A trip to the Vysočina region via the ruins of Aueršperk Castle

Spring Day Trip to Aueršperk Castle

Starting point

The village of Pivonice. The parking lot at the entrance to the village was full (it’s used by visitors heading to Zubštejn Castle), so we parked in an open space right in the village.
 

Description of the hike

Given the popularity of the Zubštejn ruins, which dominate the surrounding area, the parking lot in Pivonice was already full. So we left the car in a small clearing in the village.

Following the blue hiking trail, we set off toward Aueršperk Castle. First, we climbed gently up to the meadows above Pivonice. From here, beautiful views of the surrounding Vysočina landscape open up. Following a wide path, we began to descend gradually into the valley. The dirt road continued through the meadows, where the trees were in bloom, creating a lovely spring atmosphere. Eventually, we began a steeper descent toward the Bystřice River. Its valley used to be deep in the woods, but the bark beetle infestation had turned the surrounding slopes into bare clearings. After a steep descent to the river, we faced our first crossing. Across the river is a wide log that once had a functional railing. It no longer serves that purpose, but crossing the river is still no problem. From the river, we climbed up to a hill where the ruins of Aueršperk are located. Not much remains of this large castle, but we still took a short break here and explored the surroundings.

We then returned to the blue hiking trail. We followed it for a short while, but after about 600 meters we left it and descended back down to the river. From there, we walked along a path that wasn’t marked with any hiking signs. We crossed the river via a slightly damaged iron footbridge. This was followed by an ascent through the forest back to Pivonice. The path is wide, and we were back at the car in the village relatively soon.

 

Difficulty

A simple hike through beautiful countryside. There are about two steeper descents into the valley of the Bystřice River. These must be crossed via a footbridge and a tree trunk. Otherwise, the trail follows wide dirt or forest paths. Ideal for a family outing.
 

Water availability

There are no places to refill your water along the route. Therefore, you must bring your own supply.
 

Sleeping options

The route does not pass through any mountain peaks. There are beautiful views in the area around the village of Pivonice.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not pass through any mountain peaks. There are beautiful views in the area around the village of Pivonice.
 

Danger

For the most part, the route is completely safe. The only places where you need to be extra careful are the crossings over the Bystřice River. You’ll walk along a log and an iron bridge, which is, however, quite damaged. The descent to the river is also steep, and it can be slippery there. Otherwise, the route follows wide paths where there is no danger.
 

Food

There are no restaurants or snack bars along the route. So it’s a good idea to bring a snack.
 

Attractions

Aueršperk Castle is situated on a hill surrounded by the Bystřice River. Neither the date of its founding nor its founder is known. It is estimated to have been built in the second half of the 13th century, and its founder was likely a member of the Pernštejn family. The castle was relatively large and had an extensive outer bailey. Based on excavations, it is estimated that it was still inhabited at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, only the ruins of a cylindrical tower and remnants of the walls and residential palace remain.