Justinka

Justinka is a small but picturesque rock rising above the Rokytná river valley near the village of Příštpo in the Třebíč district, in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Standing today at roughly 10 metres tall, it forms one of the notable landmarks within the Rokytná Nature Park, an area protecting a scenic, rocky stretch of the river valley between Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou and the surrounding villages.

Where does the name come from?

The rock's name is tied to a tragic legend dating back to the Thirty Years' War. According to local tradition, in 1645, while Swedish forces were besieging the nearby Sádek castle, soldiers roamed the surrounding countryside looking for plunder. One cavalryman came across a young girl named Justinka and chased after her. Fleeing her pursuer, she reached the edge of the rock high above the Rokytná riverbed and, seeing no other way out, jumped into the ravine below. The soldier chasing her, unfamiliar with the terrain, plunged down along with his horse moments later. The rock has carried the girl's name ever since.

Is it just a legend?

The story of Justinka survives in the region as an oral tradition passed down through generations rather than a documented historical event. Tales of tragic episodes from the Thirty Years' War are fairly common along Czech river valleys — they tie the turbulent memory of the 17th century to specific, recognisable spots in the landscape. A small memorial plaque now marks the rock, keeping the story alive for visitors, while the site itself has remained a modest, intimate viewpoint rather than a heavily developed attraction.

Where exactly is Justinka located?

The rock stands on the left bank of the Rokytná river, roughly a quarter of an hour's walk from the village of Příštpo, in the direction of Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou. It is surrounded by the landscape typical of this part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands: a deeply cut river valley with numerous rock outcrops, forests reaching down to the riverbed, and a quiet, rural setting. This entire stretch of the Rokytná valley falls under the protection of the Rokytná Nature Park, established precisely because of the area's landscape and natural values.

What should you know before visiting?

Justinka is not a fully developed tourist attraction with railings or visitor infrastructure — it is instead a quiet, natural highlight along hiking routes through the Rokytná valley, appreciated by those looking for calm surroundings and local stories away from the crowds. Visitors will mainly appreciate the setting itself: a tall rock above the river, framed by greenery and silence, along with the chance to hear a tale that has circulated among residents of the surrounding villages for generations.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Justinka rock? It stands at approximately 10 metres today.

Where does the name Justinka come from? From the name of a girl in a local legend tied to the Thirty Years' War and events in 1645 during the siege of Sádek castle.

Where is Justinka located? Above the Rokytná river, near the village of Příštpo, within the Rokytná Nature Park in the Třebíč district.

Is there any memorial at the site? Yes, a small commemorative plaque references the legend of the girl after whom the rock is named.