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Vysočina
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Explore Vysočina in Czechia for UNESCO towns, forested uplands, historic villages, cycling routes and the quiet landscapes between Bohemia and Moravia.

Vysočina, meaning “highlands”, occupies the rolling centre of Czechia between Bohemia and Moravia. Its landscape is a broad, elevated country of spruce forests, open farmland, ponds and modest hills rather than dramatic peaks. The region’s principal city, Jihlava, lies close to the historic Bohemian–Moravian divide, while smaller towns and villages preserve a slower-paced landscape of churches, farmhouses and traditional squares. Distances are manageable by car, but the countryside is extensive enough that a carefully planned itinerary is preferable to treating the region as a single urban destination.
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The region’s greatest concentration of internationally recognised heritage is found in three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Telč is celebrated for its Renaissance and Baroque houses arranged around an exceptionally coherent main square, with a château and waterside setting reinforcing its architectural character. In Třebíč, the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of St Procopius stands near one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters and Jewish cemetery, reflecting centuries of shared urban history. Žďár nad Sázavou is home to the pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora, an experimental Baroque-Gothic composition by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.
Beyond these major towns, Vysočina rewards attention to its rural texture. The Žďárské vrchy hills offer marked walking and cycling routes through forests, meadows and scattered rock formations, while the ponds around Velké Dářko and the Sázava and Jihlava river valleys add water and wetland habitats to the landscape. Pelhřimov is associated with a compact historic centre and a museum devoted to records and curiosities; Havlíčkův Brod combines a handsome square with literary associations; and the small town of Humpolec provides access to the surrounding uplands. Winter brings cross-country skiing opportunities to the higher districts when snow conditions permit.
Vysočina’s cultural identity is closely tied to agriculture, forestry, craft production and religious foundations rather than to a single dominant city. Traditional village architecture, roadside chapels and manor landscapes appear between modern farms and regional roads. Local eating is rooted in Czech home cooking: potatoes, cabbage, soups, breads, farmhouse cheeses and pastries feature prominently, alongside beer from Czech breweries. Markets, farm shops and seasonal events offer a more direct connection to local produce than formal regional dishes alone.
The region is particularly suitable for visitors who enjoy combining heritage towns with outdoor travel. Telč and Třebíč can anchor cultural excursions, while Jihlava offers museums, civic life and practical transport connections. In the countryside, marked trails, quiet roads and forest paths make walking and cycling rewarding, although public transport becomes less frequent away from the main towns. Allow extra time for detours: the appeal of Vysočina often lies in the transition between its celebrated monuments, wooded uplands and the ordinary villages that connect them.

When is the best time to visit Vysočina?

Best: June–August · 21–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January130
February325
March840
April1345
May1865
June (best)2175
July (best)2485
August (best)2380
September1960
October1440
November735
December235

Getting to and around Vysočina

How to get there

Vysočina has no major international passenger airport. Most overseas visitors arrive through Prague Airport, outside the region to the north-west, or Brno–Tuřany Airport, outside the region to the south-east, then continue by train, bus or car. Jihlava is the principal rail and road gateway, linked by national routes towards Prague and Brno. Třebíč, Havlíčkův Brod, Žďár nad Sázavou, Pelhřimov and Telč can be reached by combinations of regional trains and buses, although Telč is generally more convenient by road or a planned public-transport connection.

Transportation

Railways connect Jihlava and the larger towns with the national network, while buses are important for reaching smaller settlements and many rural attractions. Services are less frequent at weekends and in the evening, so check current connections before setting out. A car is useful for combining dispersed heritage sites, villages and countryside walks, but central historic squares may have restricted parking. Cycling is well suited to the rolling landscape, with routes on minor roads and marked trails; walkers should follow signs and respect forestry operations, private land and protected natural areas.

