Vikantice – Mountain Landscape, History and Cycling Routes

Vikantice is a small mountain municipality in the Rychleby Mountains, in the immediate vicinity of the Jeseníky Mountains. The village lies at an elevation of 613 metres and is characterised by a picturesque, wild natural landscape. Its mountain setting, wide views, historical traces and cycling connections define the various facets of Vikantice. The elevation and proximity to two mountain regions give the village a clear setting for nature and cultural interests.

Landscape and views around Vikantice

A specific point of reference for the surrounding area is Vikantický kopec. The hill lies about 1 kilometre from Vikantice on the road to Habartice. From Vikantický kopec above Vikantice, the Králický-Sněžník Massif, the southernmost part of the Rychleby Mountains and a large part of the western Jeseníky Mountains are visible. The viewpoint is located on the road to Habartice, whereas the Valíčkova lípa is situated in Vikantice. Those who value mountain panoramas and a distinctive landscape when choosing their destination can include the hill as a point of reference for the area around Vikantice.

Another distinctive natural feature of the village is the Valíčkova lípa in Vikantice. Its trunk circumference is 540 centimetres, and it is 22 metres tall. This individual linden tree complements the expansive mountain panorama with a specific natural feature within Vikantice. Thus, alongside the wide mountain ranges, an individual landscape detail in the village is also part of the character of the surrounding area.

History and cultural monuments

Vikantice was first mentioned in 1437 as a village belonging to the Kolštejn estate. An important historical landmark is the filial Church of St. Wolfgang. It dates from 1641 and had a predecessor building at least a century earlier. St. Wolfgang Church, including its surrounding wall, has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958.

The hill northeast of Vikantice is called Švédské zákopy and was associated with Swedish fortifications during the Thirty Years' War. In addition, the film Díra u Hanušovic by Miroslav Krobot was shot in Vikantice. Graphite was formerly mined in the area around Vikantice. Thus, in addition to the church and the wartime fortifications, a film connection and former raw-material extraction are also part of the village's history. These different themes range from the development of the village and historical conflicts to more recent cultural history.

Vikantice as a cycling destination

Two cycling routes pass through Vikantice: the Staroměstská cycling route and the Jeseníky section of the Moravská stezka cycling route. If you are planning your journey along designated cycling routes, you can consider both routes in your further research. The combination of cycling connections, mountain landscapes and viewpoints also makes Vikantice interesting for a stay focused not only on a single cultural destination, but on combining several travel experiences.

For further comparisons of localities, you can also take a look at Olšany, Rejchartice, Bludov, Kosov, Drozdov, Dlouhomilov, Bohdíkov and Potůčník.

For the higher-level travel overview: Šumperk District.