, including their historical
favourite no. 312. The pressure of the Train Travellers Club, the Society of Friends of the Chapel
Hill Museum, the representatives of the borough Malá Morávka and others was so strong that
the minister recalled the decision to cancel transportation on the 17-km long single-track between Bruntál and Malá Morávka. What a success! The railway track has been transporting
people since 31 May 1901 and it is a popular technical monument due to its extreme vertical
difference reaching 42 per mille. According to experts, it is the track with the steepest
rise in Central Europe. Tickets are sold directly on the train. And how often is it operated? For now, it goes only a couple of times during the year: at the end of December, at the
start of spring and twice in summer. You may enquire about the train departures by calling the
Society of Friends of Chapel Hill Museum, where you can also arrange a solo ride. The conductor will be glad to start the engine with 48 seats for passengers in the carriage.
Fast train stops at a mountain saddle. Railroad for the third time. The Jeseníky
Mts. hold yet another record – the fast train stop at the highest altitude in the Czech Republic. This is Ramzová train station at an altitude of 760 m above sea level, railway line 292
Jeseník–Hanušovice, which has been in operation since 1888. In the area of Horní Lipová, the
railroad passes through several valleys by arches and viaducts. The track with a considerable
vertical distance of more than 30 per mille is called the Silesian Semmering. There is a museum
dedicated to it at the Horní Lipová station. You can arrange a visit with the dispatcher practically any day.
Millrace in Bruntál. The Old Bruntál
Club offers a technical treat, especially
for all experts in water technology. It was
the club members who made the Millrace exposition accessible to public. The
historical rarity, rightfully added to the
Network of European Museums, is first
mentioned in 1579. Experts are thrilled
by studying the original map showing
the supplying of the millrace from Staré
Město including a large mill and also a
Millrace around 1900
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small mill with a reverse flow to Černý potok. Pavel Rapušák, the chairman of the Old
Bruntál Club, showed me rare two and three dimensional artefacts that he managed
to save. The preserved historical documents prove that our ancestors developed an
ingenious system that was in operation until 1900,
when it was bought by the Teutonic Order, which
then built a hospital and a small hydroelectric plant
which worked until 1945. All periods in the history
of water mills and interesting facts about water and
its usage are demonstrated on the map that was published through the efforts of a few enthusiasts from
the Old Bruntál Club in cooperation with the town.
The exposition is installed on the premises of the VZP
insurance company. Guided tours are provided around
the year by the members of the club after prior notice
by phone at least one day in advance.
Torso of a turbine in Malá Morávka. The Haag turbine used to power a part of
the Müller paper-mills. You can look at its torso at the crossroads on the way to Karlov pod
Pradědem. This historical exhibit, buried in the garden of a local house for 60 years, documents manufacturing in Malá Morávka in the 1870s. At present, the turbine is a technical
point of interest along with fifteen other races preserved from the original nineteen. They
are visibly marked in the terrain and provided with a short description. At the beginning of
the last century, water was still flowing through them and they were the main driving media of the turbines and blade wheels that powered frame-saws, drop hammers, paper-mills
or generated electricity. A turbine made in 1921 is now still in operation in a small power
plant on the way from Malá Morávka to Václavov.
Schindler Barn. The barn is located in Malá Morávka, about 300 m from the crossroad
to Karlov pod Pradědem, in the direction of Karlova Studánka. The building features a selfsupporting lamellar roof structure which gives the barn its distinctive look. Built between
1935 and 1937 by farmer Rudolf Schindler, the barn used today as a private museum. The
museum is open to the public from May to October.
Scythes in Karlovice. I admire people who are able to cut grass with a scythe. They
sharpen the scythe and nicely cut the meadow. One swipe after another. I heard last June
in Karlovice, at the contest for the best mower, that the best strategy is to get up early in
the morning when the dew is heavy. There were plenty of contestants. Why in Karlovice?
Because it is home to the Kosárna, which means 'scythe shop'. In fact, it a former mill
built in 1600. Today it is a protected technical monument. It got its present look of a brick
building with a wooden extension and high gables in 1759. It is an example of a typical
but rarely preserved architectural style. Later, a smithy producing scythes was established
in the facility. Scythes were tools in great demand locally. You can see different types of
scythes and other agricultural tools in the museum exhibition. The scythe shop is located
in the middle of the town, and you can visit it in any season.
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Aerial view of the ‚Eye of the Jeseníky‘
Visit the Jeseníky and miss one of the Seven Wonders of the Czech Republic? Don't even think
about it. The pumped storage plant at Dlouhé Stráně won 105 603 votes from the readers of the
news website www.idnes.cz in the poll of 2005. In the final round, this hydro power plant became
the greatest wonder of the Czech Republic, leaving behind magnificent Czech monuments such as
Karlštejn Castle, Prague Castle and Hluboká Castle.
Dlouhé Stráně Pumped Storage Power Station. It boasts three records: it is
equipped with the highest-capacity reverse water turbine (325 MW) in Europe; it has the
greatest total installed capacity of all hydro plants in the Czech Republic (650 MW); and it has
the biggest gradient (510.7 m) in the country. The power plant is installed underground, hidden in a large cavern. There are two feeders connecting the upper reservoir with the lower one, two aggregates and two waste tunnels with a diameter of 5.2 m each.
The "Eye of the Jeseníky", as we have nicknamed this power station, is located in the cadastral
area of Loučná nad Desnou. You will come to truly realise the size of the reservoir from a plane
as it covers an area of 15.4 hectares – which equals twenty football pitches! The upper reservoir was constructed at the altitude of 1 350 m and can hold 2.72 million cubic metres of water,
the lower reservoir 3.4 million. The power plant has several functions in the electric network.
At times of surplus energy in the network, which is usually at night, the water is pumped from
the lower reservoir to the upper one. When the energy peak arrives, the water is released back
down and the station generates electricity.
How to get to the power station? On prior notice, guided tours set out from the ski resort Kouty
nad Desnou, which is a ten minute walk from the train station. Individuals, groups and experts
may visit the power station all year round. In summer, families with young children and seniors
can get to the top of Medvědí hora (Bear Mountain) by a six-seat chairlift, from where they can
approach the upper reservoir on a circling minibus. A lot of visitors cover the distance of 4 km
and vertical distance 200 m on foot, on bike, or even with baby carriages.
Pitchfork Museum in Lichnov. Do you plan to visit the region of Krnov? Do you own
a pitchfork you don't use? Bring it along on your trip. The pitchfork may be rusty, worn or broken. With the mottoes "Who's not giving a pitchfork is not Czech" and "The Nation for Itself,"
pitchfork fans from Lichnov launched a campaign to collect pitchforks and establish a national
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pitchfork museum. They have already collected over a hundred pitchforks, but their target is
a thousand!
Pumpers from Velké Losiny.
Visiting Velké Losiny, every lover of
historical monuments should pay a
visit to the pumpers who manufacture
paper from cotton and linen following
exactly the same procedures as their
ancestors from around 1596, when
Jan Junior of Žerotín founded the paPaper mill factory
per factory. Tourists often ask me why
the workers are called pumpers. Not until they see them at work is the reason clear. Guests
admire the centuries-old ritual, which you can try out on your own. Each sheet is created
by picking up, called pumping in this case, the pulp onto the pumping forms – sieves. You
pour the thin mixture of plant fibres and water and make a very thin layer of the future
sheet of paper. Afterwards, it is moved to a linen surface and is put into a press. It is then
dried and ironed.
Each visitor can make two A4 paper sheets. If you
visit the pumpers in July or August, you will be allowed to make yourself an envelope and a seal,
too. In summer, you can make paper in the creative workshop and then compare it to the beautiful paper patterns exhibited in the museum gallery. Not only are they of very high quality; they
also last for centuries. In the course of your visit to
the hand paper mill, a national cultural monument
since 2002, you can get to know the manufacturPumpers at work
ing procedure and see authentic workplaces. The
museum is open all year long.
The kuttrolf, used as early as the 14th century,
is a utensil still offered by glassmakers from Vrbno.
The knights of the Teutonic Order reputedly used
it to transport water and drinks. The carafe was
placed into a leather case filled with straw. It has
such an ingenious shape that makes the contents
difficult to pour out. The neck made of intertwined
tubules is the work of the most skilled glassmaking
masters.
Kuttrolf
Glassmakers from Mnichov and Vrbno.
Mnichov is the name of a part of Vrbno pod
Pradědem famous for glassmaking. In the family
glassworks you can see fine handmade replicas of
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the old forest glass full of tiny bubbles. Wondering why it is called forest glass? Between the 14th
and 16th centuries, the glassmakers produced jugs, carafes, vases, doubles, chalices and other
utility glass directly in the woods. The kilns were heated with beech wood and when they had
used all the available wood around them, they simply moved their production a little further. You
can observe the glassmakers blowing replicas of the old forest glass directly in the family workshops. The glass masters in Mnichov and in the central part of Vrbno would not reject any curious visitor.
Bunker in Mnichov
Military fortresses or bunkers. Not just for men. Attention, gentlemen! Now I
would like to take you on a tour of bunkers. Fans of technical monuments restore these unique bunkers mostly at their own cost to preserve this part of the history of former Czechoslovakia for future
generations. This fortification complex from the 1930s is considered the best system from that period in Europe, which was confirmed by Miroslav Urban from Rýmařov, an expert on military fortifications. I just had to ask him:
Why were the bunkers built in the 1930s?
Our country was forced to respond to the looming threat of Nazi Germany. It was necessary to
strengthen the country's defenses. Just look at the length of the borderline of the former Czechoslovakia, a country with far fewer inhabitants than Germany. For such a small country, it was
impossible to fight the enemy face to face. Thus in 1935 the Directorate for Building Defence
Fortifications (ŘOP) commenced work to develop a permanent fortification system to effectively
multiply the available manpower.
How many bunkers were built?
Approximately ten thousand 'light objects'. Czechs commonly referred to these bunkers as
'řopíky' Each unit was the size of a smaller garage and could hold up to seven soldiers. In addition, nearly 270 heavy objects were built to hold 20–30 soldiers each. The larger bunkers
were the size of a family house. They are usually bi-level, with one floor hidden underground.
Which fortifications can fans of military history visit?
GPS data, plans and photographs of all řopík-type bunkers and heavy objects are available
on the website. The fortified defence line begins near Třinec and runs to Bohumín, Darkovičky,
Opava, Milostovice, Široká Niva, Adolfovice, Branná, Staré Město pod Sněžníkem and over the
Sušina range to Králíky. What would you recommend for a tour? The best restored heavy objects
in northern Moravia are the MO – S 19 'V aleji' and the MO – S 18 'V oboře'. They both are located near Darkovičky.
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Are these objects open to the public?
Most of the light objects, yes. Some of the heavy objects are closed, in some cases you need
to book a visit ahead of time. But, Viola, before you take your friends for a visit to the fortifications, tell them that the sites may be dangerous. For example, the staircases in heavy
objects are not safe, there are no handrails, and there are lots of obstacles on the floor
and elsewhere. You can trip over protruding reinforcement bars, and there are unprotected
holes. So watch you step at all times!
Tracing our ancestors
The mysteries of Sovinec Castle. I would love to be the warden at Sovinec, a castle
that was first mentioned in 1332. It is my favourite castle because it is full of life in all seasons.
