Discover Rudka: the Bobrava, trails and local history

Rudka lies in a valley on both banks of the Bobrava. The river rises in a forest near the village, and its source also marks the endpoint of the first section of the “Naučná stezka Rudka” educational trail. This makes the valley, river and source a clear starting point for exploring Rudka’s natural landscape. The village also has a history shaped by historic buildings, mining and local customs.

The nature trail and outdoor activities

The “Naučná stezka Rudka” educational trail was developed in two sections. In June 2015, the first section opened with five stops, running from the municipal office to the source of the Bobrava. The second section, with the remaining five stops, was created in 2016. The trail therefore took shape in two successive stages, with the additional section following the first stops a year later.

A description from November 2022 lists fitness, balance and climbing features for adults, seniors, children and young people on the “Stezka pro zdraví” health trail. The listed facilities also include a zip line, benches, waste bins and information boards about each feature. The two trails offer different experiences: the educational trail is oriented around its stops and the river source, while the health trail focuses on movement and balance features. As the condition of the facilities may change, check before visiting.

Local history and heritage

A historic bell tower stands in the centre of Rudka. The birthplace of Josef Juran has been designated a cultural monument in Rudka. Only remnants of the ramparts and walls remain of the former Hrádek fortress, which had fallen into ruin by the Thirty Years’ War at the latest. Rudka thus brings together several kinds of historical landmarks: a building in the centre, the protected status of a birthplace and surviving remains of a vanished fortress.

The history of mining spans different periods, too. Silver was mined in the Prachová field in the Middle Ages, while iron ore continued to be extracted there until the mid-19th century. The two resources therefore belong to different chapters of the area’s past.

Customs and culture

In spring 2002, scenes for the television series “Černí baroni” were filmed at a local inn in Rudka. A municipal account also notes that the local volunteer fire brigade holds recurring parish-fair festivities in mid-August.

An archival text describes the Feast of Saint Procopius, patron saint of the bell. It was celebrated annually with a mass, followed by a shared meal, conversation and singing. This recorded celebration adds a community tradition to Rudka’s architectural and mining history.

Find a hotel for your stay in Rudka

When looking for a hotel in Rudka, first decide what you want to focus on during your stay. The educational and health trails offer opportunities for walking and exercise, while the bell tower, fortress remains, mining history and recorded customs reveal different aspects of the village’s past. If your trip is tied to a particular event or the parish fair, include the confirmed date in your plans and check it before booking.

Discover more destinations: Přísnotice, Lomnice, Rajhradice, Řikonín, Žďárec, Kuřim, Hradčany, Vohančice.

For the regional travel overview: Brno-Country District.