*A circular 16 km tour along the Sázava river from Český Šternberk*

• The section of countryside between Český Šternberk and Sázava town seems have been popular with medieval castle builders. A number of majestic Gothic fortresses dot the landscape. It is not a coincidence that this territory was chosen by Warhorse, the Czech video games group, as its setting for the award-winning medieval RPG ‘Kingdom Come; Deliverance‘.
• The picturesque Sázava river winds it way through this hilly landscape, creating an atmospheric backdrop to the villages and castles. None are more striking than the massive 14th fortress of Český Šternberk (which is open for guided tours from April to October, and by appointment at other times). Astonishingly, the castle has remained in the same family ownership since its foundation – the current owner is the 20th generation since Zdeslav of Divišov created the family seat around 1241.
• The most well-known walk in this area follows the left (west) bank of the river, starting in Sázava town and finishing at Český Šternberk (or vice versa). This (12 km to 15 km) walk is mostly along the riverbank but has two sections where it climbs up above the river. Walkers doing this excellent route would usually catch the train back to Sázava, from the Český Šternberk railway station.
• However, the classic route misses an opportunity to visit paths on the eastern side of the river, which pass through a variety of different terrain, including the historic town of Rataje nad Sázavou (with its two very different but impressive castles, that have 14th century origins). Rataje is, incidentally, the centerpiece of the ‘Kingdom Come’ videogame.
• The suggested route that is described below, starts in Český Šternberk. There is a small car park below the castle (which may be full at weekends when the castle is open but will certainly be quiet out of season) and another parking area on the road just before reaching the town when driving from the D1 highway. Getting to/from Český Šternberk by public transport, eg from Prague, is quite a complex process involving two regional rail lines.
• The route initially climbs to the hills on the eastern bank of the river, then passes through the pretty village of Malovidy, before reaching Rataje. The trail then drops down to the Sázava river and follows the eastern bank for a section, before crossing over to the west bank using the bridge at Ledečko. From there, the route climbs into the hills for a section before descending back to the river for the final 4 km stretch along the riverbank back to Český Šternberk.
• The route is generally on easy forest trails, or asphalt roads. There is one short steep section in the woods on the initial ascent from Český Šternberk, which can be a challenge if it is icy or snowed up. A total of 350m height is gained/lost on the full 15.6 km route.
• There are various refreshment options on the route, including restaurants in Rataje, Ledečko and the highly rated Restaurace Pod hradem, just below Český Šternberk castle. There is also a pleasant café in the castle courtyard (which is freely accessible when the castle is open).

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

Directions

• Start the walk at one of the Český Šternberk car parks – the one below the castle by the river is the most convenient, if available.
• Cross the road bridge, following the RED hiking trail, initially on the road past the train station and then climbing through the forest
• 800m after passing the train station, the marked trail leaves the forest path and descends steeply to a stream, which is crossed on stones, and then ascends the opposite bank (this is the only challenging section of the route)
• After leaving the forest, the RED trail crosses open fields on a farm track to reach the village of Malovidy (which has some nice examples of folk architecture)
• From Malovidy, the trail descends through the forest to reach the Rataje railway station after 2.1 km
• From the trail station, the RED trail follows the river through the lower part of Rataje town, and then climbs up to the upper old town, past Pirkštejn castle (with its unique medieval round tower)
• In the upper town, pass below the imposing Renaissance/Baroque Rataje nad Sázavou chateau, following the RED trail as it descends towards the river
• The trail follows the river bend to reach Ledečko, 1.9km after leave Rataje
• On reaching the Ledečko hiking signpost , turn off the RED hiking trail, turning left down the main street and cross the bridge over the river
• Continue on the public road for 700m and then turn left onto the smaller forest road which rises gradually towards the hill top
• Shortly after the road flattens at the top of the hill (at the tourist shelter) it is crossed by the GREEN hiking trail. Turn left onto this trail
• Follow the GREEN trail down the hill, passing through the village of Poříčko, to reach the western riverbank
• Continue along the riverbank following the GREEN trail, for 3.8 km, to return back to the car park below Český Šternberk castle