Herálec: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

In Herálec, the separation and connection of Bohemia and Moravia can be seen both in the landscape and in the buildings. The Svratka forms the natural boundary between the Bohemian and Moravian parts of Herálec. The three-arched stone Valenův Bridge was built in 1856 and connects both parts; a stone next to the bridge marks the historic boundary between Bohemia and Moravia.

History and Townscape

The first written mention of Herálec dates from 1366 and is connected with a border dispute between the Nové Město estate and Žďár Monastery. Characteristic traditional buildings include renovated log houses, which can be seen in Herálec. A remnant of a former farmstead, which once belonged to the Rychmburk estate, has also been preserved.

The Church of St. Catherine was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style in 1787 after the older church was badly damaged by lightning in 1785. Due to its location on a hill, it forms a prominent landmark of the town.

Landscape and Trails

Herálec lies at the foot of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. Nearby is Devět skal, the highest point of the Žďárské vrchy at 836 m and a designated natural monument since 1976. The rock formation lies approximately 3.5 km southeast of Herálec.

Herálec is a starting point for relaxing walks into the nearby forests, where spruce and fir predominate and oak stands can also be found locally. In the surrounding area, the forest reserve on Žákova hora protects natural fir and maple-beech stands across 15 hectares.

In the vicinity of Herálec, a marked turnoff at the summit of Devět skal leads to a viewpoint with an almost panoramic view. In good visibility, Králický Sněžník or the Krkonoše Mountains may be visible. The Naučná stezka Žákova hora – Tisůvka educational trail also runs nearby. It is approximately 10 km long and provides information about the nature and history of the northern part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Water and Summer

Rybník Hať in the Moravian part of Herálec can be used for swimming during the summer months. It has a grassy beach, a sandy, gently sloping bottom, and wooden steps into the water. Rybník Kuchyně in the Bohemian part of Herálec, also known as Vodičák or Šantůreček, is accessible for swimming along its entire shoreline. Fishing is permitted at Rybník Kuchyně upon purchase of a permit.

Culture and Local Life

The reconstructed Špačkův dům serves as the center of social and cultural life in Herálec and is one of the town's defining landmarks. A local museum was established in the attic, commemorating the history of Herálec. As part of the reconstruction, a restaurant with a terrace by the river was also established.

Other Places

Other town pages: Písečné, Sejřek, Vepřová, Vecov, Blažkov, Rovečné, Javorek, Kněževes

To the main travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.