Bike trails of the gnomes

Train from Brno stops at Zastávka

Take the S4 train that runs every hour from Brno to Zastávka u Brna. The name does not reflect the fact that this used to be a mining settlement. That is because the village has actually changed its name. The original name "Boží požehnání" (God's Blessing) refers much more accurately to the coal mining in the village. You can find details about the origin of the name, local history and coal mining at the Regional Information Centre - It is located next to the station building and will "brief" you on your upcoming journey so that you know exactly what to see and where to look.

Stop by the Julius Mine

Coal was mined in Zastávka at the Julius Mine, the remains of which can be found just a short walk from the station. It was filled in in 1993. Miners used to go to the nearby chapel to pray for a safe return from their shifts before they started mining.

Towards the Ferdinand Mine to the Museum of Industrial Railways

Take route no. 5173 - Stezka permoníků (The trail of the gnomes). It starts right by the railway station and follows the line of the narrow-gauge railway, which began transporting coal from the Rosice mines in 1862. After the end of mining in 1991, it was taken over by enthusiasts from the Museum of Industrial Railways. They converted it from a standard gauge (1435 mm) to a beautiful narrow gauge (600 mm) and now organize adventure rides.

Because the bike path follows the line of the narrow gauge railway, you can hardly tell that you are climbing slightly uphill. After less than two kilometres you will reach the Ferdinand Mine stop. See the remains of the site, you can even climb to the top of the now overgrown heap. At the next stop, Babice u Rosic, the bike path leaves the narrow-gauge railway and takes you into the village. The chapel of St. Anthony of Padua with a bell from 1943 decorates the village. A statue of St. John of Nepomuk will show you the way. After a while, you will reach the main road and after a few hundred metres you will reach the narrow-gauge railway crossing, from where the train, and you too, are only a short walk to the station - the Museum of Industrial Railways.

The themed museum is built in the area of the former Jindřich II mine, which was the deepest coal mine in the Czech Republic with a depth of 1,550 metres and was even one of the deepest in the whole of Europe. The mining tower was dismantled in 2015 and in its place you will find a memorial - A chambered spire with a few words about the mine.

Make sure you have enough time to visit the museum. Enthusiasts have saved many steam, diesel and electric locomotives and freight and passenger cars from the last century from scrapping and cherish them in the local depot. Before you head here, study the calendar of events as there are many of them throughout the year. More at mpz.

The Zbýšov Heap Nature Trail and the Mining Museum in the Simson Mine

Continue along the road to Zbýšov. Right in the centre of the village, the RETRO café invites you to get a refreshment and, while we are on the subject of mining, you can take a short detour from here along Havířská street to the Zbýšov Heap. An nature trail with interactive elements for children will lead you to its top, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Oslavany and the former mine sites. Just be careful, you can't go up on a bike.

Continue to the museum

You will pass by St. Martin's Church to the former Simson Mine. It is one of the oldest mines in the area, having been in operation since the mid-19th century. From a distance you can see the beautiful Art Nouveau tower, which is a technical monument. However, it is only open to the public a few times a year (dates on microregionkahan). At the same time, local enthusiasts are working on the opening of the Mining Museum in the mine area.

Around the former brickyard to the fords of the Zakřanský brook

Another interesting feature of Zbýšov is the reconstructed building of the historical brickyard. It is a detour of just over a kilometre from the Simson mine. In a pleasant place in nature, you can see both the photogenic exterior of the building and a small exhibition of brick firing in the adjacent house.

And that's a goodbye to Zbýšov. You might be tempted to visit the swimming pool with a water slide, but don't worry, tips for swimming at the ponds in the countryside are yet to come. The shallow fords of the Zakřanský brook, which you can reach by a brisk descent down a forest path, will have to do for now. Hold on to your hats!

Oldest church in the area can be found in Lukovany

When you arrive in Lukovany, do not hesitate to take a small detour to the oldest church far and wide - It was built in the 13th century. The original Romanesque building was rebuilt in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. The tourist shelter next door is a good place to sit in the shade.

Summer bike trips include swimming

About a third of the way between Vysoké Popovice and Příbram, you can turn off to the Žleby pond. This idyllic spot offers great refreshment. You can spread out your blanket on the grassy banks or settle down in the new shelter.

The more adventurous can head from here to the next pond, Kuchyňka, along forest and dirt roads, while others are advised to return to the road and go to Příbram first. The unconventional chapel of St. Florian and the Virgin Mary in the village square is definitely not to be missed. The architect Aleš Fiala won an award for this unique building in a competition of modern sacral buildings.

The promised detour to the Kuchyňka pond is easy - From the village square you will follow the yellow sign for exactly one kilometre. Here you can also use the grassy banks or the shelter to rest, just sit or even have a nice swim.

Wayside shrines and conciliation stole near Zakřany

As you cycle along the Stezka permoníků trail, don’t miss the beautiful views of southern Moravia with the silhouette of Pálava that open up from the newly planted cherry tree alley just beyond Příbram. You can also take a detour to Příbramský mill, whose spacious building, now non-functional, recalls the bygone glory of water mills in the region. Unfortunately, the building is not accessible.

As you ascend from the valley into the expansive fields, slow down near the photogenic wayside shrines before Zakřany. Somewhat inconspicuously hidden in the grass nearby is an intriguing conciliation stone.

Once you leave Zakřany behind and enter the shade of Babice forest, you’re in for a treat. The downhill stretch to Zastávka awaits, but be cautious—don’t let your return to Brno be faster than the train!