They also offer evening tours on which even the less brave will find courage in the accompaniment of guides in period costumes. Walking around the dark courtyards and cellar spaces
or climbing the spiral staircases illuminated with torches, every shadow looks like a troll, a
werewolf or some other beast. Fortunately, there are brave swordsmen and guards. When
you spot a bird flying over the yard, you might wonder whether it is the enchanted Owl King
who used to live with his girlfriend from Jiříkov in the nearby rock cave. There are several legends about Sovinec Castle. You will hear them during the tour of the castle, which workers
from the Bruntál Museum are gradually improving. In addition to regular tours, visitors also
appreciate the special weekend events. They like to watch sword performances, listen to falconry lectures, welcome the spring or celebrate other traditions. Still others enjoy the grilled
sausages. In the summer, the castle warden and his team prepare special programmes for
children. In addition to theatre and music performances, children especially love a fairytale
story with devils and the castle spirit named 'Lady Hortensia's Slipper". The castle is open to
the public from April to October. It is located in the village of Sovinec, about 15 km south of
Rýmařov. The site is also popular for marvellous traditional village fairs.
Sovinec Castle
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The Velké Losiny Chateau in the shadow of witch trials. Do you know where
you can see the oldest tiled stove in Moravia? In the Hall of Knights in the Velké Losiny Chateau. And I can tell you that even Hans Adam II, Duke of Liechtenstein, was taken aback by its
beauty and austerity. The Hall is designed in the Renaissance style and is ranked among the
most significant monuments of this type in the Czech lands. Yet, there is also a very dark side
to the history of this chateau. During the trials which took place on the chateau premises between 1678 and 1692, inquisitor Franz Heinrich Boblig of Edelstadt sentenced 56 innocent
victims to die at the stake. These people are remembered in the book Hammer of the Witches
by Václav Kaplický and also return to life in Otakar Vávra’s film of the same name, which was
also filmed at the chateau.
The Jánský vrch Chateau in Javorník offers more than a collection
of pipes. The castle in Javorník was first mentioned in 1307, and there is a variety of
legends about this site. The one about the lord and the devil is my favourite. Back in the
17th century, the castle was owned by Jan Tümling of Lövenberk, a very cruel man. He
was rumoured to be a shepherd who the devil helped become the castle lord. The devil
reminded the lord of the deal by ringing the castle bells – 'Tim-ling, tim-ling!' Seven
years passed, and the devil arrived to take the lord to hell. Tümling did not want to follow
him, so the devil threw him against the wall of the chateau. Since then, red spots occasionally appear on the wall facing the town!
The castle is popular among pipe smokers. It has the largest collection of pipes and
smoking accessories. On display are pipes made of clay, porcelain and wood, meerschaum pipes and those made of sheet metal. In addition, you can admire Indian calumets, African ebony pipes and oriental water pipes. The view of dozens of artfully carved
meerschaum and painted pipes is impressive. The collection includes a few modern
pieces made of highly popular bruyere wood.
Bruntál Chateau. Men and boys will be captivated by the hunting armoury with trophies and
a variety of old shooting and cutting weapons and powder flasks. As for me, I prefer the exclusive furnishings of the rooms from the 18th–20th centuries. You can walk through a dining room
equipped with Baroque cabinets, dressers, dishes from silver, tin and nickel silver, portraits of the
Habsburgs, grand masters and knights, then continue to the Dutch salon for drinking coffee with
furniture from the 1760s and paintings of old Dutch masters, to the Roman hall with a rare inlaid
floor and ancient monuments depicted on wall paintings and a collection of old prints. The life of
the aristocracy and the Teutonic Knights was simply one of comfort and luxury.
'The Bruntál Chateau was founded by the Lords of Vrbno in the second half of the 15th century.
After the Battle of White Mountain in 1621, the castle was confiscated by the Teutonic Order. It
has an original triangular ground plan and remarkable storied arcades in the courtyard with a
clock tower which is 30 metres tall,' explained the director of the Bruntál Chateau, Hana Garncarzová. The Renaissance castle, reconstructed in Baroque style, with original furnishings and
valuable Rococo wall paintings, belongs among the most significant buildings of its kind in Silesia. The most valuable interiors of this national monument are open to the public from May to
end of October. The chateau is surrounded by a large park with statues, remains of the city fortifications, towers and a lake. The formal rooms of the chateau serve for concerts, theatre performances and weddings.
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Bruntál Chateau
And before you leave, do not miss one painting depicting a peculiar beast. Rumour has it that the
author intended to paint a hunting scene with a bison and only then realised he did not know
what a bison looked like. He painted a bear instead, though one with a very unconventional body.
Let's climb the lookout towers!
The beauty of the landscape is best
appreciated from above. No one can
change my mind about this. Our ancestors also knew it, and that is why we
have so many observation towers now.
The views of the Jeseníky Mts- from the
lookout towers are unforgettable. Let me
take you on a tour of some of them…
The 20 m tall observation tower on top of
Velký Roudný near Roudno was built not
long ago. The documents say that in 2007 some 18 tonnes of larch wood was used to
complete it. The tower has six levels, and if you climb to the very top, you will be at an
altitude of 780 m. When the sky is clear, you can admire the panoramas of the area around
Slezská Harta Lake. Bring binoculars to enjoy the views of the ridges of the Hrubý and
Nízký Jeseník, the region of Krnov and Opava, the distant Beskydy and the Oderské Hills.
Compared to Velký Roudný, the stone Cvilín observation tower in Krnov is
nine meters taller and a bit older. It was opened on 11 June 1903 and named after its
wealthy patron, the Lord of Liechtenstein. Now we call it the Cvilín Tower, after the hill
whose altitude is 436 m above sea level. It offers a gorgeous view of Krnov and the surrounding area with two other lookout towers. The first is a 17 m wooden observation
tower on the top of Ježník, which replaced the previous one erected in 1894. In
fact, this is the third tower at the site, and I can recommend this location to tourists who
prefer peaceful and quiet settings. The tower stands on top of Vyhlídka Hill near Krnov, at an
altitude of 558 m above sea level.
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Another attractive structure that you can spot from the Cvilín Tower is the 30 m granite
Kudlich Tower on Strážiště near Úvalno. It was erected in 1913 at an altitude
of 400 m above sea level and named after Hans Kudlich, a native and a member of parliament who fought for abolition of corvée.
Sometimes I alos guide Polish tourists and I always recommend that they visit the ninemeter wooden Strážnice tower, erected in 2003 at an altitude of 494 m above sea
level near Liptaň in the Osoblaha region. It offers splendid views of the Opole lowlands.
Polish friends like to look towards the town of Prudnik, and if the sky is clear, they can
even spot the factories in Opole. Besides the views to their homeland, they enjoy the
beauties of the Osoblaha region, too.
The 19.3 m view tower on Biskupská kupa in Zlaté Hory is situated even closer
to the Czech/Polish border. It is made of brick, but when it was first opened in 1898, it was
wooden. At that time it was located near the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Prussia. Times have changed, but views from the tower are still superb. Observation towers are popular at spa resorts, too. You should not miss the great landmark of the
town of Jeseník. It is located on top of Zlatý Chlum Hill, at an altitude of 875 m above
sea level. Built in 1899, the tower was the brainchild of local hikers, including, allegedly,
the son-in-law of Vincenz Priessnitz. The 26 m tower built of stone offers panoramic views
of the Hrubý Jeseník from Mt. Praděd to Mt. Šerák.
The new lookout tower in Město Albrechtice offers splendid views all the way to Poland
Unique sacred monuments
You will find well-preserved and very precious sacred buildings, wooden chapels and little
churches as well as glamorous stone churches in the Jeseníky Mts. Not all buildings were that
lucky, one of them being the church at the pilgrimage site called Mariahilf built above
the town of Zlaté Hory. It was malevolently flattened to ground. Fortunately, a new church was
built in only five years. In 1995 it was consecrated to Our Lady of Mercy – the protector of life.
The church is visited by the faithful from Germany, Poland and, of course, the Czech Republic.
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Chapel V Lipkách. The small church of
the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, called the
Chapel V Lipkách, is a Baroque gem. Located in Rýmařov, it is the most significant
historical monument in the town and the
surrounding area. It is unique for its oval
shape and impressive vaulted ceiling on
four massive columns with artificial marble and frescoes. These were made by the
painter Ferdinand Naboth from Olomouc
and his apprentice Jan Kryštof Handke
V Lipkách Chapel
from nearby Janovice. It was Handke
who finished the chapel decorations after
the untimely death of the master in 1715. Petra Malá from the Rýmařov Town Museum drew
my attention to the large fresco above the entrance, a work completely of Handke's own. In
periods of wars, plagues and natural disasters, this Catholic sanctuary was visited by praying
processions from all over the region. The newly reconstructed chapel, which was never seriously damaged, is a unique example of the original Baroque building including the interior.
Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
Silesian Holy Hill in Krnov. September 15th is usually called the Seven Sorrows of
the Virgin Mary Day on Christian calendars. On the Sunday nearest to this day, the faithful
from all over the region come to Krnov to attend the pilgrimage to Cvilín Hill, where the religious treasure of Silesia, the Church of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, rises toward
the sky. The tradition of the pilgrimage to Cvilín is more than 300 years old and is still alive
today. The door of the church is of course open all year round. After looking at the twin-towered Baroque treasure from the outside, we enter the nave and our first steps lead us to the
altar with the painting of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. There is a legend about its
healing power. Note the rare frescoes by František Eckstein, a painter from Brno, created in
1726 and 1727. And which enlightened person founded the beautiful Baroque gem on top
of Cvilín Hill? It was the Franciscan Order of Minorites that came to Krnov in 1273.
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Church of the Birth of Our Lady and Minorite abbey. For those who have missed their
history lessons, here are a few words about the Minorites. This order was founded by St Francis of Assissi. Its members wear black, sometimes grey cowl tied by a white rope with three knots on the waist.
They symbolise and remind the monks of the three principal rules of the order: poverty, obedience and
purity. On arriving to Silesia, the Minorites built a monastery and a church consecrated to the Birth of
the Virgin Mary. Both buildings form a single complex, whose history is closely tied to the history of the
town where the Minorites spread their faith and knowledge. They continue to do so when acquainting visitors of the historical monuments with their history and mission. Visiting the Gothic three-aisled
basilica-like church from the beginning of the 14th century, you cannot possibly overlook the beautiful
frescoes by the painter Josef Stern from 1765 and 1766.
Concerts in the Holy Spirit
Church. Concerts in historical temples always have an extraordinary atmosphere. Classical music, folklore
as well as other genres are played in
the Holy Spirit Church in Krnov. From
time to time, traditionally in the Advent period, the church is the venue
for concerts organised by students of
the Secondary Organ School in Krnov.
Holy Spirit Church
They will be glad to come and play
live organ music to visitors of the
church. You will become engrossed in the melodies of the timeless compositions of Czech and
foreign Baroque masters while observing wall paintings from the turn of the 15th century. In
order to experience all of this, simply contact the tourist information centre in Krnov two weeks
in advance, so that the performance of young organists can be arranged.
