Trip to the Javoříč Cave and the ruins of Branky Castle

Sightseeing trip from the village of Javoříčko through the Javoříč Cave and the ruins of Branky Castle

Starting point

Large parking lot in the village of Javoříčko. Although I expected it to be charged, parking was free. Elsewhere in the village, parking is forbidden.
 

Description of the hike

From the large parking lot (and during my trip unpaid) I made my way to the memorial to the victims of the massacre at the end of World War II. After touring the site, I continued on the red trail. This leads into the woods and begins to climb as well, thanks to the stairs that have been built. Soon I came to the entrance to the Javoříč Cave. I continued along the red trail again and up the stairs to the upper part, where the abyss of Zátvořice is located. The hut by the abyss was closed and so I continued along the red marker. This leads first along a wide path, but I soon left it and followed the trail to the ruins of Branka Castle. The castle stood on top of a rock outcrop, which partly overlooks the surrounding area.

From the viewpoint I then descended steeply into the valley of the Špraněk stream. The descent is again made easier by steps and the passage through the rock gate makes it very attractive. In the valley of the stream I continued along the red marker. The valley is very beautiful, especially in spring full of flowers. The trail is wide at first, later turning into a forest path. At the Vojtěchov recreation centre I turned to the yellow marker and followed it back to the Javoříčská cave. The sign leads along a wide forest path and I was quickly back at the cave. From there I took the red trail back to the village of Javoříčko.
 

Difficulty

An easy hike that is short, but there are steep climbs and descents. Some sections are secured by steps and railings. The route is ideal for families with children or a dog. A stroller will definitely not pass it.
 

Water availability

There is a bistro by the parking lot, I didn't come across a spring or a well elsewhere. It is a short trip, even 0.5 liters of liquid with you is enough.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not lead over any peak, a partial view of the landscape is offered by the viewpoint of the ruins of Branka.
 

Danger

The view of the Branka ruins is secured by a wooden railing, as is the path to it and the path to the valley of the river. It is still a good idea to be careful in these places. It is rocky terrain and can be slippery when wet.
 

Food

You can take a light snack, but the route is not long. The cottage at the Javoříč cave was closed. There is a bistro at the parking lot in the village of Javoříčko, where you can eat.The view of the Branka ruins is secured by a wooden railing, as is the path to it and the path to the valley of the river. It is still a good idea to be careful in these places. It is rocky terrain and can be slippery when wet.
 

Attractions

The route leads past the Javoříč Caves, but the village of Javoříčko itself has unfortunately become part of our history. At the end of the Second World War, the SS commando razed the village to the ground and shot all the men who were in the village at the time. In total, they murdered 38 inhabitants. The alleged motive was the activity of the partisan group Jermak - Fursenko, which was supposed to be based in this very village.