Lelekovice: Nature Trails and Local History

Lelekovice combines nature attractions at Babí lom with hiking and cycling routes, as well as historic sites. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on the forest and rocks, a particular hiking route, or local history. The trails have different characteristics: some pass through forests and valleys, while others feature nature-trail or pilgrimage themes.

Babí lom: Rocks, Forest and Recreational Trails

The Babí lom Nature Reserve also extends into the cadastral area of Lelekovice. It protects a geologically and geomorphologically unique rock formation, as well as natural and near-natural forest communities; the area is also significant for ornithology. The Babí lom observation tower is freely accessible and has been visited by visitors since May 15, 1961. Recreational activities at Babí lom also include climbing walls with lower levels of difficulty, hiking trails and forest paths for recreational running. Here, different interests in nature and physical activity come together.

Hiking Trails with Different Focal Points

The Stezka zdraví (Health Trail) runs from Mokrá Hora along forest paths through the Ponávka Valley to Lelekovice and is 9.3 kilometres long. It passes mostly through the forest or along its edge and has only gentle inclines. The Stezka zdraví is suitable for all age groups and has its own appeal in every season. It therefore offers concrete details for planning: its length, scenery and inclines describe the character of the hike.

The Pěšina nature trail follows a different route: it runs from the terminus of bus line 41 in Poňava to the crossroads near Jehnice. Signs along the route provide information about plant and animal species found in the area. There is a small seating area about halfway along the route. While the Stezka zdraví focuses on its length and forest setting, the Pěšina offers information about local species and a place to rest along the way.

Pilgrimage Route and Views of the Village

The Sedmiradostná pilgrimage route runs between the Church of St. Philip and St. James in Lelekovice and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vranov. Seven chapels line the route, symbolising the joys of the Virgin Mary. In Lelekovice, the pilgrimage route project also includes a nature trail with views of the village and the Church of St. Philip and St. James. Those interested in religious symbolism will find it along the chapels; the nature trail offers a different focus, with views of the village and the church.

Church and Lelekovice Castle

The Church of St. Philip and St. James is the oldest surviving building in Lelekovice. Its origins date back to around the mid-13th century. The building has a Romanesque-Gothic core and is included on the list of state-protected immovable monuments. Its age and architecture make the church an important historic site in the village.

Lelekovice Castle is a medieval castle ruin that is now abandoned and has been systematically researched. It was first mentioned in writing in the mid-14th century; by the beginning of the 15th century, it was already recorded as abandoned. Low walls on the site illustrate the castle’s location and layout. An information board stands at the edge of the site; models of the castle can be seen in the village square and at the municipal office. You can explore the history of the site both at the castle grounds and through the models at two locations in the village.

Cycling Routes Along Former Railway Lines and Through Forests

The “Po stopách zaniklých železnic” (In the Footsteps of Defunct Railways) cycling route passes through Lelekovice and runs mostly along the former alignments of railway lines that have been closed or rerouted. The Petra Bezruč Beer Trail has a different character: it runs mainly through forests, on asphalt and gravel paths, and largely away from road traffic. The two cycling routes therefore have different distinguishing features: the first follows former railway lines, while the second is defined by its forest setting, path surfaces and route away from traffic.

Discover more destinations: Tvarožná, Rajhrad, Ořechov, Dolní Kounice, Mělčany, Deblín, Troubsko, Jiříkovice

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.