Cycling in the Moravian Karst: the Blansko–Křtiny–Jedovnice Loop (23 km)

Cycle route no. 5081 (23 km) leads from Blansko via Habrůvka, Křtiny and Bukovina to Jedovnice, mostly along forest tracks across the upland plateau between the heart of the karst and Jedovnice. Much of the surface is unpaved, so a mountain bike or trekking bike is a better bet than a road bike – though in dry weather even a road bike will get through. The toughest part is the climb between Blansko and Klepačov; the rest of the route is gently rolling forest terrain. Along the way you’ll pass the pilgrimage site of Křtiny, and the ride ends at Olšovec Pond in Jedovnice.

QUICK LINKS 🚴 Route and difficulty · 🏛️ What you’ll see along the way · 🗺️ More cycle routes nearby · ❓ FAQ

The Moravian Karst has more than 700 km of signposted cycle routes, but route no. 5081 is one of those that best shows the karst isn’t all about caves – for almost the whole ride it runs through deep forest on the upland plateau between Blansko and Jedovnice.

Route and difficulty

The route is 23 km long and follows forest tracks and third-class roads, mostly without tarmac. The surface can be rough in places, so it suits mountain bikes and trekking bikes best; on a road bike you’ll only manage it in dry weather. The difficulty is moderate – the hardest stretch comes right at the start: a steep, winding climb between Blansko and Klepačov (going the other way, that is, downhill, it can even be dangerous because of the speed and the surface).

After the opening climb, the route continues through more gently rolling forest terrain via Habrůvka, Křtiny and Bukovina to Jedovnice.

What you’ll see along the way

• Blansko – the starting point, with its cultural sights; if you arrive by train, you begin right here.
• Habrůvka and the plateau forests – the most attractive natural stretch of the route, with the dense woodland of the central Moravian Karst.
• Křtiny – an important pilgrimage site with the Baroque Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary by Jan Blažej Santini, ideal for a stop and a rest.
• Jedovnice – the end of the route, at Olšovec Pond, where after a demanding ride you can enjoy a refreshing swim or a bite to eat at one of the lakeside restaurants.

More cycle routes nearby

If 23 km isn’t enough for you, or you’re looking for something different:

• Route no. 5077 (14 km) – Adamov–Josefov–Křtiny Arboretum–Jedovnice, a shorter and less demanding option.
• Route no. 5075 (27 km) – Sloup–Šošůvka–Vysočany–Niva, the north of the karst around the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně).
• Amber Trail, route no. 5 – a long-distance route that crosses the karst from Adamov via Blansko, Skalní Mlýn and Ostrov u Macochy to Sloup; see The Amber Trail through the Moravian Karst.
• Route no. 507 (about 50 km) – from Ostrov u Macochy via Jedovnice and Bukovinka to Rousínov, a full-day outing for stronger cyclists.
• Pustý žleb (the “Desolate Gorge”) – 8 km on tarmac, an undemanding option that’s also good for families with children; see the separate article.

Frequently asked questions

Can an ordinary road bike cope with route 5081? Only in dry weather – much of the surface is unpaved, so a mountain bike or trekking bike is the better choice.

Is the route suitable for families with children? Probably not, because of the tough climb near Klepačov and the unpaved surface – for families we’d recommend Pustý žleb or the shorter route 5077 instead.

Where can I stop for something to eat along the way? The finish at Olšovec Pond in Jedovnice has several restaurants right by the water, an ideal spot for a rest after the ride.

Can the route be shortened? Yes, you can end it as early as Křtiny and return by train or bus if 23 km feels like too much.

Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: the Complete 7-Day Itinerary. Sources: cyklo-jizni-morava.cz – route 5081, vylety-zabava.cz – cycle routes in the Moravian Karst.

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