Trip to the ruins of Sedlec Castle in the Oslava River

Starting point

A small natural parking lot at the farmhouse on the dirt road from the village of Sedlec. Parking is free, but there is not enough space for cars.
 

Description of the hike

Originally we had planned to leave the car in the village of Sedlec, but we found out that it was possible to drive to the grove on the edge of the forest, so we took this option. Right next to the grove is a pen with deer that were allowed to feed, so it was a very pleasant start.

From the car park we then walked along a wide forest track towards Oslava. We joined the green hiking trail for a while. However, we immediately left it and followed the forest path towards the ruins of Sedlec Castle. At the edge of the cliff to the Oslava River we joined the green trail. Then we started to descend towards the ruins. It is located in a bend of the Oslava River. There are only remnants of a few walls and hints of rooms. It's a beautiful place.

After visiting the ruins, we returned back along the green trail. It follows the edge of the cliff to the Oslava River. At one point, you have to climb steeply up a few dozen meters to the viewpoint of U Glorietu. This viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the Oslava River valley and its surroundings. Just be careful on the edge of the rock, there is no railing. The trail then continues along the edge of the ravine to the Gloriet gazebo. We continued along the trail as it winds through the forest. Eventually, we left the green marker and started to turn back towards the car along the forest trail. The path gradually turned into a wide forest road. Eventually we followed the field and the forest back to the car.
 

Difficulty

A very simple trip to the beautiful countryside around the Oslava River. There is only one steep climb on the route. The whole time you walk along forest paths or trails. The route is ideal for families with children. A stroller will not pass the route.

Water availability

There is no pub or spring on the trail, so it is necessary to have your own water supply.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not lead over any peak. The views from the edge of the ravine offer a view of the Oslava valley and its surroundings.
 

Danger

The trail itself is absolutely problem-free, there is no exposed section. The only place to be careful is the viewpoint at Gloriette. This is the edge of a high cliff and there are no railings. It is about 5 metres from the edge and there are signs warning of the danger of falling.

Food

There is no refreshment option on the route. This is a short trip, just some light snacks.

Attractions

Sedlec castle was probably built in the second half of the 14th century by an unknown man of the Trebic monastery. It was built as a protection against Lamberk Castle, which is located on the other side of the Oslava River, only about 250 metres as the crow flies. It was intended to protect the property of the Trebic monastery against the petty nobility. However, the history of the castle is not long. It was probably already abandoned and partially demolished in the middle of the 15th century.

The route also leads through the Gloriette gazebo. It was built in 1830. It belonged to the nearby hunting lodge Heinrichslust on Wolf Hill. The gazebo served as a resting place for hunters with a beautiful view of the Oslava River valley. The gazebo was left to its disgrace after nationalisation and fell into disrepair, threatening to collapse. Fortunately, it was decided to save it and in 2003 it was completely reconstructed.