In honour of the Virgin Mary of the Snow. It was the year 1755, when the royal
reeve from Uničov, Ferdinand Gröschelsberger, set out through the woods toward the mill in
Ruda below the Rešov Falls. His horses suddenly were suddenly frightened and the uncontrollable carriage fell into the deep ravine. The pious reeve miraculously survived and he decided
to build a church consecrated to the Virgin Mary of the Snow in the village of Ruda. The
first mass was celebrated three years after the start of construction. It is not the only sacred
monument connected to the reeve from Uničov in the village of Ruda near Rýmařov. He also
built a pilgrimage Stations of the Cross leading up to Křížový Hill. This unique cultural monument from the 1760s consists of fourteen stations represented by artistic carvings in the shape
of heart on a shank.
Rediscovered beauty of Krnov Synagogue. Jewish synagogue is an important
historical dominant in the centre of Krnov. Built in neo-Gothic style in 1871 by Ernst Latzel,
who found inspiration in buildings of Sephardi Jews. It was one of the very few Jewish synagogues to survive the Second World War. In 2014, after reconstruction, it has been open to
public and serves as one of the ten Jewish cultural centres in Czech Republic. Few miracles
happened during the preparations for reopening. First, was the discovery of original Torah from
Krnov. Second, was the discovery of original pews from different temple, now installed here.
Thirdly, the original organs were found in a church in Poland. Opening hours with excursions
are from April to November.
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Jewish Cemetery in Osoblaha
Jewish Cemetery in Osoblaha. There are over 300 well-preserved graves at the old
Jewish cemetery in Osoblaha. According to historical documents, the first records of burying
Jews at this holy place come from the Middle Ages. The unique Silesian grave stones place this
cemetery among the most valuable of its kind and make it one of the most significant culture
monuments of the Moravian-Silesian Region.
Visit museums and galleries
Another chateau, this time a museum. Have you ever held in your hand a bodkin,
a potter’s smoother, or have you ever patted a bird or rabbit fur? You can try all of this and much
more in the permanent exhibitions focused on the nature of the Bruntál Region and traditional
crafts. The staff of the museum located in the Bruntál Chateau Museum compiled these exhibitions from the rich resources of the artistic and historical collections that were gathered over
105 years. The museum library with more than eleven thousand volumes offers special regional books unavailable in regular libraries.
Town Museum in Rýmařov. You will find many unique objects documenting the region’s history from prehistoric times until the 20th century in the local museum. Most artefacts
come from archaeological excavations of the town and its surroundings. They include a Roman
coin from the 1st century AD, which is the oldest verifiable item found in Rýmařov, as the museum’s director, Lenka Baborovská, told me. The exhibition dedicated to the mining of gold and
other ores is truly outstanding.
Witchcraft trials in Šumperk. No wonder that the old cellars of the so-called Geschader House sent shivers down my spine: they witnessed the darkest period in the history
of inquisitional witchcraft trials that took place in Šumperk in the second half of the 17th century. The main inquisitor, Heinrich Franz Boblig of Edelstadt, condemned twenty-five citizens
to death. Copies of inquisitional manuals and sentences on people accused of witchcraft along
with replicas of the torturing devices are evidence of the extreme cruelty of the period. In my
thoughts, I admired the bravery of the house’s owner at the time, Heinrich Peschke. He got rich
from knowing the secret method of producing semi-velvet, quite likely the only one of its kind
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in Europe. That was the main reason for accusing him and his wife of witchcraft. He was subjected to cruel torture that lasted 12 years. He never pleaded guilty.
Flemmich Villa
Flemmich Villa in Krnov. The villa of the textile manufacturer Theodor Flemmich from
Krnov stands out on the way from the railroad station Krnov-Cvilín along Hlubčická Street heading to the centre. This monumental Neo-Classical residence surrounded by a garden on the bank
of the Opava River is striking and dignified. First I saw a latticed gate with a knocker in the shape
of human hand and the name of the original owner. The stairway hall panelled with wood
is dominated by a handrail richly decorated with carved bird motifs. I was captivated by the
stained glass windows depicting zodiac signs that separate the hall and the winter garden as
well as stained glass windows with the heraldic symbols of the town of Krnov and historical
Silesia. "The furnishings of the villa breathe originality. I personally love the ingenious clothes
horses in the cellar. It is a wooden construction for hanging clothes placed in a heated room.
It was a kind of large-scale dryer," says museum pedagogue Stanislav Klívar. The villa, now included on the list of real estate cultural monuments, was built in 1914 as the family mansion of
T. Flemmich according to the project by Viennese architect Otto Prutscher. The Flemmich family lived there until 1948. These unique rooms host exhibitions and long-term exhibits from the
Krnov Museum.
Praděd Gallery U Halouzků. The Praděd
Gallery U Halouzků in Jiříkov is undoubtedly a European rarity. There are more than 450 sculptures
created by the carver Jiří Halouzka installed over
an area of eight hectares. The nativity scene alone
consists of more than 240 life-size figures. You will
also find sheep, elephants and a camel. This extraordinary piece of art holds the title of the largest
carved life-size nativity scene in the world and was
awarded by the Nativity Scene Association in Rome.
You will be guided through the gallery by seven
Halouzeks. Unbelievable? Well, they are carved of
wood. Just press the button and they will tell you
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Statue of Praděd
Dragon from Praděd Gallery
interesting facts about the gallery. The gallery is dominated by a statue of the ruler of the
Jeseníky Mountains, Father Praděd. He is 10.4 tall and weighs an incredible 15 tons. But the
best thing is that no one will reprimand you for touching the exhibit. While grandpa with
grandma or mum with dad are drinking coffee, we children can climb a bear or a zebra. You
can watch dozens of fallow deer, alive in this case, from the lookout tower.
And one more unique object, the large wooden carving of Praděd’s Realm. It was originally placed on the wall of the stone lookout tower on the top of Praděd that collapsed,
destroying everything including this artwork. The new depiction of Praděd’s Realm was
carved from 24 linden trunks and its size is 5.5 × 2.2 m. It is located in one of the indoor
parts of the exhibition. You will find all the records mentioned earlier in the Czech Book of
Records. The gallery U Halouzků is open all year round, even if it is raining cats and dogs!
Refreshments in Zátor. I admire the people of Zátor who attentively take care of
the local spring of mineral water. When passing through the village recently, there was a
bus parked in front of the church and the holidaymakers were filling small demijohns with
the acidulous water containing free carbon dioxide, iron, calcium, magnesium and other
minerals. It is an incomparable experience to drink lightly sparkling mineral water from a
bottle or directly from the spring. You can pump the mineral water from Zátor even in winter
unless the temperature drops below minus five degrees Celsius. At those times, the copper
tap dries out for some time.
Giant statues at
Linhartovy. Linhartovy
Chateau was built in the
second half of the 16th
century when the original
stronghold was remodelled into a Renaissance
residence. It has fallen into
disrepair several times and
is currently under reconstruction. The chateau is
located halfway between
Linhartovy Chateau
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Krnov and Město Albrechtice, and part of grounds – the Salla Terrena – is situated in
the Polish territory. The warden, Jaroslav Hrubý, who is also an art teacher, brought
craftsmen and folk artists to the chateau. He organizes traditional village fairs and
interesting expositions, and his students have populated the chateau with giant statues made of cardboard. You should not skip a walk across the park and arboretum
with a great number of domestic and exotic plants and rare tree species. The park has
been developed through the efforts of Zdeňka and Heřman Menzel from Linhartovy.
Among other rarities, there is a commemorative oak tree from the end of the 13th
century.
The world of dinosaurs
and fairytale creatures in
Hynčice. Would you like to visit prehistoric times but you don't want to pay
for a time machine? Visit house no. 33 in
Hynčice. František Jaich's garden on the
grounds now called Eldorado has been
occupied by nearly life-sized dinosaurs.
The creator of the Eldorado and his followers did not need Jurassic Park or
Hollywood funding. They had concrete,
wires, buckets with paint and skilled
hands. Besides the dinosaurs, you may
encounter Jack and Jill and Snow White
with the dwarves. Rumcajs the robber
and his wife Manka live in the cave.
Prehistoric saurian
Having your own chair in the pub. Everyone would like to have a chair of their own
in a pub. You will discover how such a chair might look like when visiting Rejvíz, the highest
village in the Jeseníky (778 m above sea level) and the pension of the same name. A glance
into the pub reveals chairs as if waiting for regular guests. The backrests of the chairs depict
caricatures of the regulars, both men and women. The chairs come from early 20th century and
they were made by the Brauner brothers.
Chairs of regulars
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VISITING SPA RESORTS
…to relax and recover
Spa Karlova Studánka
Water. People have worshipped water since the beginning of time. It means life. Thus, settlements
were first founded at places where water was near and in a sufficient amount to feed people,
cattle as well as machines. Water has a memory – just ask the natives about the floods in the valleys. The water with its enormous strength overflowed its banks and the returned to the riverbed,
damaging the landscape people had modified to their taste and needs for many centuries before.
Water is wild, destructive – yet creative. And as its power fades away, it grows as meek as a lamb
and, murmuring and bubbling, attracting bathers and fishermen alike. Its calmness contributes
to the psychical well-being of everyone nearby. And it has yet another power – healing. Water
is hidden deep underground, from where it rises from a well or spring. Some people come to such
places for refreshment, others with a humble plea for help. The healing powers of water were
discovered by Vincenz Priessnitz, a boy from a local village, perhaps while he was tending grazing
goats. The legend tells the story of how he saw a doe dipping her injured foot into a spring; when
she took it out, the limb was healed. These mountains are renowned for their healing springs. You
will find about eighty of them only in the surroundings of the town of Jeseník!
Unique spas in the Jeseníky
Karlova Studánka is the unforgettable gem of the region. The spa Karlova Studánka (Charles' Spring) is situated in the middle of a forest, in the valley of Bílá
Opava at an altitude of about 800 m. The spa resort founded in the 18th century enjoys the reputation of having the cleanest air in Central Europe. The director of the spa,
Lubomír Schellong, told me that the spa was named after the most famous Habsburg
commander Charles, who was the first European to beat Napoleon at the Battle of Aspern in 1809. Until then, the growing settlement was called simply Hinnewieder, which
means “there and back again” in German (hin und wieder). Why? As a result of insufficient accommodations, patients had to commute from surrounding villages for the curative treatments.
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The wooden spa houses built in the elegant Classical and Empire Style in 1782–
1893 now form the heart of the town monument zone. Their unified style and tidiness persist
in one’s memory forever, making people want to return to Karlova Studánka repeatedly. As for
me, it always makes me think about the classic Czech comedy "S tebou mě baví svět" directed
by Marie Poledňáková. And why? In the film, the dads wanted to spend a week in the winter
at a cottage in the Beskydy Mountains and the hotel to which Pepa skied to every night to be
with Gábina was supposed to be nearby. As is common in films, not everything is the way it
is presented to the viewer, such as the fact that it was filmed mostly in the Krkonoše Mts. (in
the Jeseníky, too). It was the local pension Slezský dům (Silesian House) where Gábina was
singing and from where Pepa escaped into the freezing night in only his shorts. Whenever I
pass by this spa house, I think of yet another event. It was in this spa where the last federal
and first Czech president, playwright and writer and recently deceased Václav Havel, one of
the most significant men of modern history, recovered in the company of his wife Dagmar
and their dogs.
