Family trip to the Mařenka lookout tower near Třebíč

A trip to the Mařenka lookout tower from the village of Bítovánky

Starting point

We left the car at the Hospůdka Pod Mařenkou in the village of Bítovánky. There is no parking lot, but you can park along the road. The other option is a parking lot at a local shop.
 

Description of the hike

From the village of Bítovánky we set off along a wide path, which also leads to a blue hiking trail. The path ascends only slightly and is very comfortable. In addition, there are beautiful views of the southern part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands all the time, so the journey passed quickly even with small children. After a short passage going through the forest, the path continued through the field again. We joined another wide path leading from the village of Lesná and continued along it to the lookout tower. The area around the Mařenka lookout tower used to be densely wooded. Unfortunately, due to bark beetles, the forest around the tower is now cleared. After a wide path we reached the lookout tower. The ascent is a bit difficult for people who are afraid of heights. There is only steel mesh around the stairs and viewing platform, so it is quite airy. The views are great, though. And we were really lucky, so we got to see the Austrian Alps as well.

After a rest we headed back. We followed the same path for a while, but soon turned left onto another forest path. There is also a trail sign that leads the shortest route to the village of Bítovánky. The path again leads through a cleared forest. Later the path continues along dirt roads. Finally, we made it back to the car in the village of Bítovánky.
 

Difficulty

This is a relaxing trip, with little elevation gain. It is on wide roads the whole time. Basically, a stroller would be able to navigate the route. We did the hike with small children and it was completely uneventful.
 

Water availability

We had our own drinks. There is no well or pub on the route. There is a shop and a pub in the village of Bítovánky. On Sunday everything was closed.
 

Mountain peaks

From the top of Mařenka 711 m above sea level, the lookout tower offers a great view of the entire southern part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. We had great visibility, so we could see the Alps on the southern horizon.
 

Danger

The route is absolutely simple and safe. It is on wide roads. In summer there will probably be more cyclists. The tower itself is relatively new and therefore well maintained. The ascent to the viewing platform is slightly airy, the railings around the staircase are made of steel cables and therefore you can see the landscape around the tower all the time.
 

Food

There are no refreshments on the route. Therefore, it is necessary to have a snack with you. There are benches at the tower where you can have a snack. There is a pub and a shop in the village of Bítovánky, but I don't know when they are open.