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Best attractions in Vysočina

Vysočina’s attractions combine celebrated heritage towns with a large, accessible countryside. Telč’s main square, château and historic streets form the region’s most immediately recognisable urban ensemble, while Třebíč links the Basilica of St Procopius with its preserved Jewish quarter and cemetery. In Žďár nad Sázavou, the former monastery complex and Santini’s pilgrimage church on Zelená hora provide a distinctive encounter with Baroque architecture. Jihlava offers museums, remnants of medieval fortifications and urban culture, while Pelhřimov is known for its historic centre and record-themed museum. Outside the towns, the Žďárské vrchy provide marked walking and cycling routes through forests, meadows and rock formations. The ponds and wetlands around Velké Dářko, the Jihlava and Sázava valleys, and the uplands near Křemešník broaden the region’s appeal for birdwatching, fishing, cycling and quiet walks. Smaller châteaux, village churches, open-air events and local museums reward slower travel, although their opening arrangements can be seasonal. Winter visitors may find cross-country skiing in the higher districts when snow conditions are suitable.

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Best landmarks in Vysočina

Vysočina’s most important landmarks are concentrated in a series of distinctive historic ensembles. Telč’s long main square is framed by colourful Renaissance and Baroque façades with arcades, creating one of Czechia’s most coherent historic townscapes; the château and its ponds complete the setting. Třebíč’s Basilica of St Procopius, with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, stands above a remarkably preserved Jewish quarter and cemetery, making the town a landmark of both religious and shared urban history. On Zelená hora at Žďár nad Sázavou, the Church of St John of Nepomuk is Santini-Aichel’s striking star-shaped pilgrimage design and a defining work of Central European Baroque Gothic. Jihlava’s medieval fortification fragments and historic square recall its mining-era importance. Among natural landmarks, the forested and rocky uplands of the Žďárské vrchy, including formations around Devět skal, express the region’s highland character, while Velké Dářko is notable as a large pond landscape within the central Czech uplands.

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Explore Vysočina on the map

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Best restaurants in Vysočina

Dining in Vysočina reflects the hearty, practical cooking of Czech upland communities, with potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables, soups, breads, dumplings and pork or poultry appearing frequently on traditional menus. Czech specialities such as potato pancakes, roast dishes and fruit-filled pastries are widely available, although they belong to the broader national culinary tradition rather than exclusively to this region. Town restaurants in Jihlava, Třebíč, Telč and Žďár nad Sázavou range from conventional Czech dining rooms to cafés and contemporary kitchens, while village pubs remain useful places to find filling meals and local beer. Farm shops, seasonal markets and small food producers offer opportunities to buy cheeses, honey, preserves, baked goods and other regional produce. Telč and Třebíč have the broadest choice for visitors, whereas rural dining often requires attention to opening days and transport arrangements. Moravian and Bohemian influences meet across the region, making local menus varied without relying on a single signature dish.

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Best bars in Vysočina

Evening life in Vysočina is generally modest and town-centred rather than built around a large club scene. Traditional pubs remain important social venues, particularly in smaller communities, where the emphasis is on conversation, Czech beer and straightforward food. Jihlava has the widest choice of cafés, bars, cultural venues and occasional live music, while Třebíč, Telč and Žďár nad Sázavou offer quieter evenings around historic centres, restaurants and seasonal cultural programmes. Student and cultural activity gives Jihlava a somewhat broader late-evening character, but opening patterns vary and should be checked locally. Visitors may also encounter breweries, beer-focused establishments and wine selections reflecting Czech and neighbouring Moravian traditions. In the countryside, plan to return before local buses finish or arrange a taxi, and avoid assuming that a small village pub operates every night.

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Best nightclubs in Vysočina

Evening life in Vysočina is generally modest and town-centred rather than built around a large club scene. Traditional pubs remain important social venues, particularly in smaller communities, where the emphasis is on conversation, Czech beer and straightforward food. Jihlava has the widest choice of cafés, bars, cultural venues and occasional live music, while Třebíč, Telč and Žďár nad Sázavou offer quieter evenings around historic centres, restaurants and seasonal cultural programmes. Student and cultural activity gives Jihlava a somewhat broader late-evening character, but opening patterns vary and should be checked locally. Visitors may also encounter breweries, beer-focused establishments and wine selections reflecting Czech and neighbouring Moravian traditions. In the countryside, plan to return before local buses finish or arrange a taxi, and avoid assuming that a small village pub operates every night.