Silesian house
The spa resort is known for a very special building, St.
Hubert Chapel, built in 1757–58. The chapel is extremely attractive for lovers, who come to get engaged at
this truly romantic site. It has also been used for wedding
ceremonies. Anyway, my grandpa is more interested in the
spring section of the spa and the renowned acidulous water, which you can take away in a bottle or demijohn. Due
to the peat bogs in the vicinity, the water contains a great
amount of carbon dioxide. When people tried to fill bottles
with the mineral water and distribute it in the area, they
soon discovered it was not a very good idea because the
bottles soon cracked. Karlova Studánka is ideal for healing
people with respiratory problems, chronic infections of the throat, sinuses, vocal cords, nose,
bronchial tubes and lungs and patients fighting cancer. It is often visited by miners on Miners'
Day. The beginning of the spa season in May is a very special event every year.
Pearl chairs. After a day-long hike or a cycling trip, I can't wait to bathe in the pool with
pure water of 32–34 °C. It feels marvellous, as if I was enjoying the traditional herbal spa pro24
cedures with bubbles – but it is much better here. I can relax at the round massage bar, the
underwater pearl benches and seats, the hot springs, fountains or when swimming against
the current. All these devices serve for rehabilitation and relaxation: the splendid salt cave, the
vacu well therapy, vibrosauna and tepidarium. Feeling the warm pebbles, I imagine being on
a Hawaiian beach, with the infrared healing rays replacing the hot sun.
Priessnitz Spa Resort
Priessnitz healing spa. The town of Jeseník is usually associated with the renowned
“water doctor”Vincenz Priessnitz. His methods for treating all kinds of illnesses with cold water, exercising and work therapy for warming up are effective, but today’s spa guests expect to
be pampered and given everything they want. And guests will not be disappointed with the
wellness programmes and hydrotherapeutic procedures making use of herbs from the meadows and slopes of the Jeseníky Mts. The thing I like is that the spa offers activities for children
on family holiday, too. They can have fun with the fairy tale programmes, the rope centre as
well as creative activities such as painting silk or making ceramics. The most frequent word in
the spa in the Jeseníky is exercise, and that is exactly my piece of cake. Therapy based on exercising includes hiking, respiratory exercise and bathing the arms and legs in outdoor pools. The
unique balneo park is designed as a “water garden”, in which you will find Priessnitz’s nature
spa for the upper and lower limbs, a foot bath with acupressure, fountains, showers and terraces for relaxing and exercising.
Farmer’s treatment. I wonder how my dad would react if he was being treated by Priessnitz himself. Even the marketing director of the spa, Lada Malíková, admits that his methods were
rather harsh. Legend has it that there was a very strict diet, and the regime of procedures accompanied by work therapy was quite rigorous, too. Clients cleaned away the snow and leaves and
cut and chopped wood to warm up. Whoever broke the rules had to leave the spa, regardless of
their aristocratic title. Still, we have to acknowledge that the principle of alternating warm and
cold water and its effect on enhancing immunity and health has not been replaced by anything
more efficient: many modern wellness centres base their procedures on what the Silesian farmer
Vincenz Priessnitz tried out on his clients.
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Regain energy in Velké Losiny. Do you feel tired and drained of energy? I would recommend a visit to the thermal spa Velké Losiny. It is one of the oldest and best known Moravian spas. It has a unique natural healing source, thermal sulphurous water of 36.8 °C, which
is the only one of its kind in the Czech Republic and is the foundation of many curative treatments. Bathing in the thermal pool, the whirlpool and pearl baths helps to relax the muscles,
improve the flexibility of the joints, relax the stiffness of the limbs and support thermoregulation. The thermal outdoor pool is very popular in summer. You will identify the water input
point instantly, as there is always a bunch of people exposing their muscles and joints to the
healing, pleasantly warm flow.
Incredible underground of Zlaté Hory. Have you ever been in a bar deep underground with granite tables and chairs and slate walls? There is such a place in Zlaté Hory 93
m under the surface in the former ore mines, but the bar is kind of a treat and is used only
occasionally by people in search of an extraordinary experience. “The spaces of the mine serve
especially for speleotherapy. Patients suffering from diseases of the airways, allergic people and
children with weakened immunity heal there. Speleotherapy offers them a chance to stay in an
environment free of all dust, pollen, allergens and mould. The combination of a constant temperature and high humidity does wonders for the airways. "Children can play, exercise and sing,
and while they are resting on the bed, their dreams are guarded by the underground dwarf,” says
Alexandra Plevačová from the children’s sanatorium Edel. If you decide to pay a visit to the
complex, I recommend taking comfortable shoes and warm clothes to explore the 1 600 m
of underground corridors. The temperature is constant year-round, ranging between 7–8º C
with humidity of 98 to 100 per cent.
Beer Spa in Malá Morávka. Taking a bath in beer at least once in life is every man’s
dream, definitely in the case of my dad. It makes no difference if it is bitter cold or oppressively
hot outside. Anyone can make their dream come true in the Brans mountain hotel in Malá
Morávka. The main part of the beer bath is water heated to 37–38°C. It is enriched by ingredients used to brew beer, such as yeast, hops and malt grist.
Beer Spa in Malá Morávka
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Active relaxation
Wellness Centre in Bruntál. My friends and I prefer to go down the 100 m water slide
or swim in the “wild river," where the jets on the bottom ensure permanent movement of the
water. The whirlpool consisting of two round pools with massage benches with air and massage jets and water heated to 33 °C is also very popular. It's wonderful! At the Bruntál Wellness Centre, the smallest swimmers can enjoy themselves in the separate children’s pool with
a slide and water mushroom, while sport swimmers can stretch their bodies in the classic 25
m pool with lanes for condition swimming. The premises include a steam sauna separated for
men and women.
If you find yourself in the Krnov or Rýmařov region and do not insist on visiting the water parks, you
may have a good time at other places, too. The city spa in Krnov offers a 25 m long swimming
pool with six lanes, as well as a sauna, solarium, salt cave, rehabilitation and massage rooms. It is
closed in July and August, as people usually prefer swimming outdoors. The Rýmařov Aquacentre Slunce is smaller in size, which is considered an advantage by many people. There is a
pool with counter current, a children’s pool, Finnish sauna, steam sauna, whirlpool bath, pearl batch,
a resting area and a bar. The Stará továrna (Old Factory) in Pocheň near Vrbno offers a
similar home-like atmosphere with its 1.4 m deep indoor pool covering an area of 10 × 6.3 m. There
is also a sauna and two
bowling lanes. Once my
mom and dad took me
and my little brother in
the baby- carriage to this
place. They had a wonderful workout while he
was sleeping just nearby,
breathing the fresh forest
hoví si v křesle v solné jeskyni
air. From the pool and from the bowling lanes, parents can easily check the playground, making this
faciltiy a wonderful destination for families with children.
Recently I heard an unknown word. Kneipping. Sure, you can check it on the Internet, but I asked
my mum. She told me that Kneipping is a kind of showering or the cooling of certain parts of the
body in order to stimulate blood circulation, heat the body and energize the organs. It is recommended that you begin begin from the soles and proceed upwards. After the cooling, each part
of the body needs to be rubbed with a terry towel until it is well heated. It is kind of conditioning, and you can Kneipp at home or outdoors. Some time ago, a little pool – in fact a Kneipp
bath – was built in Karlovice, near the school. In Vrbno, in the leisure centre Černá Opava, there is
another type of Kneipp bath – a stone chute with flowing clean and fresh water from the Černá
Opava River. Anyway, my mum has a method of her own: early in the morning, when the air is
'fresh' and the grass glitters with morning dew, she goes out to hang the washing. She takes off
her shoes and moves around in the wet grass barefoot. It takes at least ten minutes to hang everything, and this is just enough for her natural Kneipping. She says that afterwards she feels perfectly refreshed, and it is true that she doesn't have any problems with swollen legs or varicose
vains. Try it, unless you are somewhere in town where people walk their dogs.
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Vital World in Branná. As for relieving and relaxing your body, I would recommend the Surge
of Power (Příboj moci) or the Heavenly Tears (Nebeské slzy) procedures if you have problems with
bronchial tubes, or the herbal sauna with mint, camomile or sweet balm. If you suffer from cold feet,
it is worth trying the Kneipp buckets that stimulate blood circulation. If you prefer steam baths, you
will enjoy the Charm of the Mist (Kouzlo mlhy) followed by the Well of the Pagans (Studna pohanů)
or the Druid Shock (Druidský šok). I have mentioned some of the procedures offered by the Relax
Centre Kolštejn in Branná. Original, aren’t they? Vital World makes use of various relaxation methods
that should help us to regain our strength. There is even a wellness tearoom offering several kinds of
beauty and vitality beverages for strengthening brain activity or relaxing.
Forest Bar in Horní Lipová. "Mr Vašek, I would like to thank you one more time.
I have been to your Forest Bar already three times, and I take my friends from Germany
there, too. We always have a beer and the excellent nut liquor.” This is one of the messages on the internet for Václav Pavlíček, who supplies the refreshment stops on the
border of the Jeseníky and the Rychlebské mountains all year round. The customers –
tourist and cyclists – although not served or checked by anyone, always pay for the coffee, tea, biscuits or other refreshments. And where can you find the three refreshment
stops run by the hunting society of Obří skála? It is simple: the Forest Bar is located in
the valley of the tributary of the brook called Vápenný. The upper bar is situated another
800 m towards the top of Smrk, where you will be rewarded by a beautiful panoramic
view of the mountains Šerák, Keprník, Vozka and Rejvíz. The third bar, called U Fořtova
smrku, is situated in the valley of the Jesenný Stream.
Go fishing with permits
Last summer I was sunbathing on the banks of Slezská Harta Lake and I overheard the
sour voice of a man nearby complaining about leaving his fishing gear at home and
that this kind of holiday, just lying by the water, was so boring. I told him that he could
rent fishing gear, but that he could
only go fishing with a permit. It
may sound complicated, but if you
are just planning a holiday in the
Jeseniky, this can be arranged. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to catch
a carp, a pike, a zander, a perch, an
eel or even a catfish! I would like to
add that Slezská Harta is real something for fishermen.
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Fun recreational fishing. You can get a permit at the Anglers' House, which is
situated at the foot of the Velký Roudný volcano, located approximately one kilometre
from the water. Those who have a general angling permit may also buy a local permit
for non-members of the Fishermen's Association, for a limited period. You can have
your catch frozen or even have it grilled. But you can't grill lakeside; fires are strictly
forbidden there.
Fish pond
Fishing in trout rivers is popular on the Moravice River, on the Podolský and Kočovský
streams and at other locations. Local fishermen will give you tips on good spots. The
rest of us, non-fishermen, can find our dream fish in the trout shop in Pstruhařství
Tylov near Rýmařov or at Rybářská bašta in Vrbno pod Pradědem –
Mnichov. A successful catch is guaranteed if you come during business hours.
