Vysocina

Czech Republic, Europe

Vysocina is a STATE in Czech Republic, Europe.

Vysocina, the Czech Highlands, is a tapestry of rolling hills, dense forests, and storybook towns where time seems to slow. This region, undulating between Bohemia and Moravia, is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and lovers of genuine rural charm. At its heart lies Telc, a UNESCO-listed gem with a pastel-hued Renaissance square and a fairy-tale chateau, while Trebic reveals the beautifully preserved Jewish Quarter and the Romanesque-Gothic St. Procopius Basilica. The Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelena Hora, a star-shaped masterpiece by Santini, crowns a hilltop. Beyond the towns, the landscape invites exploration: the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands offer hundreds of kilometers of marked trails, sparkling ponds, and hidden castle ruins. Local taverns serve hearty potato soup, roast duck, and the region's golden beer. Whether you pedal along the Elbe-Vltava cycling route, cross-country ski through snowy pine forests, or simply breathe deeply in the pristine air, Vysocina rewards with an unhurried, authentic Czech experience far from the tourist crowds.

Best time to visit Vysocina

The best months are May through September for greenery, clear skies, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. July and August are warmest but also peak for domestic tourism; book accommodation ahead. Autumn (October) brings stunning foliage and peaceful trails. Winter (December to March) transforms the highlands into a quiet wonderland for cross-country skiing, though some attractions have reduced hours. Spring (April-May) is beautiful with blossoms and fewer visitors.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 5-13°C, foggy

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Budget

Stunning autumn colours; some outdoor facilities close.

Know before you go

Getting there

PRG

Václav Havel Airport Prague

International

160 km away

BRQ

Brno-Tuřany Airport

International

80 km away

PED

Pardubice Airport

International

70 km away

VIE

Vienna International Airport

International

200 km away

Getting around

"A car is the most flexible way to explore remote castles, ponds, and trailheads. Buses and trains connect the main towns (Jihlava, Telc, Trebic, Zdar nad Sazavou) but services can be infrequent on weekends and holidays. The region boasts a superb network of cycle paths and marked hiking trails; bike rentals are available in larger towns. For long-distance arrivals, express trains run from Prague and Brno. Apps like IDOS (idos.cz) help plan bus and train connections."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in towns; patchy in remote countryside

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM cards from operators like O2, T-Mobile, or Vodafone available at kiosks and supermarkets from ~200 CZK ($8)

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Low risk of crime; occasional pickpocketing in touristy areas, but rare. Scams almost nonexistent.

Night safety

8/10

Low risk of crime; occasional pickpocketing in touristy areas, but rare. Scams almost nonexistent.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

3/10

"Vysocina is very safe, with low violent crime rates. Exercise usual caution with valuables in busy tourist spots like Telc square. When hiking or cycling, stick to marked trails and carry a map—mobile signal can be patchy in deep valleys. Road conditions are generally good, but rural roads may be narrow and unlit; drive carefully, especially at dusk. Winter driving requires snow chains or winter tyres on higher roads. The region is welcoming to solo travellers and families."

Entry and health

Health information

"Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. Bring insect repellent and check for ticks after walking in forests or meadows—tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are present; vaccination is available. EU citizens should carry a valid EHIC card; non-EU travellers need comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs. Pharmacies (lekarna) are well stocked, and basic medical care is good in district towns; for serious issues, major hospitals are in Jihlava or nearby cities. In case of emergency, dial 112."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day) and use 'Na shledanou' for goodbye. When entering a church or synagogue, dress modestly (covered shoulders, no shorts). Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if service is satisfactory. Czechs are generally reserved but warm up with genuine conversation; learning a few phrases is appreciated. Respect quiet hours (10 PM to 6 AM) in accommodation. Local festivals, such as the Telc Folklore Festival, celebrate regional music and crafts—join in but ask before photographing locals."
Czech (official)SlovakEnglishGermanPolishCzechSlovak (minority)German (minority)

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-8 | a hearty local lunch in a tavern costs around $5-8

Hotels

$40-80 | mid-range hotel or pension $40-80/night

Local transport

$1-2 | local bus or train ride ~$1-2

Cost notes

Vysocina is very affordable compared to Prague, making it great for budget-conscious travellers.

Timezone

Europe/Prague
Local time 19:17

More facts

Population

510,000

ISO code

CZ-80

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Iglau, Iglawa, Igława, Jiglava, Jihlava, Jikhlava, jifuravua, jihalabha, jihalava, jihilava, jyhlafa, jyhlawa, jہlawa, Јиглава, Йиглава, Йихлава, جيهلافا, جہلاوا, جیهلاوا, जिहलावा, জিহলাভা, ਜਿਹਲਾਵਾ, ጂህላቫ, ジフラヴァ, Kraj Vysočina, Region Hochland, Vysočina Region, Regiono Vysočina, Vysočina, Vysočina kerület, Kraj Wysoczyna, Край Высочина, CZ-63

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingUNESCO World HeritageRuralCyclingCastlesNature