Kunštát: Castle History and Routes

Kunštát combines castle history and sacred architecture with exhibitions on pottery and literature. Walks and cycling trips are also among the activities you can consider when planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Kunštát, you can first decide whether historic sites and exhibitions or outdoor activities in the countryside should be the focus of your stay.

Castle History and Buildings

Kunštát Castle is one of the oldest aristocratic castles in Moravia; the castle grounds are surrounded by a park. Two tours highlight different aspects of its history: “Reprezentační prostory jižního křídla” presents the domestic culture of the last aristocratic owners. The “Hrad” tour, by contrast, covers the castle’s oldest architectural development and ownership history. Its stops include the castle courtyard, the gate tower, the castle palace and the Knights’ Hall.

This contrast can help you choose: one tour focuses on domestic culture, while the other explores the castle’s development and history. Tour availability may vary by season; check current visiting hours before planning your visit.

The churches, too, reflect different periods of construction. St. Stanislav Church was originally Gothic and was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1687. The Church of the Holy Spirit in the cemetery was remodelled in 1738 and contains a family crypt belonging to the owners of the Kunštát estate. Another distinctive heritage site is Kunštát’s dog cemetery, a rare feature in Europe.

Ceramics, Literature and Exhibitions

The Kunštát Municipal Information Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the history and present-day practice of pottery in the Kunštát region. It brings together two perspectives on the craft: its historical development and its place in the region today. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

The Pamětní síň Františka Halase a Klementa Bochořáka is a permanent exhibition about the two writers named in its title. At the castle, the exhibition “V erbu tří pruhů” traces four centuries of family history against the backdrop of Moravian history. Together, these exhibitions offer different perspectives: literature in one, and family history within its regional historical context in the other. It is also a good idea to check current visiting arrangements for exhibitions before your trip.

The “Halasův Kunštát” poetry evenings are held every October in honour of František Halas. If you would like to plan your trip around this literary event, check the dates for the year you intend to travel.

Walks and Cycling Routes

Kunštát’s varied countryside is criss-crossed by walking and cycling routes. The “Zámecká zastavení” route is designed as a walk through Panská zahrada, the castle deer park and Habrůvka Castle Park. There is a well-organised system of information boards along the route; as the signage may change, it is a good idea to check the current route beforehand.

The Halasovo Kunštátsko Nature Park offers a range of cycling options: the tour there is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with different options, directions and lengths. The cycling network in Halasovo Kunštátsko also includes rest stops and information boards. These regional details refer to Kunštátsko and should not be confused with the stops on the “Zámecká zastavení” walk.

You can plan your trip around the kind of stay you want: castle tours and churches provide a historical focus, while walking and cycling put outdoor activity centre stage. The tours mentioned have different themes, and cyclists can choose from various route options.

Discover more destinations: Letovice, Býkovice, Krasová, Kuncina Ves, Jedovnice, Újezd U Boskovic, Skalice Nad Svitavou, Holštejn

For the broader travel overview: Okres Blansko.