The best views are from the sky. It’s incredible to see the Hrubý Jeseník from
the seat of a plane. Aeroklub Krnov offers sightseeing flights in motor planes, motor gliders and sailplanes from April to September, at weekends and on state holidays. I
flew with an experienced pilot, Leopold Sedláček, and I could see the Jeseníky in a way
you know from postcards and Internet photographs. I watched the sailboats on Slezská
Harta and we circled around the tower on Praděd. I was amazed at the view of the “Eye
of the Jeseníky,” definitely the best nickname for the Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage hydro plant. It is wonderful up there in the air. The flight took one hour and I felt like I was
29
Aerial view of Praděd
in heaven. Now I understand why Vlasta Diblíková became the first woman in the Czech
Republic to fly for Czech Airlines. She is from Krnov. It must also have been the views of
the beautiful landscape from the air that made her begin flying. Sightseeing trips must
be booked in advance by phone or e-mail. While a pilot on a motor glider or a sailplane
can take one passenger, a motor plane can hold three passengers.
Invitation to the cinema
If you are looking for culture or do not want to miss the premiere of an interesting film, I would
recommend two cinemas. One of them is in Krnov, the other one in Bruntál. The latter is infamous
for the unbelievable accident that took place there on 13 September 2007, when part of the roof
fell into the main hall of the cinema. Due to blocked drains for rainwater, water accumulated on
the roof, which could not hold the weight. Fortunately, there were no people in the cinema, which
consequently underwent a quick and costly reconstruction that offers spectators the highest quality film experience. The latest investment at the end of 2011 was the digitalisation of the cinema.
The third digitalised cinema in Moravia and Silesia. The digitalisation of the cinema in Bruntál using the highest technological standard 4K with high definition placed this small
cinema among the ten cinemas of this kind in the country. It was the third cinema in Moravia and
Silesia equipped with this professional technology after the cinemas in Bohumín and Olomouc.
The cinema in Bruntál offers two projecting rooms and a comfortable environment.
Film rarity in Krnov. The Krnov cinema Mír is reputedly the only cinema in the countries
of the Visegrád Four that has functional equipment for showing 70-mm films. The cinema is
completely digitalised, including projection of 3D films, and attracts visitors with its comfort
achieved by reducing the capacity of the cinema from 545 to the present 322 seats. You appreciate such things after a daylong hike in the mountains. My grandpa likes to joke that such a cosy
chair is only good for dozing off when the film is boring. That would definitely not please the
director of the cinema, Pavel Tomešek, who aims to select only the top films for the programme.
30
ACTIVE TOURISM AND SPORTS
…walking, cycling, swimming, fun and new experiences
Slezská Harta
Put on solid shoes
Radek Vrba from the Czech Tourist Club in Krnov goes hiking to the Jeseníky once or twice a month. In the summer
2011, he and his son Lukáš, who was five and a half, did a
28 km long hike with a climb of two thousand meters in the
Jeseníky. Radek hikes with his older son Martin and his wife
Pavlína. One should never hike in the mountains alone, so
I sometimes join them. I am not as experienced hiker as
Radek, so I asked him to recommend a few hiking trails.
Short trails:
Karlova Studánka, Hubertus – yellow trail to the reserve of the Bílá Opava River – Bílá
Opava Waterfalls – guide post above the waterfalls – and the blue trail to go back to Karlova
Studánka. Length: 7.5 km, climb 350 m, suitable for families with children and senior citizens;
difficulty level: medium; access: May–October.
Ovčárna – Take the red trail to the guide-post with a turning to Švýcárna Chalet –follow the
blue trail to the top of Praděd (possibility to climb the observation tower) and the same trail to
go back. Length 8 km, climb 210 m, suitable for families with children and senior citizens; difficulty level: moderate; access: any season (on cross-country skis in winter).
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Vrbno pod Pradědem,
from the crossroads to Ludvíkov,
on the road towards Vidly, after
app. 500 m you will see a red
circle marking. The path continues through the woods to a forest asphalt road. Turn right and
take the ski trail going up and
then follow the contour lines
to Sedlová bouda (chalet). You
can then continue to Karlova
On a hike
Studánka. Length 11 km, climb
395 m; suitable for families with children and senior citizens; difficulty level: moderate; access:
any season (on cross-country skis in winter).
Ovčárna – take the red trail to Švýcárna and back. Length 10.3 km, climb 235 m, suitable
for families with children and senior citizens; difficulty level: moderate; access: any season (on
cross-country skis in winter).
Malá Morávka – take the yellow trail from Rychta to the guide post to Karlov and continue to
Pod Vápenkou – Temná – Nad Velkým kotlem – Nad Ovčárnou – Ovčárna. Length: 9.2 km, climb
745 m, suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens; difficulty level: medium; access:
May–October.
Medium trails:
Ovčárna – Take the red trail to the guide-post to Divoký důl – follow the blue trail through
Divoký důl hollow – then the green trail to Zámčisko – U Františkovy myslivny – Nad Malým
kotlem – Jelení studánka – red trail to Alfrédka – green trail to Mravencovka – Karlov
Moravice – Karlov rozcestí (crossroad) – Malá Morávka. Length 24 km, climb 770 m, difficulty level: medium; access: May–October.
Skřítek – Take the yellow trail to the sign-post Pod Ztracenými kameny – Pod Zelenými kameny – Alfrédka – green trail to Mravencovka – blue trail to Jelení – yellow trail to Karlov, from
Karlov on the road to Malá Morávka. Length 18 km, climb 500 m, difficulty level: medium; access: any season (on cross-country skis in winter).
Kouty nad Desnou – Take the blue trail to Pod Medvědí horou – lower reservoir Dlouhé
Stráně – Kamenná chata – green trail to Zámčisko – U Františkovy myslivny – Nad Malým
kotlem – red trail to Kamzičník – Vysoká hole – Nad Ovčárnou – Ovčárna. Length 18.8 km,
climb 901 m, difficulty level: medium; access: May–October.
Jeseník – Take the blue trail to Křížový vrch – Zlatý Chlum (observation tower) – Čertovy
kameny (lookout point) – yellow trail to the springs of Javorná and then to Rejvíz – blue trail
to Chata Svobody (chalet) – green trail to Ondřejovické sedlo (saddle) – Zlatorudné mlýny
– Zlaté Hory. Length 19.2 km, climb 440 m, difficulty level: medium; access: May–October.
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Long trails:
Vrbno pod Pradědem – Take the green trail to Železná – Solná Chata (chalet) – range
of Orlík – yellow trail to Lysý vrch –Videlský kříž (saddle) – Černík – Švýcárna (chalet) – red
trail to Praděd rozcestí (crossroads) – Ovčárna. Length 27.5 km, clim 890 m, difficulty level:
high; access: May–October.
Ramzová – Take the red trail to Ramzová – cableway (to get to Šerák) – or climb to Šerák –
Trojmezí – Pod Vřesovou studánkou – Bílý sloup – Červenohorské sedlo (saddle) – Klínovec –
Malý Jezerný – Švýcárna – Praděd rozcestí (crossroads) – Ovčárna. Length 25.5 km, climb 663 m, difficulty level: high; access: any season (on cross-country skis in winter).
Let's take a cycling trip
I met Milada at the Krnov Czech
Tourist Club. It is not polite to
speak about a lady's age, but this
is an exception. You would never
guess that this pleasant lady is
72. Everybody admires her vitality. Since 1999, Milada has been a
guide for groups of senior citizens
and prepares between ten and
twelve cycling trips every summer.
Would you like to have a nice ride?
Milada has three tips for a trip.
Karlov pod Pradědem – Dolní Moravice – Malá Morávka. The route is
15 km long and follows nice forest roads. We start in Karlov (you can get there by cyclobus). But if you are near Malá Morávka, you can get to Karlov on cycling trail no. 6077. We
will join this trail in Karlov to continue the trail no. 6077 and climb about three kilometers
to Mravencovka – the well-known crossroads of all trails. It is a nice place to have a rest
and enjoy the views. Then we continue along no. 6077 to the guide-post and turn left on
to cycling trail no. 6142. Descend to Nová Ves, where we have another stop. It is good to
take the chance to refresh and recover in one of the pubs, as the next part is rather difficult. There is a descent from Nová Ves – the road 6142, whose condition from spring to
autumn 2011 was very bad. So be careful, the road holes may be dangerous. Your efforts
will be rewarded by marvellous views of the landscape. You will like the view of the volcanic cone of Velký Roudný and its 'younger brother' Malý Roudný as well as other beauties. We then descend to Dolní Moravice on the road. At the crossroads, turn left towards
Malá Morávka (route 553).
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Hvězda (saddle above Karlova Studánka) – Světlá Hora – Krnov. It is
good to get to the starting point of this 40 km trip using the cyclobus to Hvězda. From
there, we will take cycling trail no. 6029 to Suchá Rudná. This village features a beautiful old wooden church. From there we head to Stará Voda, where we turn left to Světlá
Hora (trail no. 6073). Our senior team takes this cycling trip on the date of the steeplechase in July. We love to stop and watch the horses.. The Wrbna stables is famous for
Železník and Registana, the popular winners of the Great Pardubice Steeplechase. From
there we follow trail no. 6073 to Dětřichovice, but stop for a rest on the top of the hill to
enjoy the views of Praděd, Andělská Hora and the surroundings. Still on trail no. 6073,
we descend to Skrbovice, Kunov and Nové Heřminovy, where we turn left on to the
main road no. 45 toward Krnov. After five kilometers, at the first bridge over the Opava
River in Zátor, we turn and continue on cycling trail no. 503 to Krnov.
Jeseník (town) – Rejvíz – Drakov – Vrbno pod Pradědem. This trip is
'only' 28 km long but is the most challenging and you definitely need a trekking bike,
mainly because of the 8 km climb from Jeseník to Rejvíz. If you are not able to climb up
to the top of the hills in the saddle, you can walk We start in the town of Jeseník and
usually get there by train. From the railway station we head to the church. From there
we take the main road no. 44 but after a very short while we turn left on to road no.
453, which is also cycling trail no. 55. After a few kilometres, we have two options: either the cycling trail through the forest, or the road to Rejvíz to visit the moss lake. But
you have to this without your bike. We leave them at the Pension Rejvíz. Then we have
a rest for a while before we take trail no. 55 to Drakov. By the way, the trail is directed
past the Lorenz-Vavřinec steel mill, a valuable technical monument. From Drakov, we
continue on trail no. 553 via Mnichov to Vrbno pod Pradědem. The descent is great, but
we usually don't hurry. The views of the landscape are amazing, and this is the main
reason we take the senior cycling trips.
Educational trails
I am glad that the number of educational trails in the Jeseníky region increases every year. But
which of them should I recommend? Radek Vrba from the Czech Tourist Club recommended a nice
selection. In addition, he is a keen photographer, so we included his picture of Ztracené kameny.
You will see them if you take the trail directed across alpine meadows.
Great Basin (Velká kotlina): Karlov pod Pradědem – Ovčárna; 6 km, 7 panels, climb
610 m, difficulty level: medium; access: May – October. Suitable for families with children and
fit senior citizens. The trail climbs a glacial cirque and offers splendid views of the Great Basin.
Information panels explain how the glacial cirque was formed, providing descriptions of the
flora and fauna as well. One of the panels describes the source of the Moravice River. In winter,
the area of Great Basin may be dangerous due to avalanches.
