A short visit to the historic park area at Loučná nad Desnou chateau: 2 km

• Loučná castle was originally a hunting lodge built by the Žerotín family at the end of the 15th century. The Žerotíns became the wealthiest and most influential noble family in Moravia during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They had rebuilt Loučná into a Renaissance and then Baroque residence by the end of the 17th century. Today, after a period of private ownership, there is some uncertainty about the future of the partly reconstructed chateau. Plans to create a luxury hotel seem to have been shelved.
• While the chateau remains closed to the visitors, the well maintained park area, which was created in the16th century (and is now cared for by the municipality) is open to visitors and is definitely worth a visit if travelling in the area. There are some interesting statues to see in the English style park, which is open throughout the year. Note that dogs are not permitted in the park.
• Another reason to stop in Loučná is to take some refreshments in the excellent FARA pension-restaurant, which has been created from the historic rectory. The restaurant is situated near the chateau parking area. The walk around the park is essentially flat and can be managed with a stroller.

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

Directions

• Loučná can be reached by bus from Šumperk, but most visitors will probably be driving. There is a large parking area outside the chateau gates
• The circuit around the park is obvious and hopefully does not need detailed directions