I always say the best summer travel destination is the Czech Republic and its surroundings. We’ve spent a week several times with a group of 7 kids in the heart of Vysočina and it was absolutely amazing. So here are a few quick tips from Vysočina.
Known officially as the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Vysočina is one of the most underrated regions in the Czech Republic — and I feel it’s still quite overlooked, which is a shame.
Among other things, it’s an absolute paradise for motorcyclists — probably with the best-maintained roads in the Czech Republic (if you really stick to the Vysočina region).
Above all, it offers beautiful nature, history, and a fun combination of quirky villages with even quirkier residents, where you sometimes stumble upon absolutely wonderful spots.
Kiosek Kadov
This is what Czech street food should look like, in my opinion. A fantastic bistro that cooks 2–3 carefully crafted dishes every day except Monday and Tuesday, along with two divine soups and a few small snacks and sweets. Once it sells out, it’s gone. And I guarantee that when you arrive, you’ll want to buy everything yourself.
Statek Blatiny
A slice of Austria in the Czech Republic. In the Alps, I love all those Gasthöfe where three generations of one family make sure you lick your fingers over the best recipe from their family cookbook — and ideally want to come back soon.
That’s exactly how the restaurant at Statek Blatiny felt to me. The complete opposite of snooty hipster restaurants with fancy fusion cuisine.
Kafé 133 in Nové Město
Another very pleasant place that doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. With a lovely courtyard, a swing for adults too, and really good cream rolls.
Bistro 4čtyřka in Nové Město
Another spot where they keep it real and simply make great food. And at a very reasonable price.
Excellent burgers, grilled meat, hot dogs, pasta, and various Czech classics perfected. Last time I was groaning with joy over a honey mushroom goulash — you won’t find that just anywhere in a restaurant.
No photos as usual — I ate everything before I remembered to take any.
Milovská kavárna – near Lake Milovy
When you go for a swim at Milovy and get the munchies or fancy a coffee, drive a little further into the village of České Milovy.
This little café is one of those places made with heart. Excellent coffee, homemade pastries, something small to eat, a beer, outdoor seating with a large sandpit… highly recommended.
Kavárna Jako doma – Moravská Svratka
The name says it all (“Jako doma” = “Just Like Home”). Specialty coffee, divine kolaches, cakes, and panna cotta. Topped off with very friendly staff and a small children’s corner.
They also do breakfasts — haven’t tested yet, but it’s on my list!
Zelená hora Pilgrimage Church — UNESCO Site near Žďár nad Sázavou
One of our UNESCO heritage sites that I drove past for years before I finally stopped last autumn. I recommend you do the same — the whole complex, including a walk around Konventský Pond and the lovely Zámecká kavárna, is absolutely worth it.
Betlém Open-Air Museum in Hlinsko
I once stopped here spontaneously on a motorcycle ride and completely fell in love. This small open-air museum takes just a short while to walk through and feels like a fairy-tale village.
Finish up with coffee from a granny’s mug in grandpa’s armchair at Café Mandala. Oh. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Třebíč
A town with a beautiful Jewish Quarter and a unique Romanesque-Gothic basilica, situated slightly off the heart of Vysočina — the Žďárské vrchy highlands. It officially belongs to the Vysočina region and is, in my view, a great option for a day trip.