34
The Valley of Highwaymen from Drakov: Mnichov
– Rejvíz; 12 km, 10 panels, climb 352 m, difficulty level: easy;
access: any season (on cross-country skis in winter). Suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens. This trail,
which you can take by bike as well, runs through the valley of
the Černá Opava to show you the local nature and history. In
the past, the area was known for iron ore and gold, which was
transported along the merchant trail. This is why highwaymen
settled nearby. The trail will take you to Great Moss Lake as well.
Around Praděd with a Dwarf: Ovčárna – Praděd; 3.5 km, 7 panels, climb 187 m,
difficulty level: easy; access: any season. Suitable for families with young children and senior
citizens. The trail focuses on the nature and history of the area of Praděd and provides views of
Petrovy kameny, the Dlouhé Stráně hydro plant and other parts of the Jeseníky. Superb views
from the top of the TV tower. If the sky is clear, you can spot the Krkonoše and the Beskydy
mountains.
Bílá Opava: Karlova Studánka – Chata Barborka (mountain hotel); 10.5 km, 7 panels,
climb 550 m, difficulty level: medium; access: May – October. Suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens. The trail runs through the valley of the Bílá Opava across wooden
bridges and steps. You can admire a variety of cascades and waterfalls. Information panels explains changes in riverbed due to weather conditions and floods and present the local fauna
and flora.
The World of Alpine Meadows: Ovčárna – Skřítek; 12 km, 12 panels, climb 595 m, difficulty level: medium; access: any season (on cross-country skis in winter). Suitable for
families with children and fit senior citizens. The trail runs along the main ridge of the Jeseníky
offering outstanding views of large sections of the mountains. The trail runs past Petrovy kameny, known from the witch trials and witch gatherings. You will continue to the remnants
of the airport at Vysoká hole and then to Jelení studánka (spring). The trail takes you closer to
Ztracené kameny, which offer views of Šumperk. On the way, you will be introduced to rare
animal and herb species.
Lost Stones
35
History and Nature of Karlovice: Karlovice; 8 km, 11 panels, difficulty level:
easy; access: any season. Suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens. The
trail runs through Karlovice and the surrounding area and presents the history of significant buildings and their development.
Mining Trail: Zlaté Hory; 16 km, 12 panels, climb 560 m, difficulty level: medium;
access: May – October. Suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens. The trail
presents the area of Zlaté Hory, geological conditions, mining and mining history in the
region. On the way you can look at old mines and mining equipment – the remnants of
ore mining from the previous centuries. Some of the sites are not very safe. If you do not
have much time, you can visit just the gold ore mining mill open-air museum (about 2
km from Zlaté Hory) to get an idea of gold ore mining and processing.
Rejvíz: Rejvíz; 3 km, 5 panels, climb 13 m, difficulty level: easy; access: any season.
Suitable for families with children and senior citizens. The trail starts at the Pension Rejvíz
known for chairs with carved portraits of the regulars. The trail presents the formation
and the development of the peat-bogs and rare herb species in this area, such as sundew
and the carnivorous plant Drosera rotundifolia. A large part of the path is a wood walkway to protect rare biotopes.
A trip with Koprníček to Keprník Mountains: Červenohorské sedlo – Ramzová; 15 km, 14 panels, climb 410 m, difficulty level: medium; access: any season (on
cross-country skis in winter). Suitable for families with children and fit senior citizens.
The trail runs through the oldest nature preserve in Moravia. You will be introduced to
nature and historic attractions in the area, including Vřesová Studánka and a stone field
under Mt. Spálená. On the way, you can climb to the top of Mt. Vozka and then continue
to Mt. Keprník and Mt. Šerák. The trail offers lovely views of the Jeseníky towards Praděd.
From Mt. Šerák you will get back down either on foot or by cableway. And who is the
guide? Koprníček the Dwarf.
Tame your fear, engage adrenaline
Overcome your fear of danger and enjoy the
pleasant feeling of adrenaline coursing through
your veins. Fans of adrenaline activities know
exactly what I mean. Once you've tamed your
fear on the climbing wall, in the zorbing ball, on
the trail in deep forests or in dangerous whitewater, you will love adrenaline sports. Let me
give you a few examples.
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Yachting on Slezská Harta
Yachting on Slezská Harta Lake. Every summer you can take part in adventure sailing organized by Tomáš Svoboda. His boats are docked at the lake in Nová Pláň.
While families with children prefer a two-hour, a four-hour or a daylong trip on the lake,
the school of yachting attracts mainly couples between the ages of 25 and 40. The training organized by experienced instructor Tomáš Svoboda lasts six hours. On the following
day, you may hire one of his three boats and set out on your own. With south-western or
western winds in the sails, adrenaline is guaranteed. But if the wind is blowing from the
east, you can look forward to relaxation and sunbathing. Still keen on adrenaline activities? Visit nearby Kružberské Rocks. Pavel Patterman, an instructor and mountaineer with 15 years of experience, can teach you to tie knots, use the harness, snap-hooks,
loops and ropes. You can try out rappelling and other basic techniques.
Bobsleigh run in Petříkov. Length 800 m, max. speed 45 km/h, drop 100 m. You
can enjoy 15 curves and three downhill sections. You will choose the speed and driving
style on your own.
Rychleby Trails. Before you set out to Černá Voda, I would recommend watching one
of the videos on the Internet. The Rychleby Trails under Sokolí vrch are designed for experienced bikers, who have to ride on narrow paths and bridges and face a variety of obstacles.
Mainly in the first half of the challenging trail you will climb up the hill, zigzagging between
trees, giant granite boulders and mountain streams.
Zorbing in Ramzová. Uncontrolled rolling down the slope in a plastic double-sectioned sphere, with one ball inside the other with an air layer between. The zorbing ball
may reach up to 50 km/h, but will be stopped by a strong safety net.
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Mountain scooters. A 13 km ride on a scooter from Praděd down to Chata
Kopřivná is suitable both for fans of adrenaline rides and for tourists who ride slower
and stop to enjoy the splendid views.
A canoe trip down the Morava River. This very special activity is offered in
the adrenaline park at the Orel Ranch (Ranč Orel) in Česká Ves. In spring or after a rainy
period the canoe trip starts in Hanušovice, in summer in Ruda nad Moravou. The event
is supervised by an instructor. Instructors supervise children's rides on ATVs. The 150
m long trail runs through the forest and maybe even a little mud. The Orel Ranč has a
12 m climbing wall with a variety of climbing options. You can rent a terrain scooter
for a trip to the surroundings.
Team airsoft. Adrenaline sports
are popular in the Relaxa resort in
Stará Ves near Rýmařov. What activities can you try out? For example,
the Rambo-track, a double salto forward and back on a bungee-trampoline, a rope track with bridges and
shaky arches elevated seven meters
above the ground, four climbing
walls (on two of them, 8 and 12 m
high, you need to use harnesses). To
calm your emotions, try out archery.
Adrenaline sports in the Relaxa resort
Alternatively, you can take part in a
paintball game, in a mask and well-equipped with ammunition and semi-automatic
weapons. Are you good at paintball tactics and teamwork? Try out airsoft, too.
Flying in the long wave. By the beginning of autumn, glider pilots look forward to unique flying experiences. They are waiting for a special wave flow across the
Jeseníky to be able to ascend much higher than under standard conditions. For example,
the airport in Jeseník is an ideal place to take off and reach the long wave. Supported
by southwestern winds, experienced pilots may climb to over three thousand meters.
Terrain mini-carts. When the sports resort Na Smrťáku in Jeseník says goodbye
to the winter and the slope grows green, it's time for terrain mini-carts. Just get to
the top of the hill by ski-lift and that's it – go ahead! The mini-carts have an excellent
suspension and braking system.
Pump track in Vrbno pod Pradědem. The free ride track made of wooden elements on a metal base is designed mainly for the younger cycling generation. They can
try out a ride in banked curves and bumps as well as train their balance and skill. When
38
Pump track in Vrbno pod Pradědem
you come to the pump track next time, it may be different. It is possible to modify the
tracks and move them elsewhere, for example to special children's events.
Disc golf in Kouty nad Desnou. This type of golf is suitable for the whole family,
including grandma and grandpa. The golf ball is replaced by a disc. You will throw the
disc in baskets (instead of holes). Disc golf is available in the Sport and Recreational
Resort in Kouty nad Desnou. Fans of bike park sports will appreciate a variety of tracks;
the rental shop offers scooters and in-line skates to enjoy the ride on the track at an
altitude of 1 350 m.
Bowling for fun. Bowling is a popular recreational sport for people who love to
compete. There are numerous options to play, including the Stará Továrna (Old Factory) in
Pocheň, hotels in Krnov and Vrbno pod Pradědem, a restaurant in Moravskoslezský Kočov,
the Pizzeria in Bruntál, the Bowling Center in Jeseník and more.
Sport activities in towns. EU subsidies have contributed greatly to the reconstruction of recreational sports resorts in towns and villages. For example, you can play
beach volleyball, tennis, football, basketball and more at Zahrada Hedva Rýmařov. Skate
boarders and in-liners will appreciate asphalt tracks. Much of the exercise equipment is
also intended for senior citizens. A newly reconstructed resort offering volleyball, tennis,
badminton, football and more is available in Horní Město. The Leisure and Sports Resort
in Vrbno pod Pradědem is a great attraction for families with children, teenagers, cyclists
as well as senior citizens. Cyclists tend to call it the BMX Resort, as the tracks are designed
for this type of bike. Anyway, it is suitable for in-liners, for adventurous children games
with the use of wooden sports equipment as well as for relaxation.
39
As fit as a fiddle
A visit to the Jeseníky region in summer without having a nice swim in Slezská Harta Lake? Quite
impossible. Swimming in Slezská Harta, in the widest part of the reservoir designed for swimmers, is soothing to the soul.
Bathing and swimming in nature. There are lots of opportunities to refresh your
body in the summer. If you don't mind really cold water, I can recommend the flooded slate
quarry called Šifry in Svobodné Heřmanice. Divers, both from the Czech Republic
and from Poland, who come here for training, may not be very happy with me, promoting their
place to the public. But the water is crystal clear and you won't be able to resist it. Be careful,
however: depths are up to 36 meters. The flooded quarry is 500 m long and between 30 and
70 m wide. Swimming is not forbidden, but it will be at your own risk. And, don't bring young
children with you. Other wonderful flooded quarries are near Vápenná and Žulová. They are
much smaller but also ideal for swimming.
If you prefer guarded swimming-pools, there is a nice selection of them in the Jeseníky region. For
example, in Bruntál, Osoblaha and Město Albrechtice – here the water is heated by solar collectors. These resorts are the best choice for families with children as well as for visitors who love to
have a swim and then relax, lying in the sun or playing volleyball or football.
40
VISITING THE COUNTRY
eco-tourism and regional products
Donkeys Albi and Vašek with Ivanka
When I go to Heřmanovice, I take a dry roll with me – for the the donkey family. Donkey parents
Ivanka and Vašek have two sons, Albi and Matýsek. They are so cute. And they have a sweet
tooth, too. Albi is an extremely beautiful animal. He has light beige fur and great blue eyes. He
is a true rarity!
