Karasín

Karasín is a small village belonging to the town of Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic, best known for the lookout tower rising above its surrounding hills.

Where is Karasín located?

The village lies roughly 4.5 kilometers north of Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, within the Žďár nad Sázavou district. Its cadastral area covers 7.26 square kilometers, making it one of the highest-situated settlements in the Bystřicko area. The surrounding landscape forms part of the Upper Svratka Highlands (Hornosvratecká vrchovina).

What can you see there?

The main draw is the Karasín lookout tower, built at an elevation of 704 meters above sea level on the slope of Přední skála hill (712.3 m). Construction began on 15 February 2002 and the tower officially opened on 25 May 2002, designed by local architect Petr Štorek. Standing 28.2 meters tall and built from split concrete blocks, it offers an observation platform at 25 meters, reached by climbing 128 steps. The tower sits within the Svratecká hornatina nature park, with views stretching across the historic region once held by the Pernštejn family.

On the village green stands a small bell tower with an altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary — one of the few surviving traces of the settlement's older architecture. On 7 September 1895 a devastating fire swept through Karasín, destroying every building except two houses and killing two people. Historically, the village belonged to the Pernštejn family between 1500 and 1588, later passing mostly under the Bystřice estate.

A small ski area, Ski Karasín, once operated nearby in winter, though the lift is currently out of service.

How to get to Karasín?

The easiest way to reach Karasín is by car from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, a drive of about 4.5 kilometers through the rolling hills of the Vysočina Region. The village is also a popular stop on hiking and cycling routes connecting the Bystřicko area with the Vír reservoir.

When is the best time to visit?

The lookout tower is open year-round, but the clearest views usually come on fine spring and autumn days, when the air is less hazy than in summer. In winter the area draws visitors for walks across the snow-covered hills, with the tower's platform offering a panorama of the surrounding peaks of the Upper Svratka Highlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Karasín lookout tower? The tower stands 28.2 meters tall, with an observation platform at 25 meters reached via 128 steps.

When was the tower built? Construction started on 15 February 2002 and the tower opened on 25 May 2002, designed by architect Petr Štorek.

How far is Karasín from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem? About 4.5 kilometers to the north.

Can you ski in Karasín? A small ski area called Ski Karasín used to operate here, but the lift is currently out of service.