Branná: Hotels and Accommodation

The Branná ski resort is located at an altitude of 630–750 metres and has three runs suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Nature and Trails

The Pasák educational trail is a 12.5 km tourist and recreational route with 14 multithematic stations and begins in Branná below the railway station. The Pasák geological and geomorphological natural monument, designated in 1982, covers 2.5 hectares and includes a rocky ridge with frost cliffs, isolated rocks, rock overhangs and cryoplanation terraces below the Polomský potok stream. Distinctive rock formations include a rock window, a rock mushroom and a rock slab; the dominant Pasák rock tower is associated with several local legends, including the legend of the petrified shepherd.

History and Buildings

Kolštejn Castle was founded by the Wüstenhube family at the beginning of the 14th century; the first documented mention of its construction dates from 1301. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Žerotín family and the Lords of Vrbno built the chateau buildings of the middle and lower parts of the castle and transformed the complex into a comfortable Renaissance residence. The Černá věž gate tower, which has survived to this day, was also built at that time. Visitors can see some reconstructed parts of the Kolštejn complex, the ruins of the original Gothic castle and a historical entrance exhibition.

The Church of the Archangel Michael was originally built in 1612–1614 as a Protestant church called Zmrtvýchvstání Krista, and in 1743 it was adapted for Catholic worship and rededicated to Saint Michael. Fojtství was built at the end of the 16th century as a single-storey building and was raised by one storey about a century later.

Relics and Local Culture

The Mariánský pramen spring is the preserved relic of the former pilgrimage site of Branná, also known as Kolštejn. The former pilgrimage church was abolished and demolished in 1789, while the spring was preserved. The Mariánský pramen spring has been restored and is most easily reached by taking the path from the railway station in Branná towards the Banjaluka forester's lodge.

The Kolštejn microbrewery brews pale and semi-dark lagers as well as seasonal beer specialties. All beers brewed there can be sampled during a tasting accompanied by a guided brewery tour.

Other destinations: Loucná Nad Desnou, Sobotin, Kopřivná, Rejchartice, Jakubovice, Jindrichov, Staré Město Pod Sněžníkem, Hanusovice

For the higher-level travel overview: Šumperk District.