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Best shops in Vysočina

Shopping in Vysočina is strongest in historic town centres, where independent food shops, bakeries, cafés, bookshops, galleries and practical high-street stores serve local communities alongside visitors. Telč offers craft-oriented and souvenir shopping around its main square, with ceramics, glass, textile items, prints and regional foods commonly sought by travellers, while Třebíč and Jihlava provide a broader everyday retail selection. Farmers’ markets and seasonal town events are useful for honey, preserves, cheeses, cakes, bread and other Czech produce, although dates and locations vary. Smaller market towns such as Pelhřimov and Havlíčkův Brod are better for local shopping and antiques than for large-scale retail. Visitors interested in regional crafts should look for pottery, woodwork, woven goods and handmade decorations, checking that an item is genuinely locally made. Modern shopping is concentrated in Jihlava and the larger towns; the countryside is more suited to farm shops, occasional markets and small specialist producers.

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Vysočina essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Czech koruna, written as CZK or Kč, as throughout Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, museums and shops in the main towns, but cash remains useful for small cafés, village businesses, market stalls, local transport and some rural services. Withdraw Czech koruna from reputable bank-operated machines where possible, and check any offered currency conversion before accepting it. Prices and card facilities can vary more noticeably outside Jihlava and the principal tourist towns.
Safety
Vysočina is generally a calm region for visitors, but ordinary precautions still apply in busy railway stations, car parks and crowded heritage sites. Rural travel brings different considerations: marked paths may be muddy, forest tracks can be shared with cyclists or forestry vehicles, and winter conditions may be slippery. Take care on narrow roads and when cycling, particularly near bends and in poor weather. Around ponds and reservoirs, obey local swimming and access notices, and do not assume that every attractive stretch of water is suitable for bathing.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency anywhere in Vysočina, call 112 for the Europe-wide emergency service, or use 150 for the fire service, 155 for an ambulance and 158 for the police in Czechia. Give the location as precisely as possible, using a town, road number, trail marker or map reference. Mountain rescue is relevant mainly to outdoor incidents in the upland districts; the national Mountain Rescue emergency number is 1210, while 112 can also coordinate assistance. For less urgent medical help, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacy for current advice.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet staff when entering smaller shops or traditional establishments, queue patiently and ask before photographing interiors, religious services or private property. Dress respectfully in churches, monasteries and cemeteries, and keep to marked paths in protected landscapes. Czech dining customs are broadly national rather than unique to Vysočina: tipping is customary for good service, with the amount stated clearly when paying, and service charges should be checked on the bill. Do not enter forests, fields or historic courtyards where signs prohibit access, and avoid loud behaviour in residential village centres.
Local Tips
Jihlava is useful for museums, services and transport, but the region’s most concentrated heritage experiences are in Telč, Třebíč and Žďár nad Sázavou. The higher Žďárské vrchy are best explored with a weather-aware walking or cycling plan, while the ponds near Velké Dářko offer a different landscape of water, woodland and open countryside. If visiting several UNESCO sites, check their separate seasonal arrangements rather than assuming one regional ticket or timetable. Local markets and farm shops are good places to look for potatoes, baked goods, honey, cheeses and other Czech regional produce.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeNashledanou[nashledanoh]
YesAno[ahnoh]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[proseem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyekooee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[omlohvahm seh]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yak seh mahsh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dobzreh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mluveesh ahnglitskee]
I don't understandNerozumím[nehrozeem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím[khtyel bikh veedyet menu, proseem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[neyim ma-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zdravyee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[khtyel bikh zaplahtit, proseem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![pohmots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![jdee prich]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-vo-ley-teh poh-lits-yee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora![zah-vo-ley-teh dok-toh-ra]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztrah-til ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem ne-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[khtyel bikh koopit]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[kohlik toh stoyee]
That's too expensiveTo je moc drahé[toh yeh mots drah-eh]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moozeesh sneezit tsenu]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-lik yeh ho-din]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yed-na ho-dee-na]
Half past (10)Půl (10)[pool (10)]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-po-lehd-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kde yeh]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[yah-kah yeh ah-dres-ah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi to ukázat (na mapě)?[moozeesh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy odjíždí další (autobus)?[kdee od-yees-djee dal-shi (au-to-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ...)[ye-den leestek (do ...)]

History of Vysočina

Early settlement and the Bohemian–Moravian frontier

Vysočina’s uplands were settled more sparsely than the fertile lowlands, with forests and difficult terrain shaping the region’s early development. The area’s position between Bohemia and Moravia gave it long-standing strategic and cultural importance, although it was not a single political territory in the modern sense. Medieval colonisation gradually cleared woodland, established villages and connected market centres. The historic boundary between the two Czech lands passed through the region, and modern visitors can still encounter this border idea in local history, museums and landscape interpretation.

