Štěpánov nad Svratkou: Mining History and Nature

Štěpánov nad Svratkou is part of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. Other themes associated with the town include religious and Cubist architecture, archaeological traces of mining, and protected habitats. This brings different perspectives on history and landscape together within a compact area.

Church, castle remains, and medieval mining

The church in Štěpánov may have been built around 1230; experts date its construction more likely to after 1235. The traditional dating therefore remains uncertain, with two different timeframes given. Above Štěpánov, Hradisko was fortified as early as the beginning of the region’s settlement. Trenches and wall remains have survived from the castle. The church and Hradisko represent different aspects of the town’s early history: one is a building whose date of origin is uncertain, while the other is represented by the surviving traces of a fortification.

Given its size and state of preservation, the Havírna mining site is considered an important testament to a medieval mining, processing, and settlement complex. Remains of silver ore mining are visible on the site, along with relics of production buildings and probably also settlement buildings. These traces make Havírna a particularly multilayered archaeological site: they point not only to extraction, but also to processing and possible habitation. The suggested function of the settlement buildings remains a possible interpretation.

Mining history on the trail and at the museum

The 14-kilometer Štěpánovský čtyřlístek educational trail starts at the school in Štěpánov nad Svratkou and passes places associated with the historical mining of non-ferrous metal ores. Its eleven stops provide information about local history, nature, and folk architecture. The trail thus links mining with other aspects of the town without limiting the stops to a single theme.

The small Hornický cechhaus Štěpánov Museum presents the area’s mining history and regional geology. It is located in the cellar rooms of one of Štěpánov’s oldest houses. Its historical context includes the Štěpánov ore district, once known for mining silver, copper, and lead ores. A visit to the Hornický cechhaus must be arranged in advance. Arrange your visit beforehand and confirm the arrangement before you arrive.

Architecture and places of remembrance

A Cubist building was constructed in 1923–1924 based on a design by Prof. Ing. Arch. Miloslav Kopřiva (1894–1968). Its date and design give the building a distinctive place alongside the older historical traces. There is also a World War II bunker in the vicinity of Štěpánov nad Svratkou. From 1944 to 1945, it served as the headquarters of the Jermark partisan brigade. The history of the partisan resistance is therefore also one of the topics to consider when exploring the surrounding area.

Protected habitats and distinctive natural features

The U Hamů Natural Monument protects a dry slope with xerothermic vegetation in the cadastral area of Borovec. This includes juniper and stemless gentian. By contrast, the Nad koupalištěm Natural Monument comprises a mosaic of small-scale habitats shaped by extensive farming and characterized by near-natural conditions. It is home to the common spotted orchid, as well as the highly endangered early purple orchid and military orchid. The two descriptions draw attention to different natural features: the dry slope at U Hamů and the diverse, extensively managed habitats at Nad koupalištěm.

The protected area of U Hamrů belongs to Štěpánov.

Vysoká skála and climbing

Vysoká skála is located near Štěpánov. This approximately 50-meter-high vertical rock face is used by climbers. The most frequently climbed routes include Malinová, Osiková, Západní hrana, and Plavovláska. The rock is weathered, and there are loose stones. Check local conditions before making climbing plans. The routes listed provide specific guidance on climbing options at the rock face, while the information about the rock should be taken into account when making your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Kadolec, Hodíškov, Dolní Rožínka, Černá, Znětínek, Radešínská Svratka, Uhřínov, Věchnov.

For the wider travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.