Baliny – Nature Trails and Mill History

Baliny brings together nature and walking trails with a history of milling dating back to the Middle Ages. Two route profiles are particularly useful when planning your stay: the Naučná stezka Balinské údolí nature trail is shorter and focuses on flora; the Okruh Balinským údolím circular route is considerably longer and has different types of surfaces. The landscape and stops also provide practical points of reference.

Comparing the Nature Trail and Circular Route

The Naučná stezka Balinské údolí nature trail is 3.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours. In direct comparison, it is less than a quarter as long as the 15-kilometre circular route. Its twelve stops focus on flora. At some information boards, children in particular can test their knowledge of nature. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider a manageable distance, an approximate time and a clear focus on natural history.

The Okruh Balinským údolím circular route is 15 kilometres long. It starts on the road between Velké Meziříčí and Uhřínov, opposite the turnoff to Hotel Amerika; parking for a car is available at the start. For this route, the choice of section matters as well as the total distance, since the surface varies.

Trail Conditions and Stops

The sections Velké Meziříčí–Šeborov and Svařenov–Hrbov–Velké Meziříčí can be travelled on paved paths by cyclists and with strollers. The surface on the Šeborov–Svařenov section is difficult to travel. So if you are planning to go by bicycle or with a stroller, the specific section you choose matters.

The stops relevant for public transport access to the circular route are Baliny, Baliny, rozc. 1.5 and Baliny, rozc. 2. Baliny is on the route; Baliny, rozc. 1.5 and Baliny, rozc. 2 are near the route. As route and access information can change, check current information about the starting point, trail conditions and stops before setting off.

Natural Environment in the Balinka Valley

The boundary of Přírodní park Balinské údolí Nature Park extends to Baliny. In the Balinka Valley, diverse habitats support species associated with river, meadow and woodland communities. Lush vegetation grows along the high banks of the Balinka Valley, especially willows, alders and poplars. The nature trail focuses on flora; the valley’s habitats also support species from river, meadow and woodland communities. The trail’s botanical focus and the valley’s varied habitats therefore represent distinct aspects of nature.

History of Baliny and Its Mills

Baliny has been mentioned in written sources since 1317. There was already a farm and a mill here in the 14th century. The now-abandoned Čermákův mlýn is among the oldest mills in the Balinka catchment; it is mentioned in written sources as early as 1381. Doležalův (Valův) mlýn was probably built by the estate owners in the 15th century. The early farm and mill, as well as the mills that came later, are therefore part of the village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Vlachovice, Podolí, Nové Dvory, Svratka, Tři Studně, Skorotice, Křídla, Znětínek

For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.