Animal farms and riding-schools
Bovine Farm in Heřmanovice. Albi is
not the only attraction in the farm operated
by Iveta and Tomáš Svoboda. There is a continually growing herd of Tibetan yaks (eleven
at present). The extensive meadows are full
of cows of various breeds such as Simental,
Limousine and Aberdeen Angus. In addition
to several goats, there is a herd of sheep,
mostly of the Texel breed well-suited to
mountainous terrain. There is also Begon Xapatán, an Australian kelpie sheepdog that helps herd and guard livestock on the farm. Farming
means never-ending hard work but it is also a unique lifestyle and a great deal of happiness.
41
Horseback ride in Heřmanovice
If you want to get to know the life of the locals, it is not enough to just drive a car around the
pastures. You should spend some time there, sleeping in a bed redolent of meadow herbs
and getting up in the morning fresh and full of energy. Enjoy the breeze by an open window
or door and step outside in the dew barefoot. Pat a horse at the fence, cut a slice of fresh
bread and spread it with delicious butter and fragrant honey, taste the sheep cheese made
by farmers in Jeseník, try to make your own clay cup or weave a basket. It does not mean
that time has stopped in the farms and village pensions. They have the Internet and satellite TV. But they have something extra – windows lined with wooden logs for the winter...
Would you believe that the small village of Skály near Rýmařov has a population of about 150
people and 80 horses? The Skály Riding-School has a new indoor hall of 60 × 20 m so
you can ride horses in any weather. Competitions in show jumping and dressage are organised,
and the "Na skok do skal" horse show is a new tradition established in 2009. It takes place in
the first week of July and the best horse riders prepare for the show very carefully. You can start
with horse-riding at any age. Basic training can be arranged with Josef Kincl from the Skály
Riding-School. We recommend booking lessons in advance. You will probably be put on the
back of Cawer or Mersi, easy-going and kind horses that have helped many children and adults
learn to ride a horse. Young children can try riding a pony.
The best view of the world is from the saddle – that is something I learned at the Františkův
dvůr Farm in Klokočov. The farm has been dedicated to saving the Silesian Norik breed for more
than 50 years. The rugged yet picturesque landscape of the Oderské Hills (Oderské vrchy) offers
visitors horse rides throughout the whole year; you can also order a ride in an American stagecoach or a stylish sleigh with a coachman in winter. The grounds at Františkův dvůr include a
riding-school as well as a goat and sheep farm. Young and adult fishermen can try their luck at
two ponds; you can rent gear at the site.
The Jasanka Farmstead in Albrechtice near Rýmařov is easy to find. The old country farm with stables, a hayloft and a barn is located near the church. Just a few metres away,
there is a pasture for two Hucul ponies. Tereza Bělíková can talk for hours about this interesting
42
breed. They come from the Carpathians and are well-suited for the Jeseníky Mts- due to their
stamina and simple dietary needs. Huculs have tough hoofs that do not require shoeing, and due
to their smaller size and calm demeanour, they are a good choice for beginners. The Bělík family
owns two horses: Nora and Sahir. The wilder mare Nora loves long rides; she is obedient when
saddled and is never startled. The gelding Sahir is a darling that adores children. Horse-riding for
beginners is taught by Tereza Bělíková using a longe and in the riding-school complex.
Hucul ponies are favourites in Vernířovice, at the Ranch M. l went for a short trip
on horseback and I am jealous of the people who were able to cover the horse trail
Jeseníky – Beskydy. It runs from Vernířovice across the main ridge of the Hrubý Jeseník,
Malá Morávka, past Kružberk and across the basin of the Budišovka River, to Nový Jičín, via
Štramberská Trúba to the Beskydy Mountains, to Chata Slavíč above the Morávka valley, where
the trail currently ends. Experienced guides from Vernířovice will take you on the trail from the
beginning of May to the end of October. If a six-day horse trail and 200 km is too much for you,
you can take a shorter alternative. Are you a beginning horse-rider? No problem, the instructors in Vernířovice are able to train complete beginners, too.
The Orel family brought their first horse to Česká Ves in 2002. They chose the quarter horse
breed. The mare named Pretty Classy Lassy had enjoyed a successful competitive career. Today,
the Orel Ranch located in a scenic environment beneath Sokolí Ridge is home to about
twenty beautiful horses, some of which were bred at the farm. You can certainly visit them,
as the tourist riding-school is open year-round. As I was told directly by the staff of the ranch,
horses are most popular with children. They ride the Fjord and Hucul horses, and some are even
interested in how the horses are washed, saddled and fed. If you would like to ride a horse at
the ranch, we recommend booking a time in advance.
Simply call in advance and book a date
Another place I must show you is Rudná pod Pradědem, the home of Naďa Knopová
from the Amír Horse-riding Club. I first saw Naďa in the film Joan of Arc
by Luc Besson. It was made in 1998 in part at Slezská Harta, and Naďa doubled in
some scenes for the famous actress Milla Jovovich in the role of Joan. She was gorgeous
jumping with the horse over wooden posts with sharp tips and performing all kinds
43
of remarkable riding tricks. No wonder – she is an all-round horse riding champion. I
met with her recently in the Amír stable, where she teaches horse-riding to the public.
Today she has another capable horse-rider by her side, her daughter Viktorka, the winner
of the competition in horse-jumping in the category for children from eight to twelve
years with her pony Sagar in August 2011. She is also a two-time Czech dressage and
all-round champion. The people at Amír are highly skilled and delighted to share their
experience. Training lessons and rides for children, adults, and advanced horse-riders
are organised under experienced supervision. They also offer hippo-rehabilitation and
summer camps for children. With horses, of course.
You might be amazed at the number of horses in the stables and family farms of the Jeseníky
Mts. The main reason is the rolling landscape and pastures ideal for raising horses and training.
The legendary champions of the Great Pardubice Steeplechase, Železník and Registana, have also
spent some time here!
Have you decided if you are brave enough to climb (or be lifted up) into the saddle? Perhaps
you will be persuaded by the members of the horse-riding club SK Pental in Břidličná,
which is dedicated to teaching horse-riding, training young horses, breeding and stabling.
Simply call in advance and book a date. Little boys and girls usually bring along some treat for
the horses and Cameroon and Wallachian sheep.
The domestic atmosphere on the Foltis Farm in Janov near Zlaté Hory is soothing
to the soul. The people in the secluded dwelling at the end of a 500 m long asphalt road are
friendly and the vast meadows are full of sheep. A fresh stream runs through the garden and
the forest is only 200 m away. Amateur fishermen are allowed to catch a carp and grill it in
the garden.
The life and work of our ancestors
I know a very interesting man, Milan Havlíček, the founder
of the Agricultural Open-air Museum in Rapotín. He remodelled a burnt-out, abandoned and devastated farmstead into a unique museum. Wherever you move, you can
see an item you have never encountered before – and you
have no clue what its purpose could be.
44
Viola s kolem z potahu
Agricultural Open-air Museum
in Rapotín. Milan Havlíček rebuilt the
whole complex in an untraditional style
that will catch the attention of families
with children, school excursions as well
as seniors. The varied museum exhibition
is intentionally enveloped in light dusty
mist, as the exhibits date to the 17th century. You will find historical objects of all
sorts, from toys to life-size figures, musical
instruments as well as six or eight-spring
coaches, bikes, cars and even military vehicles. All exhibits are functional and the varied collection is growing continuously. The
original military coach from the Battle of Stalingrad is a genuine rarity. It is no surprise
that the Havlíček family often find the writers of historical TV series and films at their
doorstep. The popular series “Četnické humoresky” was filmed here, and it was especially
important to preserve all details such as spider webs on the exhibits. The complex, whose
founders aim to preserve the character of the countryside and the flora and fauna of the
Jeseníky foothills, was added to the Lexicon of Tourist Attractions of the Czech Republic.
Enthusiasts from Rapotín, who have been creating the exhibitions without any financial
support from the state, continuously expand and improve the museum. The youngest
visitors enjoy playing in the children’s corner. Small boys and girls enjoy playing in the
children’s park and discovering the zoo with monkeys, ostriches, llamas, camels, donkeys, horses, goats, water fowl and other birds, squirrels, tortoises and caimans. They can
also take a pony or donkey ride while the adults can try a ride on a horse or camel. At
the end, you can grill a tourist speciality on an outdoor grill. Firewood and utensils are
available. The facility is open year-round, including state holidays.
All exhibits are functional
45
Sunday School of Crafts in Stránské. Vladimíra and Roman Křenek have opened
the so-called “Sunday School of Traditional Crafts” in Stránské near Rýmařov. The name is a
bit misleading because it is opened practically daily for anyone who wants to learn how to
weave baskets, tie-dye, make nets, wire, make homemade bread or decorations from corn
husks and other natural materials. The courses have been quite popular with sheep keepers,
who learn how to shear the Wallachian sheep, felt the wool, spin with a spinning wheel,
weave on the loom, and perhaps even dye. The Křenek family makes fleece clothes and introduces visitors to the processing of cow's milk and dairy products. How long do the courses
take? It varies. Young families arrive after arranging a date with us on the phone intending to
spend only the morning and then stay the whole day. Among other things, children want to
get to know the domestic animals. There are three horses (Primavera, Lux and Akrobatika), a
cow (Apolena Křesomysla), a calf (Evelína) and a herd of sheep. The Sunday Craft School also
offers a collection of replicas of technical constructions powered by water (mill, frame-saw
and iron mill), a natural obstacle course, and other interesting features.
Everyone can learn how to make
bobbin lace. I decided to visit Hana Dubajová in the Drak atelier (Dragon) in Liptaň to
learn more about the history of bobbin lace
from Osoblaha. Hana is a member of the association Královský stolec (King’s Throne) in Hrozová
that collects and revives forgotten folk tradition
in the Osoblaha region. In 2005 the ladies even
visited Krnov natives of German origin in the
Bavarian city of Ansbach, where they display,
46
among other things, extremely rare originals of the Osoblaha bobbin lace in the Jägerndorfer
Heimatstube Museum. Helena Denglerová from Ansbach, the last living lady that attended the
bobbin lace school in Osoblaha before the war, allowed women from the association to copy
all the available patterns. They are called “podvínky” and they are on display at the Drak atelier
in Liptaň and at the chateau in Slezské Rudoltice. You've never held bobbins in your hands? You
can give a try and make the simplest gift, jewellery or fashion accessory. Hana says that you
can grasp the basic techniques of making bobbin lace in nine hours or less, depending on your
skill level. Everyone can learn how to make bobbin lace, you just need to be patient. Courses
must have at least three students.
Wonderful culinary experiences
If you feel like trying something genuinely
local, traditional and delicious, I would recommend one of the cheeses from
Domašov. I always drink a glass of fresh
cow milk from one of the two milk vending
machines when visiting Jeseník. Emil Svoboda, the supplier for the Jeseník Agricultural
Cooperative, refills the machines daily with
fresh milk from the Bukovice milk house. Cheeses from Domašov
He also stocks the machine by the outdoor
swimming pool with sheep and goat products such as Bryndza cheese from the cheese factory in
Domašov. You may taste delicious Parmesan-like cheese from the Litovel cheese factory made with
the milk from Jeseník farmers. They carefully control the quality of the milk. If the milk does not
meet the given standards, it would be noticeable in the taste of the Parmesan-type cheese, which is
aged between nine and twelve months. Emil Svoboda travels with his mobile shop to Zlaté Hory on
Wednesdays and Vrbno pod Pradědem on Fridays. His mobile shop is open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You
can buy cheese made of sheep, goat and cow milk at the farm in Domašov, too.
