Through the Rájec Valley near Stříbrná

Preparing today's trip was something special for us. The nature here had even more power to detach a person from an overloaded mind and bring them into the present. And the truth is, today's trip has everything - water, rocks, coniferous and deciduous trees, steep hills, stunning views, lessons, history, entertainment... and all this essentially in solitude. Join us as we head to the village of Stříbrná, just a stone's throw from Bublava, Kraslice, or Přebuzi.

We begin our journey at the monument of the vanished village of Nancy. You can find it on the Stříbrná - Rolava route, where there is a parking area and in the winter season rich in snow, the road to Rolava ends here and the cross-country ski trail starts. As for the settlement of Nancy, today you'll find four inhabited houses there, but before World War II, you could visit several shops, restaurants, a school, and find work at one of two sawmills.

But let's return to the present. We set off through the Rájecké Valley until we come to a turn onto the green trail. The richly forested valley is traversed by the Rájecký stream, over which rises a small but impressive rock city. If (like us) you don't turn there, you can still manage it by bike, as cycle paths 23, 2001, and 2279 pass through here. For climbing among the rocks, we highly recommend sturdy footwear. The Rock City at Šišák boasts towers ranging from 3 to 18 meters high and we can find the Guard, the Big and Small Rooster, the Dwarf, the Silver One, the Beduin Girl, and the Bedouin. A beautiful via ferrata was recently built on the last one. Seven different routes with difficulty levels C, D to D/E offer an adrenaline-filled experience in a stunning forest environment. Be careful about two things: 1) always complete it with all the necessary equipment and 2) there is no signal here, we recommend downloading offline maps.

Enough of the rocks, we return to the green trail, which leads us through the forest to Fischer's Spring. If the wooden guardian of the spring allows, you can go under the adjacent shelter to enjoy clean spring water. Or fill up some to take with you as you head from the spring along the Ridgeway towards Špičák. You can't miss the turn to it, as the path is lined with fun wooden elements leading to the Treasure at Špičák, which children especially will appreciate. But the greatest treasure is Špičák itself and its view. You can see from the west to the north across the Rájecké Valley to the ridges of the Ore Mountains, and to the west, you can see the lookout tower on Olověný vrch. Local benefactors take care of the Špičák peak, and thanks to them you'll find a gazebo, owl statues, seating, and a cross. You won't want to leave this magical place.

Nevertheless, the way back has its own charm. Besides being all downhill and through the forest, it allows the passage of emotions accumulated during moments at the peak. Additionally, you'll come across several memorial trees and a monument to the 10th anniversary of the founding of the republic. This beautiful and pristine part of the world, which can give so much to a person, deserves great respect. Keep this in mind when visiting these and other places.

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