Kramolín: Dam, Technology and Landscape

Kramolín combines the Dalešice Dam with the history of technology, archaeological traces, a lookout tower and protected landscapes. This gives the town different starting points for planning your trip: you can begin your stay by the water, learn about the history of the pumped-storage power station, use cycle and hiking trails or discover the nature of Dřínová hora.

Harbour, dam and pumped-storage power station

Kramolín Harbour is located about 200 metres from the dam wall of the Dalešice Dam and about 50 metres from the Kramolín Information Centre. The Horáčko excursion boat is based here and departs from the harbour for trips on the Dalešice Dam. The harbour is therefore a concrete point of reference for anyone who wants to combine their stay with a trip on the water.

There is an information centre at the Dalešice pumped-storage power station that is open to the general public. The power station was built between 1970 and 1978 in the territory of the municipality of Kramolín on the Jihlava River. The main attraction in the information centre is an illuminated model of the pumped-storage power station. This provides a different way of experiencing the dam than a trip solely on the water: the focus is not only on the landscape but also on the history of technology in the area.

Archaeological traces and the Babylon lookout tower

A second historical layer is represented by Hradisko Kramolín. It contains settlement traces dating from the Neolithic to the Middle and Late Hillfort periods. Hradisko is now listed as a currently protected archaeological feature and lies beneath the waters of the Dalešice Dam. This contrast is precisely what makes the site remarkable: traces of earlier settlement form part of Kramolín’s history, while today’s waterscape shapes the visible surroundings.

The stone Babylon lookout tower, built in the Empire style, also stands near Kramolín. Count Jindřich Vilém Haugwitz, owner of the Náměšť estate, had it built in 1831 for surveying work. Babylon is considered one of the oldest lookout towers in the Czech Republic. The viewing room is 18 metres high and has windows, a telescope and a ceiling decorated with zodiac motifs. The tower adds a historic viewpoint with unusually well-preserved details about its construction date and furnishings to the attractions around the dam.

Dřínová hora and the trails by the water

Dřínová hora is a new nature reserve in the cadastral territory of the municipality of Kramolín. The area is regarded as an important example of a mosaic structure consisting of thermophilous woodland communities and rock-steppe vegetation. At the same time, there are special restrictions on tourist infrastructure there: cycle paths or rest areas cannot be built in Dřínová hora. Walks through the forest are compatible with the area’s protection.

There are several cycle and hiking trails near the Dalešice Dam. Cycle route 5107 runs along the dam to the dam wall and Kramolín. After Kramolín, cycle route 5108 passes through Popůvky. Those planning to make cycling a fixed part of their stay can thus choose between a route along the water and a continuation through the surrounding area. For other day plans, the information centre, the excursion boat, Hradisko and Babylon offer various cultural and landscape highlights to choose from.

Choose accommodation in Kramolín based on your travel interests

When looking for accommodation in Kramolín, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus. The harbour and the Dalešice Dam represent water and boat trips, the information centre the history of the pumped-storage power station, and Babylon views and architectural history. Dřínová hora adds a protected natural area with its own requirements, while cycle routes 5107 and 5108 open up the surrounding area by bicycle. This makes it possible to tailor your choice of accommodation to the type of stay without mixing up the different aspects of the town.

More places for planning your trip

For further searches, you can also explore Rouchovany, Slavětice, Kamenná, Střítež, Kostníky, Rokytnice Nad Rokytnou, Radkovice U Budče and Číchov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Třebíč.