Stašov: Křetínka Valley, Ponds and Cycling Routes

When planning a trip to Stašov, the natural landscape, architectural history and cycling are key practical considerations. Local sights range from a church and a historic rectory to an Empire-style building; the landscape includes the Křetínka floodplain and several pond systems. Two cycling routes of different lengths are described for cyclists. Running routes and easy hiking are also among the leisure activities.

Landscape and Waters Around Stašov

The Údolí Křetínky Nature Park extends into the cadastral area of Stašov. About 400 hectares of the park’s total 5,570 hectares lie within the municipality. The Křetínka floodplain begins around the southern houses of the village and continues south through a deeply incised valley. The Křetínka floodplain begins around the southern houses of Stašov and runs south from there through the deeply incised valley.

The Stašovské rybníky are a system of eleven ponds in total within the Křetínka catchment area. They were created from 1995 onward as part of the catchment area’s revitalization. Another waterside landscape is the Za školou pond cascade: this pond system, together with the surrounding wetlands, lies on an unnamed stream between the church in Stašov and the road to Jedlová. This lets you distinguish between a larger pond system and a locally situated cascade when exploring Stašov’s waters.

Church and Historic Buildings

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands on a rise in the upper part of the square. The free-standing, single-nave building has a chancel facing west; the main altar also faces west. The church was restored between 1864 and 1873. It is one of the local sights and offers visitors interested in culture specific architectural features that help describe its form and orientation.

The rectory, one of Stašov’s significant historic buildings, stands directly beside the church. Another architectural highlight is House No. 5, an Empire-style building dating from the early 19th century. Traditional folk architecture is also among the village’s sights. Together, the church, rectory, House No. 5 and folk architecture offer a range of historic themes to consider when planning your trip.

Cycling and Other Leisure Activities

The Polička–Stašov–Svojanov cycling route is designated as Route No. 4104 and is 18.8 kilometers long. A second route runs from Polička to Svojanov and back through Stašov. It covers 47.5 kilometers, is considered challenging and is suitable for mountain bikes and cross bikes. The comparison makes the difference in route length clear: the first route is 18.8 kilometers long, while the second, including the return leg, covers 47.5 kilometers and is explicitly rated as challenging.

Before setting out, check the current route and conditions; route details and trail conditions may change. In addition to cycling, running routes and easy hiking are among the leisure activities in Stašov. When planning, you can therefore consider cycling, running and hiking as distinct activities.

Fishing Pond and Balda

The four-hectare Velký stašovský pond is used for sport fishing. Its fish include carp, tench, pike, catfish, perch, rainbow trout and whitefish; the fish population may change over time. If you would like to fish there, check the current fishing rules and permit requirements in advance.

Balda, also known as Zlatá studna, lies in the cadastral area of Stašov and is an excursion destination with former spa facilities and mineral springs. The forest spa dates back to the 17th century; today, only an iron-rich water spring and a chapel remain there. Before visiting, it is advisable to check the current conditions on site and what facilities are available.

Discover more destinations: Lavičné, Chotenov, Sedliště, Městečko Trnávka, Karle, Dětřichov U Svitav, Desná, Litomyšl.

For the broader travel overview: Svitavy District.