Hidden Gems of Vysočina: A Road Trip Through Medieval Towns, UNESCO Treasures and Untouched Nature

When most travellers think about the Czech Republic, they imagine Prague, castles or the wine regions of Moravia. Yet between Bohemia and Moravia lies a region that many visitors simply drive through without stopping. That is a mistake. Vysočina is a land of rolling hills, historic towns, deep forests, hidden valleys and some of the country's most remarkable UNESCO sites.

This circular road trip begins and ends in Jihlava and follows a logical route through the heart of one of Czechias most underrated regions.

Jihlava – Silver, Secrets and Underground Passages

Start your journey in Jihlava, one of the oldest mining towns in the Czech Republic.

Founded during the medieval silver boom, Jihlava quickly became one of the wealthiest towns in the kingdom. Its historic centre still reflects that prosperity through elegant squares, churches and colourful burgher houses.

But the citys greatest mystery lies beneath your feet. The extensive underground network of tunnels stretches beneath the old town and has fascinated visitors for generations. Stories of glowing corridors and unexplained phenomena have helped create an atmosphere that is both historical and mysterious.

Leaving Jihlava behind, follow the roads south-west toward one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns in Central Europe.

Telč – The Fairytale Town

Few places in the Czech Republic are as instantly enchanting as Telč.

The perfectly preserved square is lined with colourful Renaissance and Baroque houses whose façades seem almost too beautiful to be real. At one end stands the elegant château surrounded by ponds and parkland.

Unlike many famous tourist destinations, Telč retains a peaceful atmosphere. Early mornings and evenings are particularly magical, when reflections dance across the water and the town feels frozen in time.

From Telč, continue north-west through the forests toward another hidden gem.

Roštejn Castle – Deep in the Forest

Hidden among dense woodlands stands Roštejn Castle.

Unlike dramatic hilltop fortresses, Roštejn feels almost secretive. Surrounded by forest on all sides, it seems designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it.

The climb to the tower rewards visitors with panoramic views across endless forests that have changed surprisingly little over the centuries.

Continue north toward the regions most famous UNESCO monument.

Žďár nad Sázavou and the Green Mountain

The pilgrimage church of Saint John of Nepomuk on Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is one of the most extraordinary religious buildings in Europe.

Designed by the visionary architect Jan Blažej Santini, the church combines Gothic and Baroque influences in a way found nowhere else. Its unusual star-shaped layout has fascinated historians, architects and pilgrims for centuries.

Even visitors with little interest in architecture often find themselves captivated by the buildings unique harmony and symbolism.

Leaving the church behind, continue into the surrounding highlands.

Žďárské Hills and Velké Dářko – The Green Heart of Vysočina

The Žďárské Hills Protected Landscape Area represent some of the most beautiful countryside in the Czech Republic.

Rolling hills, forests, rock formations and quiet villages create landscapes that invite slow exploration.

Nearby lies Velké Dářko, the largest pond in the region. Sometimes called the "Moravian Sea", it offers peaceful shores, forests and excellent opportunities for walking, cycling or simply enjoying nature.

The atmosphere here is completely different from the countrys busier tourist destinations.

Lipnice nad Sázavou – A Castle Above the Landscape

Continue east to Lipnice Castle.

Perched dramatically above the surrounding countryside, the castle commands magnificent views in every direction. Massive stone walls and towers remind visitors that this was once one of the most important fortresses in the region.

The nearby town is closely associated with writer Jaroslav Hašek, author of The Good Soldier Švejk, who spent his final years here.

As evening light touches the castle walls, it becomes easy to understand why artists and writers found inspiration in this landscape.

Pelhřimov – The Town of Records and Curiosities

A short drive south brings you to Pelhřimov.

Its historic centre is attractive in its own right, but Pelhřimov has become famous for something rather unusual: records, curiosities and human oddities.

The local Museum of Records and Curiosities celebrates extraordinary achievements and bizarre creations from around the world. It is exactly the sort of attraction that sounds strange at first but proves surprisingly entertaining.

The town offers a refreshing contrast to the castles and historical monuments visited earlier in the journey.

Třebíč – Where Cultures Met

Continue south-east to Třebíč, one of the most remarkable UNESCO sites in the country.

Unlike many historic towns, Třebíč tells a story of coexistence. Its exceptionally preserved Jewish Quarter and Jewish Cemetery stand alongside the Basilica of Saint Procopius, creating a unique cultural landscape.

Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping into another era. The atmosphere is authentic, quiet and deeply moving.

Few places in Central Europe preserve this part of history so completely.

Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou – The Moravian Versailles

From Třebíč, continue south to Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou.

The magnificent château is often called the "Moravian Versailles", and it is easy to see why. Elegant gardens, grand architecture and an idyllic riverside setting create one of the most beautiful aristocratic residences in the Czech Republic.

Unlike some of the country's more famous castles, Jaroměřice remains pleasantly uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty in relative peace.

The Doubrava Valley – Vysočinas Wild Side

Before returning to Jihlava, make one final stop at the Doubrava Valley.

The river has carved a dramatic route through rocky terrain, creating one of the most picturesque valleys in the region. Wooden footbridges, forest trails and rushing water create scenery that feels surprisingly wild.

It is the perfect place to end the journey: a reminder that Vysočina is not only about historic towns and monuments, but also about nature.

As you return to Jihlava, you may wonder why so many travellers hurry through this region without stopping. By the end of this road trip, it becomes clear that Vysočina is one of the Czech Republics rewarding hidden gems — a place where history, culture and nature exist in perfect balance.