Žďár u Blanska: a Village Built on Burnt Forest and the View from Brusná

Žďár (population around 400) sits in a hollow at the northernmost tip of the Moravian Karst, between Rájec-Jestřebí and Sloup. The village takes its name from its origins: the settlement grew up on land cleared by burning the forest. The green waymarked trail from Boskovice to Blansko runs through the village. By the signpost you will find the niche Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and a stone cross. From the village green, a field track leads up Brusná hill, with views across the countryside. Žďár keeps local folk traditions alive, above all the Masopust carnival with its mock burial of the bass. The nearest train stops at Rájec-Jestřebí.

QUICK LINKS 👀 What to see · 🥾 Walks and trips · 🛏️ Where to stay · ❓ FAQ

The word žďár means a place where forest has been burnt off to make land for farming. Plenty of villages in Czechia came about in the same way, and names such as Žďár, Žďárná or Žďárec still give the game away.

What to see

• The niche Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and a stone cross by the signpost.
• The viewpoint on Brusná. From the signpost on the village green, an unmarked field track climbs the wooded hill of Brusná. From the top there is a lovely view over the surrounding countryside.
• The Workers’ House (Dělnický dům), built in 1936 and renovated in 2011. It is the hub of village life.

A little history: The first written mention dates from 1371, when Oldřich of Boskovice gave Žďár to his wife as a dowry. From 1540 it belonged to the Rájec estate, later passing to the Rogendorf family and, from 1763, to the Salms. Locals made their living from farming and beekeeping. In the 19th century more people turned to industry, especially once the railway was built nearby. Today most people commute to Blansko for work.

Walks and trips

• Along the green trail to Blansko, or in the opposite direction to Boskovice.
• Into the northern part of the Karst. Waymarked cycle routes lead to the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně) and on into the Karst; see Sloup.
• To Rájec-Jestřebí for the château and the train; see Rájec-Jestřebí.

Events: the Masopust procession with the burial of the bass, balls, and a firefighters’ competition for the Mayor’s Challenge Cup, which has a tradition going back more than thirty years. You can read more about Masopust in the region in the article Traditions and Customs of the Moravian Karst.

Where to stay

We were unable to find any accommodation in Žďár with verified opening details. The nearest options are in Sloup, see Sloup, and in Blansko, see Blansko.

FAQ

Where does Žďár get its name? The settlement was founded on land cleared by burning the forest. Such a place was called a žďár.

Where is the best view from in Žďár? From Brusná hill. A field track leads there from the signpost on the village green.

How do I get to Žďár without a car? Take a bus or train to Rájec-Jestřebí and walk from there.

Information checked as of 12. 10. 2026. Sources: brochure of the Moravian Karst Rural Development Association, Žďár village profile; Žďár (Wikipedia).

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