Trip to the Podvrší lookout tower and Blansek Castle

A trip to the ruins of Blansek Castle via the Podvrší lookout tower

Starting point

Parking at the end of the village Obůrka near the restaurant Obůrka. Parking is free of charge.
 

Description of the hike

In beautiful autumn weather we went to the Moravian Karst again. This time there were two destinations. The Podvrší lookout tower and the nearby ruins of Blansek Castle.

From the village Obůrka we went along a wide road to the lookout tower. The road is comfortable, it ascends very gently, so we were soon at the lookout tower. After climbing up the spiral iron stairs, beautiful views of the surrounding Moravian Karst opened up. We could also see Pálava and other surrounding landscapes.

From the lookout tower we continued towards Hospůdcena barracks. We left the marked path and followed the forest trail towards the village of Nové Dvory. The trail is narrow in places, but still clear. In front of Nové Dvory we joined the green hiking trail, which we followed to the ruins of Blansek Castle. From Nové Dvory we continued straight along the alley to the forest. Here we first climbed slightly and then began a short descent to the ruins.

It is quite large. We climbed and explored the ruins fairly and then headed back. We followed the same path to the village of Nové Dvory. We continued on the green trail. First we followed the road for a while, then we turned onto a wide dirt road. We came back to the village of Obůrka.

 

Difficulty

A pleasant trip ideal for families with children. The elevation on the route is minimal. Mostly on marked paths. Only one section is on a forest path without a hiking sign. The only steeper ascent and descent is right at the ruins of Blansek Castle. The route is ideal for dogs.
 

Water availability

The Obůrka restaurant is right at the beginning of the trip. Further refreshments are available in the Hospůdka na kasárnách (barracks in the barracks) just a short walk from the lookout tower. Of course it is good to have your own supply of liquids.
 

Mountain peaks

The Podvrší lookout tower is located on the peak of the same name. The views from the tower are beautiful. You can see a large part of the Moravian Karst, Pálava and, in good weather, even the peaks of the Alps.
 

Danger

The only danger may lurk when climbing through the Blansek ruins. It is not secured in any way. Children in particular could fall in while exploring the castle. Otherwise, the trip is perfectly safe.
 

Food

The pub is right at the beginning of the trip in the village of Obůrka and then there is the Hospůdka Na Kasárnách.
 

Attractions

Blansek Castle was founded by Bruno of Schauenburg in the second half of the 13th century. It played an important role during the Hussite wars, when it was used by Bishop Jan Železný against the Hussites. The castle was large, and the castle itself was enlarged in the 14th century with a forecourt. Since the 15th century, however, it has been referred to as a deserted castle. In the 1930s, part of the masonry was demolished so as not to endanger tourists at the Punkva Caves, which are located directly below the castle. Nowadays, the ruins are freely accessible.