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Schwedengraben Gorge

Canyons

Schwedengraben Gorge

Recommended by 5 hikers out of 6

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Location: Jihomoravský kraj, Southeast, Czech Republic

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Best Hikes to Schwedengraben Gorge

4.6

(5)

hikers

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

24.6km

07:00

530m

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

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4.8

(5)

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2. Vranov Dam – Schwedengraben Gorge loop from Štítary

8.25km

02:26

210m

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

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Intermediate

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Iron Curtain Memorial Čížov – Vranov nad Dyjí Castle loop from Čížov

21.6km

06:07

460m

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

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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

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Details

Informations

Elevation 390 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 14 October

13°C

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10 %

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Jihomoravský kraj, Southeast, Czech Republic

Schwedengraben Gorge

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

2. Vranov Dam – Schwedengraben Gorge loop from Štítary

3. Iron Curtain Memorial Čížov – Vranov nad Dyjí Castle loop from Čížov

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