47
How about buying a healthy souvenir? Sweet honey from the Jeseníky Mts.
makes a perfect gift. Seventy beekeepers
in the professional organisation in Jeseník
boast high-quality honey produced by
their bees, which feed in the local woods,
gardens and fields. Martin Pánek, the vice
chairman of the beekeepers in Jeseníky,
was awarded the Golden Medal for 2011
and the Czech Honey certificate. If you
wish to buy a healthy honey souvenir, the locals will advise you which beekeeper to visit.
You will also find beekeepers in Staré Město u Bruntálu, Vrbno pod Pradědem and other
places, in fact, in any village in the Jeseníky region. Were it not for their extraordinary
hobby, there would be fewer cherries, apples and other fruits typical for the submontane
and mountain region. It is good to ask the locals when choosing other regional products.
There are many bakeries making delicious products, shops selling homemade dumplings, desserts as well as private butchers and meat smokers in Zlaté Hory, Světlá Hora,
Staré Město u Bruntálu and many more.
Blue gold from the Jeseníky region. If you roam in the woods (careful – not in national nature reserves!) during the blueberry season, you will be astonished by the blue beauty. I imagine not everybody feels like picking blueberries, but everybody loves eating them.
48
Where? At the Blueberry Festival! Imagine, Moravian fruit dumplings, cakes, pancakes,
sponge cakes, Swiss rolls, fritters, ice cream, cocktails and other delicacies made with blueberries! And how about a pork cutlet á la venison with blueberry sauce and genuine blueberry
beer? If you are in our region during the period of blue berries, do not hesitate to find them on
a menu. Great dishes are cooked by chefs in Karlov, Malá Morávka, and other places in Jeseníky.
Yoghurt cream with blueberries
Ingredients: 3 dl milk, 100 g sugar, 1 egg, 20 g vanilla custard powder,
1 yoghurt, vanilla sugar, 300 g blueberries
Directions: Whip the custard powder and the yolk in the milk, heat
until boilíng (stirring carefully); boil for a short while only. Away from
the cooker, mix the hot cream with the yoghurt. Set aside to cool. Add
whipped egg white with sugar and vanilla sugar. Pour cream over the
blueberries, add another layer of blueberries and powder with sugar.
Mushroom picking summer. Mushroom pickers are a special species. As soon as
one of them finds out that mushrooms are growing, they announce it on the mushroom
picker website and then, one would not believe how many cars are heading to the Jeseníky!
This is exactly Lojzík, my uncle from Ostrava. He read that last weekend that some Zdeněk
picked four full baskets, he
took a day off and set out to
hunt mushrooms. As a child,
he lived in the little village of
Pražmo, under Mt. Lysá, and
mushrooming has been his
life hobby. He taught me the
difference between Boletus
edulis and inedible Tylopilus
felleus. If you confuse them,
your favourite fried mushroom mash will end up in
the waste basket.
Mushroom pickers do not like to reveal their favourite places. So don't ask them where
to go mushrooming; they won't tell you. Notice the forest localities in the middle of
nowhere with parked cars. The most popular areas are the Videlské sedlo and Kóty above
Karlova Studánka, but you may be successful in the lower parts of the Hrubý Jeseník
or in the beautiful woods of the Nízký Jeseník. But do not go mushrooming in nature
preserves. Picking berries or flowers is forbidden, as is walking beyond marked trails.
49
Goulash from Jelení žleb
Ingredients: 1 kg beef (or venison)
shank, 250 g bacon, oil, 600 g onion, a
small head of garlic, 500 g wild mushrooms, 500 g tomatoes, sour cream,
spices
Directions: Put the mushrooms
in water, chop the meat and bacon in
cubes; fry the bacon, add oil, brown the
meat and add chopped onion and garlic.
Flavour with thyme, salt and pepper, add
stock and beer. Add the mushrooms, parsley and bay leaf and stew until the meat is tender.
Shortly before the end, add peeled, chopped tomatoes and a few white mushrooms; Add sour
cream and boil for a short while longer. Add salt and pepper as needed.
We've reached the end of our journey around the Jeseníky Mountains. I hope you have
chosen places to visit. When you come, you will surely find a lot more that have not been
described here. You will undoubtedly find other places at www.jeseniky-rodina.cz.
It would be nice if you sent me your remarks, comments or recommendations to viola@
jeseniky-rodina.cz. They might be useful for future visitors to our beautiful mountains. I will be pleased to pass them on!
Sincerely, Viola
50
CERTIFIED HOTELS, PENSIONS AND LODGES IN THE
JESENÍKY MTS.:
Mountain hotel Vidly
Vidly 78
793 26 Vrbno pod Pradědem
tel.: +420 554 771 004
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vidly.cz
Pension Přístav
Nádražní 306
790 84 Mikulovice
tel.: +420 588 884 688
e-mail: [email protected]
www.pristavmikulovice.cz
Villa Eugen
Mountain Spa Resort Karlova
Studánka
793 24 Karlova Studánka
tel.: +420 554 798 262
e-mail: [email protected]
www.horskelazne.cz
superior
Hotel
Slunný dvůr
Priessnitzova 458/8
790 03 Jeseník
tel.: +420 777 265 208
e-mail:
[email protected]
www.hotelslunnydvur.cz
superior
Pension Běla
Domašov 66
790 85 Bělá pod Pradědem
tel.: +420 584 420 000
e-mail: [email protected]
www.penzion-bela.cz
Pension
superior
Nad Vodopády
Rešov 5
793 44 Horní Město
tel.: +420 554 211 315
e-mail: [email protected]
www.resov.cz
51
superior
Mountain hotel
Kopřivná
Malá Morávka 122
793 36 Malá Morávka
tel.: +420 554 273 152
e-mail: [email protected]
www.koprivna.cz
Mountain hotel Brans
Malá Morávka 215
793 36 Malá Morávka
tel.: +420 554 273 045
e-mail: [email protected]
www.brans.cz
Hotel Helios
Lipová lázně 505
790 61 Lipová lázně
tel.: +420 775 775 942
e-mail: [email protected]
www.heliosjeseniky.cz
Hotel Ovčárna
Malá Morávka 263
793 24 Karlova Studánka
tel.: +420 973 483 402
e-mail: [email protected]
www.volareza.cz
Hotel Praděd Thamm
Krnovská 197
793 73 Zlaté Hory
tel.: +420 584 453 724
e-mail: [email protected]
www.hotelpraded.eu
Pension Hermes
Ježník 86
794 01 Krnov
tel.: +420 554 620 595
e-mail: [email protected]
www.penzionhermes.cz
Pension U Petra
Lipovská 115/328
790 01 Jeseník
tel.: +420 584 411 898
e-mail: [email protected]
www.upetra.cz
Villa Vlasta
Mountain Spa Resort Karlova
Studánka
793 24 Karlova Studánka
tel.: +420 554 798 262
e-mail: [email protected]
www.horskelazne.cz
Pension
superior
U Bohouše
Karlov pod Pradědem 9
793 36 Malá Morávka
tel.: +420 554 273 115
e-mail: [email protected]
www.pensionubohouse.cz
Pension
Schaumannův Dvůr
Karlovice 231
793 23 Karlovice
tel.: +420 603 356 242
e-mail: [email protected]
www.pensionsd.cz
Hotel
Pod Jedlovým vrchem
Kociánov 4
788 11 Loučná nad Desnou
tel.: +420 776 001 058
e-mail:
[email protected]
www.hotelloucna.cz
Penzion Vidnava
Mírové náměstí 80
790 55 Vidnava
tel.: +420 588 517 237
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vidnava.cz
CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
OPERATED BY MEMBERS OF THE RURAL TOURISM
ASSOCIATION:
Apartments Relax
nám. ČSA 8
793 95 Město Albrechtice
tel.: +420 608 449 991
e-mail: [email protected]
www.ubytovani-relax.cz
53
Farma Bovine
Apartments Farmy Bovine
793 74 Heřmanovice
tel.: +420 605 248 358
+420 605 248 359
e-mail: [email protected]
www.farmabovine.cz
Pension Sova
Jiříkov 98
793 51 Jiříkov
tel.: +420 554 295 114
e-mail: [email protected]
www.sova.unas.cz
Cottage Harta
Roudno č. 98
792 01 Roudno/Slezská Harta
tel.: +
420 605 248 359
+420 605 248 358
e-mail: [email protected]
www.yachtsport.cz
Cottage Roudno
Roudno
792 01 Roudno/Slezská Harta
tel.: +
420 605 248 359
+420 605 248 358
e-mail: [email protected]
www.yachtsport.cz
INTRODUCING ACCOMMODATION
CERTIFIED BY CZECH CAMPING
ASSOCIATION:
Resort Avalanche
Dolní Moravice 795 01 Rýmařov
tel.: +
420 554 254 099
+420 777 742 405
e-mail: [email protected]
www.skiareal-avalanche.cz
Camp Osoblaha
793 99 Osoblaha
tel.: +420 731 610 863
e-mail: [email protected]
www.osoblaha.cz
54
LOCAL PRODUCTS AWARDED
THE ‘JESENÍKY – ORIGINAL PRODUCT’
CERTIFICATE:
Goat’s farm U Nýdrlů
790 53 Stará Červená Voda 23
tel.: +420 602 193 830
e-mail: [email protected]
www.kozifarmaunydrlu.cz
Cheese
Made by the Jeseník
Farm Cooperative
790 85 Bělá pod Pradědem tel.: +420 731 162 371
e-mail:[email protected]
http://shop.zdjesenik.cz
Tomi Glass factory
Zlatohorská 639,
793 26 Vrbno pod Pradědem
tel.:+420 728 359 989
e-mail: [email protected]
www.sklarnatomi.cz
Stained-glass manufactory
Made by Iveta Strnadová
Bezručova 76
793 26 Vrbno pod Pradědem
tel.: +420 731 177 688
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vitraze-sperky.cz
Křenek family’s Sunday school
for learning of folk crafts and farming of
sheep, cows, and horses
Stránské 5
793 51 Břidličná
tel.: +420 554 725 848 after 8 p.m.
e-mail:
[email protected]
www.stranske.websnadno.cz
All listed manufactures offer tours of their workshop.
55
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCOVERING THE JESENÍKY MTS.
2
...on the trail of natural, technical, historical
and cultural places of interest
2
5
13
15
16
19
Nature as a treasure
Recommended technical monuments
Tracing our ancestors
Let‘s climb the lookout towers!
Unique sacred monuments
Museums and galleries
23
23
27
28
30
31
31
33
34
36
40
41
41
44
47
VISITING SPA RESORTS
…to relax and recover
Unique spas in the Jeseníky
Active relaxation
Go fishing with permits
Invitation to the cinema
ACTIVE TOURISM AND SPORTS
...walking, cycling, swimming, fun and new experiences
Put on solid shoes
Let‘s take a cycling trip
Educational trails
Tame your fear, engage adrenaline
As fit as a fiddle
VISITING THE COUNTRY
eco-tourism and regional products
Animal farms and riding-schools
The life and work of our ancestors
Wonderful culinary experiences
56