Discover Bory: Nature Trail, Geology and Nature

Bory combines a varied nature trail with unusual rocks, protected wetland landscapes and a historic church. Between Dolní Bory and Horní Bory, you can experience nature, geology and local history not only at individual sights but also along specific stations and paths.

A nature trail between Dolní and Horní Bory

The approximately 6-kilometre-long “Poznáváme Bory” nature trail leads through Dolní and Horní Bory. Its route runs from the surroundings of Dolní Bory via the polder to Horní Bory. Along the way, there are stations near Dolní Bory, at the polder and in Horní Bory, connecting various parts of the municipality. Most of the route is also accessible with a pushchair. The section between stations 16 and 17 is more challenging; a baby carrier is therefore recommended for small children.

The nature trail comprises a total of 36 stations with information boards and three interactive elements. These include an analemmatic sundial, where you can learn how it works, sit down and enjoy the view across the landscape. At the “Ucho lesa” sound installation, you transmit forest sounds into a large wooden megaphone funnel and can then listen to them. In the geopark in Horní Bory, wooden sculptures of native animals are on display. They convey knowledge about nature and geology. At the Kamenolom Horní Bory station, boards also provide information about the history of the quarry and the extraction of the deposit.

Quarry, minerals and protected wetland landscape

The Horní Bory quarry is a geotourism attraction, a geotope and an excursion site. Gneiss is quarried there, while large blocks of serpentinised peridotite are also exposed. Fifty-five mineral species have been found in the quarry. Alongside the route of the nature trail, the distinctive geological world of Horní Bory is therefore another central attraction.

A different landscape can be seen at the Mrázkova louka natural monument in Horní Bory. It protects a mosaic of wet cabbage-thistle meadows, moss-covered, lime-free mire hollows and submontane mat-grass meadows. Protected plants grow there, including round-leaved sundew, narrow-leaved cotton grass, marsh cinquefoil and common clubmoss. For planning your excursion, Bory therefore offers a clear contrast between a geological excursion site and a sensitive wetland landscape.

St. Martin’s Church and paths through the municipality

The Church of St. Martin in Horní Bory is part of the area’s history. The municipality’s distinctive landmark is a Late Romanesque single-nave church and has been protected as a monument since 1958. Its oldest surviving section dates from between 1250 and 1280. During the summer season, the church is open for quiet contemplation and meditation.

Red- and yellow-marked hiking trails, as well as the “Mlynářská stezka” cycle route, run through the municipality of Bory.

More destinations for planning your trip

For further research, you can also find Vír, Březské, Skřinářov, Chlumek, Světnov, Radňoves, Křižánky and Uhřínov.

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