Vysočina (the Czech-Moravian Highlands)

Several protected areas, sites of original vegetation, rare species of fauna and flora, peat bogs, cliffs, river valleys and around 5,000 marked walking and cycling trails – this is one face of the Highlands. Another is a procession of beautiful historical towns, fascinating Jewish and industrial heritage sites, castles, chateaux and countless museums.

It’s in these museums that you sometimes come across real treasures that are often pushed aside by the region’s places of natural beauty. For instance at the Museum of Records and Curios in Pelhřimov you can see a steam engine made of glass, the largest pair of pyjamas in the world and a guitar made of matchsticks; at Humpolec’s ‘Hliníkárium’ you can find the ‘few plums’ from Hujer’s garden (a popular Czech film reference); at historical Kámen Castle you’ll be surprised at the unusually fine collection of classic motorbikes; at the chateau in Kamenice nad Lipou you can look forward to some period play things, and at branches of the Highlands Museum in Třebíč and Třešť you can admire a fine collection of nativity scenes.

UNESCO sites – Three of the Czech Republic’s UNESCO world cultural heritage sites are located in the Highlands region. They are the historical centre of Telč and its Renaissance chateau, the pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora just outside Žďár nad Sázavou and Třebíč’s Romano-Gothic Basilica of St Procopius along with the town’s Jewish Quarter and cemetery.

Telč Chateau – This is one of the best preserved Renaissance complexes in the country with precious interior fittings and furnishings and a decorative garden. There are two tours visitors can take, and in the garden is graced by a neo-Classical glasshouse. One of the wings is home to the Highlands Museum where a mechanical nativity scene is displayed.

Wild West town of Šiklův mlýn – This is a unique place of entertainment designed in a Wild West style where you can learn about the life of American Indians, cowboys and gold prospectors and including saloons, confectioners, amusements, hotels and restaurants. In addition to the grand Wild West show, which features cowboy riding and herding skills, you can also visit the rodeo arena, a mini-zoo and an Indian village.

The haunted chateau of Draxmoor in Dolní Rožínka – In an old, three-storey granary you’ll discover over twenty moving figures of witches, sorceresses, dragons and other monsters. There’s a children’s playground, a ghoul-themed gift shop and a refreshments area.

Nativity scenes in Třešť – The pride of Třešť is its nativity scene making tradition. You can admire a collection of nativity scenes at the local branch of the Highlands Museum and at an exhibition administered by the Friends of the Nativity Scene Association at the Schumpeter House. Throughout Advent you can also visit nativity scenes displayed in people’s houses across the town.