Branná: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Kolštejn Castle was founded by the Wüstenhube family at the beginning of the 14th century; the first documented mention of its construction dates from 1301.

History and Architectural Heritage

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Žerotín family and the Lords of Vrbno built the chateau buildings of the middle and lower parts of the castle and transformed the complex into a comfortable Renaissance residence. The passage tower Černá věž, which has survived to this day, was also built at that time.

The Church of the Archangel Michael was originally built in 1612–1614 as a Protestant church named Zmrtvýchvstání Krista; in 1743, it was adapted for Catholic worship and rededicated to Saint Michael. Fojtství was built at the end of the 16th century as a single-storey building and was enlarged by one storey about a century later.

Visitors can see several reconstructed parts of the Kolštejn complex, the ruins of the original Gothic castle and a historical entrance exhibition.

Mariánský pramen is the surviving remnant of the former pilgrimage site in Branná, also known as Kolštejn. Its pilgrimage church was abolished and demolished in 1789; the spring survived. The restored Mariánský pramen is most easily reached via the path from Branná railway station towards the Banjaluka forester’s lodge.

Nature

The Pasák geological and geomorphological natural monument, designated in 1982, covers 2.5 hectares and comprises a rocky ridge with frost-riven cliffs, isolated rocks, rock overhangs and cryoplanation terraces below Polomský potok.

Pasák’s distinctive rock formations include a rock window, a mushroom rock and a rock slab. The dominant Pasák rock tower is associated with several local legends, including the legend of the petrified shepherd.

Trails and Winter Sports

The Pasák educational trail begins in Branná below the railway station. The recreational tourist route is 12.5 km long and includes 14 polythematic stations.

The Branná ski area is situated at an altitude of 630–750 metres and has three runs suitable for both beginners and more advanced skiers.

Brewery

The Kolštejn microbrewery produces pale and semi-dark lagers as well as seasonal beer specialties. During a tasting, visitors can sample all the beers brewed there, accompanied by a guided tour of the brewery with commentary.

Other selected destinations: Bratrušov, Hraběšice, Velké Losiny, Zvole U Zábřeha, Šléglov, Dubicko, Hoštejn, Krchleby.

To the higher-level travel overview: Šumperk District.