Kněževes – Hunting Lodge, Hřibový háj and Cycle Route

Kněževes combines medieval architectural history, distinctive minor monuments and a variety of excursion destinations. The village has a particularly distinctive character thanks to the hunting lodge with its preserved Late Gothic core, the Hřibový háj trail with wooden mushroom sculptures and the signposted Mlynářská cycle route.

Hunting Lodge and Regional History

The oldest core of the hunting lodge in Kněževes is a medieval fortress preserved in Late Gothic form. It also includes remnants of the original interior plaster decoration. The hall is notable for an exceptionally authentically preserved wooden-beamed ceiling with rich moulding and carvings.

The building is associated with the Regionální muzeum Horního Pooslaví in Kněževes nad Oslavou. The museum participates in the restoration and use of the hunting lodge and was founded on 1 January 2013 as a collecting, scholarly and exhibition museum. Its themes range from history to the natural heritage of the Upper Oslava region, particularly Radostínsko, Měřínsko and Křižanovsko.

Buildings and landmarks outside the hunting lodge also tell the story of the village’s past. Kněževes has been documented in writing since 1370 and belonged to the Mostiště estate in the 14th century. The village has an 18th-century chapel with a small bell tower; its altarpiece depicts Saint Florian. There is also a large stone cross dating from 1920. The chapel, bell tower, altarpiece and cross each add a different accent to the historic villagescape. Wayside shrines form cultural landmarks in the landscape of Kněževes.

Hřibový háj: A Short Trail with a Special Viewpoint

The Hřibový háj trail begins in the village square of Kněževes. Numerous wooden mushroom sculptures stand there and accompany the route. The trail is 3 km long, takes approximately 1 hour and is suitable for preschool children. It therefore offers a clearly defined excursion option for families who want to combine a short route with unusual motifs.

The trail includes the Na Kříbu viewpoint on the roof of a former water tower. From there, you can look out over Kněževes and Bohdalovsko Nature Park. The viewpoint complements the mushroom sculptures with a landscape vista and creates a distinct feature within the circuit.

Cycling between Two Places

Those planning a longer activity will find a different scale of outing on the signposted Mlynářská cycle route. It runs between Nové Město na Moravě and Kněževes and is 38.5 km long. Compared with the approximately one-hour Hřibový háj trail, this route is intended for a considerably longer cycling excursion. When choosing accommodation in Kněževes, the planned structure of the day is therefore a useful point of reference: local history and a short family trail on the one hand, and a long signposted cycle connection on the other.

Other Places for Orientation

For further options within the same overarching destination structure, you can also find Radešínská Svratka, Cikháj, Moravec, Stránecká Zhoř, Moravecké Pavlovice, Vlachovice, Býšovec and Kuklík.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.