Cikháj in the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area

Cikháj lies in the heart of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area between Žákova hora and Tisůvka. The village is located in a landscape whose character is defined by protected forests, distinctive natural landmarks, and traces of history.

Between Žákova hora and Tisůvka

The Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area is 93% covered by forest. At higher elevations, natural mixed-forest ecosystems characteristic of the Žďárské vrchy are protected. At Žákova hora, this type of landscape is linked to a long history of protection: the first protection decree for the area was issued on December 31, 1933. Protected mixed forests and the history of nature conservation are therefore an integral part of the character of this natural area.

Above Cikháj rises Tisůvka, an 800-meter-high summit that is also a natural monument. Near Žákova hora lies Stříbrná studánka, considered the source of the Svratka River. The two destinations represent different elements of the landscape: Tisůvka the distinctive summit above the village, and Stříbrná studánka the source of a river. The two natural destinations are located in different parts of the landscape area: Tisůvka above Cikháj and Stříbrná studánka near Žákova hora.

The “Do pralesa” Educational Trail and Hiking Route

The Žákova hora educational trail provides information about the nature and history of the primeval forest on Žákova hora. It follows partisan trails and shows one of the sources of the Svratka River. The educational trail remains tied to Žákova hora; its subject is the primeval forest there, with its natural and historical aspects.

“Do pralesa” is a 13-kilometer hiking route through the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The educational trail focuses on Žákova hora, while “Do pralesa” runs through the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The route begins in Cikháj at a starting point with a spacious parking lot. Near the beginning stands a 24-ton stone partisan monument. The route’s 13 kilometers pass through the same protected landscape area in which the starting point is located. Thus, the route introduces a historical element right at the start, while its entire length runs through the protected landscape area. The information about the parking lot and the monument refers to the starting point in Cikháj.

The educational trail remains tied to Žákova hora, while “Do pralesa” begins in Cikháj. The historical reference also appears in different places: Along the educational trail, traces of history are found in the partisan trails, while on “Do pralesa” the stone monument stands near the beginning of the route. In this way, the area around Cikháj allows visitors to discover nature, the history of the primeval forest, and regional memory through various routes and destinations.

Other destinations in this selection

For further travel planning, you can also view Zvole, Vír, Nový Jimramov, Horní Libochová, Ubušínek, Chlum-Korouhvice, Podolí, and Ostrov Nad Oslavou:

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