Medieval monasteries, towns and mining

From the twelfth century, monasteries and noble foundations played a major role in organising settlement and agriculture. The Cistercian monastery at Žďár nad Sázavou became one of the region’s most influential religious institutions, while other ecclesiastical and aristocratic estates shaped fields, ponds and villages. Silver mining helped Jihlava expand during the thirteenth century, bringing royal privileges, German-speaking settlers and urban wealth. Mining declined over time, but the city’s medieval street plan and fortification remains preserve the importance of this early commercial centre.

Renaissance prosperity in Telč and the surrounding estates

The sixteenth century brought prosperity to several Vysočina towns and estates. Telč was transformed under the Lords of Hradec, whose rebuilding produced the arcaded houses and Renaissance château that define the town today. Wealth from estate management, trade and urban administration supported ambitious architecture, while ponds and watercourses were incorporated into the town’s defensive and economic landscape. The period also left a broader legacy of manor houses, churches and carefully planned squares across the region, although later wars and economic changes altered many smaller settlements.

The Thirty Years’ War and religious change

The Thirty Years’ War and its aftermath brought demographic disruption, economic hardship and major changes in religious and political life. Catholic renewal shaped the appearance of towns and estates through new churches, repairs and pilgrimage foundations. Žďár nad Sázavou became especially important in the eighteenth century, when the architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel created the pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora. Its unusual geometry and symbolic design represent one of the most distinctive expressions of Central European Baroque architecture.

Jewish communities and Třebíč’s shared urban history

Jewish communities were established in a number of Czech towns, including Třebíč, where Jewish and Christian neighbourhoods developed beside one another below the castle and basilica. The Jewish quarter preserves houses, lanes, a synagogue and a cemetery that document everyday communal life, trade and religious practice across several centuries. Its survival is historically significant because many Central European Jewish quarters were substantially rebuilt or destroyed. Together with the Basilica of St Procopius, the quarter forms a complex record of Třebíč’s changing religious and civic landscape.

Industrialisation, railways and modern regional identity

Industrialisation reached Vysočina unevenly, building on local resources, forestry, food production, engineering and textile work rather than creating one dominant industrial belt. Railways and improved roads connected market towns with Prague, Brno and other parts of the Czech lands, reducing the isolation of the uplands. Jihlava developed as an administrative and manufacturing centre, while smaller towns retained strong agricultural functions. In the twentieth century, changing borders, collectivised farming and later economic restructuring reshaped settlement patterns and employment across the region.

The modern Vysočina Region

The present Vysočina Region was established in the Czech Republic’s administrative reorganisation at the beginning of the twenty-first century, with Jihlava as its capital. Its identity links historically different parts of Bohemia and Moravia through a shared upland environment, rural economy and network of medium-sized towns. Conservation of UNESCO sites, historic centres and traditional landscapes now sits alongside forestry, manufacturing, public services and tourism. The region’s contemporary character is therefore neither purely rural nor urban, but a mixture of working countryside, heritage towns and expanding regional infrastructure.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Vysočina

Discover Vysočina with Evendo – the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Plan your perfect trip to Vysočina with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book hotels and tours, and explore like a local.

  • History of Vysočina and travel essentials
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and services
  • Curated local tips to experience Vysočina like a local
  • Free to use forever with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Imagine stepping into Vysočina, Czechia, with an all-in-one travel guide that makes your trip seamless and unforgettable. Evendo is designed to help you explore Vysočina's rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture with ease. Whether you're planning to visit the historic town of Telč, explore the architectural marvels of Žďár nad Sázavou, or stroll through the picturesque streets of Jihlava, Evendo has got you covered.

Discover top attractions like the Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk, the UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a leisurely walk around the scenic Velké Dářko Lake. Savor local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as the Tři knížata in Třebíč and the Hotel Gustav Mahler's restaurant in Jihlava. With Evendo, you can easily find and book tours, tickets, and experiences, making your travel planning effortless.

Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Vysočina. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. Plus, with features like the 'Near me' function, curated local tips, and easy navigation, Evendo ensures you make the most of your visit. And the best part? It's completely free – no in-app purchases, no hidden costs.

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