The Castle of Srepanice used to be the historical centre of the whole region. The first written record from 1304 informs about the foundation of the castle by Jan of Valdstejn, but according to Balbin, as early as 1254 the castle was ruled by Jindrich Jan of Valdstejn. This  fact is supported by archaeological findings at the palce of  the ruins. At present time only ruins and remains of defensive walls were preserved. Part of the former castle is still hidden in a huge heap of broken stones, giving a chance for possible future discoveries.

  The village of Horni Stepanice used to have a town status, but it lost it after the castle was left by its owners in 1524. The principal source of living of the local people was a work in the forest. Later, some of the forests were cut, wooden houses were built and the fields were cultivated. There was an iron mine in Hamersky Vrch and a gold mine in Zakouti. 

The village of Benecko was first mentioned in 1628. A man called Benes is said to be a founder of the village - hence the name Benessko, Benecko. The legend describes the story of a hermit of Benedict Order and his companion - a red deer - hence the symbol of the village - a red deer's head with a cross in between the antlers. 

Mrklov was settles along the brook. It was mostly an agricultural village. Since ages a flax had been raised at the slopes of the surrounding mountains. During Marie Terezie era a home production of flax sheets has spread.  

  Many associations  were established in Benecko region (Sokol, Orel and others). Amateur actors used to play theatre performances. A patriotic education resulted in a number of legionnaires who were involved in Russia, France and Italy during The World War I.  
A number of men took part in a resistance against Nazis during The World War II. 

  The major change in the composition of population came by the end of the last century due to wide spread of winter sports. As early as 1892 hand-made beech skies were produced  in Dolni Stepanice. At the same time first ski instructors arrived from Norway. New hotels and huts were opened. Further development of the region was interrupted by Nazi occupation. After liberation in 1945 former visitors returned and new plans of the development of the resort were made. Unfortunately everything has changed shortly after Communist Party came to the power in 1948. The private commercial activities were restrained or totally suppressed.