*A walk around historic Náměšť nad Oslavou, with an optional stop in Velká Bíteš: 5 km (extendable) *

• The town of Náměšť nad Oslavou, located some 30 km to the west of Brno, is probably best known today for its magnificent Renaissance chateau perched on an escarpment overlooking a meandering river. Below the castle is a strikingly white stone bridge lined with statues of saints. The Baroque bridge – sometimes called ‘the little Charles Bridge’ – looks almost new (it was renovated in the 2020’s) but dates originally from the early 18th century.
• Náměšť nad Oslavou is split in two by an attractive section of the river Oslava. There is an (occasionally signed) cultural route around the town, including a nice section of recently created cycle path directly beside the river, which is lined by 12 modern sculptures of the zodiac signs.
• The chateau has a long history, with a likely origin in the 13th century (only a tower exists from this period). Its most famous owners were probably the prominent Moravian noble house of Žerotíns, who owned the estate in the 16th and early 17th centuries. The Žerotíns were responsible for creating the Renaissance chateau that can be seen today.
• The last private owners were the Haugwitz family, after the estate was bought in 1752 by Friedrich Wilhelm Haugwitz, the Supreme Chancellor of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Náměšť nad Oslavou became a center for arts and particularly music during the second half of the 18th century and the 19th century. The estate became the main residence of the Haugwitz family until the end of WWII (when it was confiscated under the Beneš decrees). This last period of ownership is showcased in a guided tour of the chateau (from April to October).
• If starting at the Náměšť train station (which has frequent connections with Brno) the full walk around town, including the climb up and back from the chateau, is approximately 5 km in length, with around 80m of height to ascend-descend. All the paths are easy asphalt roads or cycle paths. For refreshments, there are a couple of excellent cafés, including the Kavárna Pohodička (map point 10) and LUNA NERA Café (map point 11).
• For an extended trip, consider a stop in nearby Velká Bíteš, which is located to the north of Náměšť nad Oslavou. Velká Bíteš is worth visiting for its unique Romanesque church of Saint John the Baptist, which is completely surrounded by a late 15th century fortification wall. It is a unique example of a fully fortified church. Velká Bíteš can be reached along an attractive 12 km hiking trail that runs over the hills to the north of Náměšť. Velká Bíteš also has bus connections with Brno and Náměšť. If taking the extended trip, try the excellent pastry café, Cukrárna U Zdubů, on the main square. It also serves excellent ice cream.

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Directions

• From the Náměšť nad Oslavou train station join the GREEN hiking trail heading towards Zňátky
• The riverside cycle path is reached after 85m. Thjere, leave the GREEN trail turning left along the cycle path heading towards the chateau
• After 600m, cross the Baroque bridge and follow the YELLOW trail up to the chateau, which is reached after 600m
• Tour the chateau and park area before returning back along the YELLOW trail to the Baroque bridge
• After crossing the bridge again, turn right to continue along the cycle path besides the river
• Continue on the cycle path for 700m , past the modern zodiac sculptures and just before the path crosses the river on a footbridge, turn back along the footpath leading to the Haugwitz family crypt
• Return back to the center of town along a side road and rejoin the YELLOW trail which leads back to the station after 900m