*A spectacular walk along the Babí lom ridge via Lelekovice and Vranov: 7 km to 16 km*

• One of the most spectacular walking trails in south Moravia runs along a rocky ridge called Babí lom. The trail is located just 10 kilometers to the north of Brno. A number of circular (and one-way) routes can be created using different hiking trails in this very attractive part of Moravia, all of which traverse the ridge from south to north (the best way to do it). Most pass through the historic town of Vranov, with its beautifully restored monastery complex.
• Babí lom is part of a complex geological formation, where the exposed spiky ridge we see today is made up of quartz rocks and pebbles deposited (and then cemented together) in a depression on the sea bed during the Devonian period, some 400 million years ago. The world-famous limestone deposits of nearby Moravský kras were also formed in the same geological period.
• The extremely tough quartz rock of Babí lom successfully resisted erosion during subsequent geological periods, while the surrounding softer rocks were washed away, leaving the exposed ridge. During the ice ages of the last 2 million years, the ridge was broken (through successive freeze/thaw cycles) into the bizarrely shaped spiky rock towers that line the footpath today.
• The footpath along the rock ridge (which was first created in the 1860’s) is only around 1 kilometer long, but it will feel considerably longer due to the frequent short ascents and descents. This is also not a route to take when conditions are icy – the rocks can be very slippery and in a couple of places hands are required to scramble up the rocks (hence the ‘black’ grading for this walk). The reward for taking this mildly strenuous route are some excellent views towards Brno and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, particularly from the freshly reconstructed lookout tower at the beginning of the ridge.
• The approach to the ridge passes initially through the historic village of Lelekovice, which has a fine Gothic church (with a 13th century Romanesque core) standing at the edge of the remains of the medieval fortress, whose origins date back to the 11th century. A recently restored pilgrimage route runs from Lelekovice church to the monastery in Vranov. This is one of the options for the journey back from Vranov (assuming the ridge is tackled in the usual south to north direction).
• Vranov is dominated by the majestic Pauline monastery and connected church which were constructed in the early 17th century by the noble Liechtenstein family, who acquired significant estates in Moravia as a consequence of their support for the Habsburg empire during the 30 Years War. The Paulán brothers returned to the monastery in 1992 and began to turn the estate into a Spiritual Center.
• In 1633, a family tomb was founded in the grounds of the Vranov monastery by Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein. The tomb was reconstructed in the Classicist style in the early 19th century. Fourteen Liechtenstein Princes (and 48 immediate family members) were buried there, up until 1938. The family remains the ruler of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Vranov tomb therefore appears to be the only known (European) case of rulers of one State being buried in another. The tomb (as well as other Liechtenstein Czechoslovak properties) were expropriated at the end of WWII under the Beneš Decrees.
• Another reason to pass through Vranov on this walk, is to stop at the excellent local pub, Hospůdka Bylo Nebylo, which includes its own bakery products on the menu. Just outside Vranov (map point 5) there is a unique self-service bar, which also deserves a visit!
• There are various routes back to Lelekovice from Vranov (including the pilgrimage trail). The route shown on the map below is probably the nicest as it includes nice long sections in the mixed forests to the south of Vranov. If choosing this route, there is around 390m of height to ascend/descend over the whole route. A further option is to catch the bus back from Vranov (resulting in a one way walk of just 7 km, or even shorter if starting in Lelekovice).

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• If travelling by public transport, take the train to the Česká stop on the mainline heading north from Brno. If driving, there is a Park & Ride car park at the station. Alternatively, it is possible to park in the village of Lelekovice (just over 1 km along the trail from Česká)
• From Česká take the YELLOW trail for 1.1 km to reach the center of Lelekovice village. There, join the RED trail, heading towards Vranov
• After 1.8 km on the RED trail reach the lookout tower at the start of the rock ridge
• Continue along the ridge for 900m to reach the far end (there is a rock tower with steps to another viewpoint, following the diversion signs for 100m off the main trail)
• Descend from the ridge still following the RED trail and continue for 2.6 km to reach the center of the Vranov village
• In Vranov, join the GREEN trail which leads past the pub and up to the monastery complex
• Continue on the GREEN trail for 2.8 km to reach the edge of the village of Útěchov, where the GREEN trail joins up with the YELLOW trail. Here, turn right on to the YELLOW, which leads back to Lelekovice after 4.3 km