Hike through Trenckova Gorge to Vickov Castle in Czechia

A trip from Podmitrov to Trenckova Gorge and Víckov Castle

Starting point

We started our trip at the Podmitrov guesthouse in the Bobrůvka valley. They brought us here by car. It is possible to walk here by blue trail from Strážek, it is less than 3 km.
 

Description of the hike

We were brought to the settlement of Podmitrov by car. Here we joined the red trail that leads through the valley. At first you walk along a comfortable wide road. Somewhere after Maria's Well the path turns into a narrow trail. Further on it follows the course of a small river. In the summer the area around the trail is quite overgrown so you walk through tall grass and other vegetation.

At the village of Sečan we crossed the footbridge to the other bank and the path soon became more interesting. In places it climbed steeply up the slope, then we waded through tall vegetation. After passing through the next settlement the situation repeated itself and again there were alternating passages with tall grass or steep ascents up the slope. Eventually we reached Trenck's Gorge.

Here we rested for a while and then continued on along the red trail. Directly from the gorge you have to follow the trail that leads along the rock. There are also chains. Then the path dropped down to the river again. Eventually we crossed over to the other side and left the marked path. Then we climbed up to the ruins of Víckov Castle. Here we took a breather again. From the castle we continued along the path (probably through private land) to the village of Víckov. Here we joined the asphalt road and reached Ždírce, where we had a well-deserved meal and beer in a pub.
 

Difficulty

The first part of the route is easy, following a wide path. Gradually, however, the path turns into a narrow trail, in summer quite overgrown. The second half of the route is much harder. It is still on the trail, but in some places it climbs and descends unexpectedly steeply along the river.

From Trenck's Gorge you have to climb up the rock, there are also chains to make it easier. But it is not difficult, even children can manage it without any problems. The most physically demanding climb is then the steep ascent to the ruins of Vickov Castle.
 

Water availability

In the first half of the route there are at least two wells where you can refill your fluids. There are none further on. Therefore it is necessary to have your own water. The pub is then in the village of Žďárec.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not go over any peak. The only views of the surroundings are during the climb to Víckov Castle.
 

Danger

Although it doesn't seem like it, this is not an easy trip. Some sections of the road around Bobrůvka are very steep, cut into the hillside. When climbing out of Trenckova gorge, you have to walk on the rock, there are chains installed to make the climb easier. It is necessary to be careful especially for children. Some sections can be bypassed by fording on the opposite bank of the river.
 

Food

The restaurant is in Podmitrov and at the end of the trip in Žďárc. There are no refreshment options along the way. That's why it's good to have your own goodies.
 

Attractions

Trenck's Gorge got its name from the pandur Baron Trenck. He lived at the turn of the 17th and 18th century. Baron Trenck was a military commander who became famous for his cruelty. He was sentenced to death several times and often hid from the law.

One of the places where he is said to have found refuge is Trenck's Gorge. It is a narrow canyon with a stream flowing into the Bobrůvka River. The stream also creates small waterfalls. Due to the cool environment of the gorge, mountain plant species thrive here.