Explore Sázava by Bike: EuroVelo Trails and a Surprising Urban Escape in Telč

Posázava from Přibyslav to Sázava

The Posázava cycling route from Přibyslav to Sázava (located near Žďár nad Sázavou) stretches for over 9 km and follows the path of an old railway line, winding through a charming landscape. The cycling path features a smooth asphalt surface that is well-maintained throughout the year. It takes riders through hilly terrain, along embankments, through forests, and across open fields, while staying close to the beautiful Sázava River. The path also intersects with the main railway line that connects Havlíčkův Brod to Brno. This trail begins at the Přibyslav railway station and flows through the scenic valley of the Sázava River to reach the village of Sázava near Žďár nad Sázavou. The trail is 3 meters wide and includes 9 footbridges, the longest of which spans 58 meters. There are two resting spots where cyclists can take a break. This route features varied terrain including hills, embankments, forests, and open areas, always keeping close to the river. The path is a favorite not just among cyclists but also among skaters, wheelchair users, and walkers. Thanks to its smooth asphalt surface, it ensures a comfortable and safe riding experience for all who enjoy active outdoor recreation. You can access both Sázava and Přibyslav via train, and parking is available at the railway station in Přibyslav and at the start of the cycling path in Sázava.

Trails of all difficulties in the Vysočina Cycloarena

Cycloaréna Vysočina presents a robust network of 30 kilometers of cycling trails that cater to a range of difficulty levels. These paths are diverse, lively, and largely tailored for active enthusiasts. They are categorized based on their difficulty levels. You will find technically easy and fun trails safe for children, wheelchair-accessible natural trails suitable for disabled cyclists or those on a handbike, as well as truly demanding trails for seasoned bikers, designed in accordance with modern standards in trail development seen in the Mountain Bike World Cup. The most challenging is the black trail, modeled after World Cup courses. More experienced riders will enjoy the red and orange trails, which offer gentler curves and are created to maximize enjoyment during the ride. The blue trail can be easily navigated by beginner cyclists. Additionally, a singletrack was created specifically for children—a one-kilometer route marked in purple. The green trail is designated for handicapped individuals, being the only two-meter-wide path, catering specifically to wheelchair users and cyclists alike. All routes are interconnected, allowing for unique combinations. The adventure begins at the Vysočina arena.

Highlands along the EuroVelo cycling routes

The EuroVelo long-distance cycling routes are ideal for those looking to actively spend their leisure time on a bicycle. Four EuroVelo routes traverse the Czech Republic, leading you through various historical and natural attractions. You can embark on journeys not only across the Czech Republic but also throughout Europe. EuroVelo 4 travels directly through Vysočina, and it’s easy to connect to EuroVelo 13. This long-distance cycling path across Central Europe, known as EuroVelo 4, spans approximately 900 kilometers from Cheb to Bohumín, crossing through the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. You’ll travel through forested landscapes and the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area to arrive at Žďár nad Sázavou, home to the UNESCO-listed pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk. The trail continues through the picturesque valley of the Svratka River, eventually leading into the South Moravian Region. From Vojnov Městec to Pernštejn Castle, EuroVelo 4 offers nearly eighty kilometers of trail. Don’t miss the unique peat bog near Velký Darko, which is also a great swimming spot. After Žďár, the cycling route heads towards Nové Město na Moravě, where the Cycloarena is located. The Horácké Museum in this area is noteworthy—with exhibits such as a collection of carved figures called “Mlejnek z Víru,” powered by a flowing stream. Another town of interest on this route is Bystřice nad Pernštejnem. In the summer, visitors flock to its pool with heated water, and exciting attractions like the Miniature Park featuring miniature noble mansions and the Eden Centre in the historic Mitrovský farmhouse are popular. Your journey then takes you towards the Vir valley and beneath the striking Pernštejn Castle. Be sure to rest at the lovely Vrchnostenská Garden, a perfect spot to recover after an enriching ride.

