Baliny – Nature and Trails in the Balinka Valley

The defining features of a stay in Baliny include the Balinka Valley, diverse trails, and a history in which farmsteads and mills played a role from an early date. You can choose between a short nature trail with twelve stations and the 15 km Okruh Balinským údolím circular route. There is also practical information for cyclists, strollers, and traveling by public transport.

The Balinka Valley and Diverse Habitats

The boundary of the Přírodní park Balinské údolí nature park extends to Baliny. The valley contains habitats associated with river, meadow, and forest communities. Lush vegetation, particularly willows, alders, and poplars, grows along the high banks. A visit therefore focuses not only on the trail itself, but also on the succession of documented habitats along the Balinka Valley.

Short Nature Trail or 15-Kilometer Loop

The Naučná stezka Balinské údolí nature trail is 3.5 km long and takes about two hours. It has twelve stations and focuses on flora. At some information boards, children in particular can test their knowledge of natural history. The route thus combines a manageable walking time with educational stations that draw attention to the plant life.

Those planning a longer loop can choose the 15 km Okruh Balinským údolím route as an alternative. The starting point is on the road between Velké Meziříčí and Uhřínov, opposite the turnoff to Hotel Amerika. It is possible to park a car at the starting point. For cyclists and strollers, the Velké Meziříčí–Šeborov and Svařenov–Hrbov–Velké Meziříčí sections are passable on paved paths. By contrast, the surface in the Šeborov–Svařenov section is difficult to travel on. The trail surface therefore changes within the loop: paved sections are followed by a difficult stretch in the Šeborov–Svařenov section. This division is an important distinction when choosing between individual sections of the loop.

Public Transport Access to the Circular Route

The Baliny bus stop is located on the route. The Baliny, rozc. 1.5 and Baliny, rozc. 2 bus stops are near the route.

Historic Mills and Early Local History

Baliny has been mentioned in written sources since 1317. There was already a farmstead and a mill here in the 14th century. Historic traces also include Čermákův mlýn: the now-abandoned mill is one of the oldest mills in the Balinka catchment area, with written references dating back to 1381. Doležalův (Valův) mlýn was probably built by the estate administration in the 15th century. The local history thus complements the natural experiences with several specific testimonies to the valley's former use.

More Destinations for Your Search

For more destinations in this selection, you can also view Sejřek, Sazomín, Hodíškov, Věžná, Kadolec, Vidonín, Písečné and Strážek.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.