Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Canyons

Schwedengraben Gorge

Canyons

Schwedengraben Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Schwedengraben Gorge

Recommended by 5 hikers out of 6

Save

Location: Jihomoravský kraj, Southeast, Czech Republic

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Schwedengraben Gorge

4.6

(7)

hikers

1. Hardegg – View of Hardegg Castle loop from Vranov nad Dyjí

24.9km

07:06

530m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(5)

hikers

2. View of Vranov nad Dyjí Castle – View of Vranov Dam loop from Štítary

8.25km

02:26

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.7

(3)

hikers

3. View of Vranov Dam – View of Vranov nad Dyjí Castle loop from Vranov nad Dyjí

5.92km

01:43

150m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Tips

Carl

May 28, 2024

The so-called Swede's Moat - a sight of the Vranov massif is a rocky ravine located behind the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
The moat is believed to be man-made due to the traces of stone mining.
During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Vranov (Frein) was occupied and badly affected by General Torstenson's troops. The troops moved to Vranov after their victory in the Battle of Jankov. An old legend says: the inhabitants of Vranov hid in the forest, others - including the priest - hid in the fortified castle. The castle was bravely protected by the garrison and imperial reinforcements.
The Swedes besieged the castle in vain from the slopes to the south. Stone balls can still be found on the southern walls today. The weak point of the otherwise stable castle was the lack of water. Due to the rocky ground, it was not possible to dig a well here. Water
was lifted directly from the river.

Translated by Google •

Carl

May 28, 2024

The Swedes decided to cut off the water source in order to quench the thirst of the castle garrison. They tried to dig a canal and divert the river water out of the reach of the water towers. That is what the legend says.

In March 2013, geologists explored the terrain of the rocky meander and found numerous transverse cracks. They found that the stone slabs are of different thickness and strength, and that is why the rock blocks slide down into the valley.

In reality, the Swedes were unable to take the castle, so they plundered the manor, damaged the church, destroyed the iron ore mine near the village of Hamry and retreated to Znojmo.

Translated by Google •

Gerhard Hayek

May 25, 2025

Beautifully situated, well-maintained hiking trails

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 390 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 30 November

6°C

0°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Jihomoravský kraj, Southeast, Czech Republic

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Vranov nad Dyjí Castle

Stausee Vranov mit Hängebrücke "kleine Golden Gate Bridge"

Thaya Riverside Rest Area

Wooden Archway at Thayatal National Park Entrance

Hardegg Castle

Thaya Bridge Hardegg–Čížov and Historic Customs Houses

World's Largest Mother-of-Pearl Button

Vranov nad Dyjí Castle

Suspension Bridge Over the Thaya

Thayatal Suspension Bridge

View of Hardegg and Hardegg Castle from Reginafelsen

Burg Hardegg

Schwedengraben Gorge

1. Hardegg – View of Hardegg Castle loop from Vranov nad Dyjí

2. View of Vranov nad Dyjí Castle – View of Vranov Dam loop from Štítary

3. View of Vranov Dam – View of Vranov nad Dyjí Castle loop from Vranov nad Dyjí

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️