Another significant route, EuroVelo 13, commonly referred to as the Iron Curtain Trail, stretches an impressive 10,500 kilometers from the Barents Sea all the way to the Black Sea in Bulgaria. This route enters the Czech Republic at Cheb, tracing the southern border with Germany and Austria, and concludes at the junction of the Thaya and Morava rivers, just below the village of Lanžhot. Although it may not pass through Vysočina, connections to it can be found along cycling routes 16 and 26. The first route traverses the Highlands from Hlinsko to Přibyslav, then Jihlava, Třešť, Telč (UNESCO), and onward to Slavonice, where it connects with EuroVelo 13. The second route flows from Jihlava to Třebíč and on to Raabs in Austria. Able-bodied cyclists can enjoy a pleasant circuit that passes through Jihlava – Třebíč – Raabs – along EV 13 to Slavonice, before heading back to Telč, Třešť, and Jihlava.

Santini cycle route

For those interested in sightseeing, the Santini Cycle Route is marked with number 5061 and will take you through various locations in the Vysočina Region where the notable architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel made his contributions. The entire route covers 67 km. It begins at the manor pub in Vojnovo Město (which some sources attribute to Santini around 1740). From there, the journey continues behind Radostíno through mostly forested areas toward Pork, passing through Racine and Polnička before reaching the Pila reservoir. The cycling path along the reservoir leads up to Žďár nad Sázavou and its chateau grounds, where Santini worked on the interiors of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, along with the stables, the prelature building, the adjacent Lower Cemetery, and the Lyra farmyard. The highlight of this route is undoubtedly the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora, which was added to the UNESCO list of monuments in 1994. While passing through the center of Žďár, you’ll encounter another architectural gem, the Church of the Holy Trinity.

As you travel from Žďár, you will pass through the village of Pits and then continue to Obyčtova, where it’s essential to stop at the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, notable for its unique turtle-shaped floor plan. Close by, in Ostrov nad Oslavou, you will find a now-defunct inn that once showcased a unique floor plan shaped like the letter W, which was the monogram of Abbot Václav Vejmluva. After Ostrov, the route continues through Bohdalec and Radešín before arriving at Bobrová, home to the Church of St. Peter and Paul. This church was constructed on the site of an older late Romanesque church. Santini preserved the original west tower, transformed the existing rectangular nave into a new chancel, and built a spacious nave in the location of the demolished old chancel, resulting in a unique orientation for the church compared to typical structures.

On your ride from Bobrova to Zvole , you’ll encounter a petite building—another creation by the master—known as the divine torment located at the village’s edge. The final stop on your journey is Zvole, where you’ll find the Church of St. Wenceslas. This church showcases a Greek cross floor plan topped with a lantern and canopy resembling the crown of St. Wenceslas. The church is surrounded by an octagonal cemetery wall that encloses the local cemetery. From Zvole, it is less than ten kilometers to the endpoint of the cycle route at Bystřice nad Pernštejnem.

1. Posázavská Přibyslav–Sázava Cycle Route

• Length: 9 km

• Terrain: Riverside paths and embankments

• Highlights: Nine charming footbridges that punctuate the route

2. Vysočina Cycloarena

• Trail Network: 30 km of purpose-built tracks

• Setting: Natural forest and meadow landscapes

• Difficulty: Routes range from easy to challenging, perfect for all skill levels

3. UNESCO Monuments Along the Way

• Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk (Žďár nad Sázavou): A baroque masterpiece set atop Zelená hora

• Additional Sites in Vysočina: Multiple historic monuments easily reached by bike

4. EuroVelo 4 in the Czech Republic

• Total Distance: Approximately 900 km across the country

• Must-See Stops:

  • The natural peat bog near Velký Darko

  • The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

5. Vojnovo Město to Bystřice nad Pernštejnem

• Route Start: Vojnovo Město

• Route End: Bystřice nad Pernštejnem

6. The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Bobrová

• Unique Feature: Oriented differently from the traditional west–east alignment, offering a rare architectural curiosity for passing cyclists

Whether you’re seeking leisurely rides among UNESCO treasures or challenging trails in the Cycloarena, the Highlands promise an unforgettable cycling adventure!