Lhotka: Nature, History and Routes

Lhotka is located in the Žďárské vrchy landscape. Protected meadows and waterways, local history, and several named routes give the destination a range of points of interest. This can help you decide whether you are more interested in nature, the history of the village, a route connection, or sports when planning your trip.

Natural surroundings around Lhotka

The Díly u Lhotky Natural Monument was first designated on 25 July 1985 and is located about 1.5 km southeast of Lhotka. The protected area preserves significant meadow communities and meandering waterways with protected plant and animal species. These include peat meadows and endangered plant and animal species. Meandering waterways are watercourses with a winding course; alongside the meadow vegetation, the term describes a distinct landscape feature of the protected area.

The main European watershed runs about 1 km northeast of Lhotka. Compared with the natural monument, which lies about 1.5 km to the southeast, it is in a different direction. Comparing these directions and approximate distances provides geographical context for the two natural features.

Local history and the former economy

Lhotka was founded in 1407 as part of the colonization activities of the Cistercian monastery in Žďár. The year refers to the founding of the village and is distinct from its earlier economic history. Historically, residents worked as charcoal burners, making charcoal in kilns. Charcoal was made by charring wood in a kiln with a limited supply of air. Lhotka was also historically an important economic center and had a widely known mill. For context, the village’s founding and economic history can be considered separately: the monastery is connected with its founding, while charcoal burning and the mill belong to its economic past.

Routes with different points of interest

The “Žďárskými vrchy – 49 km” mountain bike route passes through the forest to Lhotka, where it connects to the EuroVelo route EV4. If you plan to use this connection, the forest section and the link to EV4 are the specific points to look for; check the route and signage before setting off, as conditions may change.

The Cyril and Methodius Trail offers a different route description: it climbs through Lhotka to Harusův kopec. Unlike the mountain bike route, the focus here is on the climb through the village and the destination at Harusův kopec. Check conditions and signage before setting off on this long-distance route as well. The descriptions provide different points of reference for comparison: the forest section and EV4 connection on the mountain bike route, and the climb and Harusův kopec on the trail.

The Radňovický Circuit connects to routes in the direction of Lhotka and to cross-country ski trails in the Žďár nad Sázavou area. The winter trails are maintained seasonally; bear this in mind if you include them in your plans.

Sports ground

Visitors from outside Lhotka can use the sports ground for a fee to play tennis, nohejbal, football, and volleyball. Reservation conditions and fees may change; check the current terms before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Strachujov, Hamry Nad Sázavou, Stránecká Zhoř, Zvole, Horní Libochová, Znětínek, Kuklik, Pikárec

For the broader travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.