Where to go on a trip Frýdecko-Místecko

Hrad Hukvaldy is situated on a hill above the village of Hukvaldy, in the Frýdek-Místek district. The world-renowned composer Leoš Janáček was born in the village. For this reason, the Janáčkovy Hukvaldy music festival is held at the castle every year. Hrad Hukvaldy is the largest castle ruin in Moravia and the third largest in the Czech Republic. Visitors can explore not only the castle itself, but the surrounding game enclosure with fallow deer and mouflons is also attractive.

Hukvaldský hrad is first mentioned in 1285 and was probably built in the mid-thirteenth century, with the German counts of Hückeswagen believed to be the founders. Knight Arnold z Hückeswagen was invited to the Czech lands by King Přemysl Otakar I to arrange the marriage of the king's daughter Anežka and the English King Henry III. Although the marriage did not take place, Arnold remained in the diplomatic service of Přemysl Otakar, who granted him territory in northeastern Moravia. Arnold's descendants then founded Hrad Hukvaldy here.

The most frequent rulers of the castle were the bishops of Olomouc, who first acquired it in the mid-fourteenth century. A papal bull in 1355 confirmed their ownership and at the same time prohibited the sale or mortgage of the castle. In 1465, the castle passed into the ownership of the Czech King Jiří z Poděbrad, but it was immediately resold to the Olomouc bishop Tas z Boskovic. His brothers Dobeš and Beneš Černohorští z Boskovic financially contributed to the purchase of the castle and took over the castle after the bishop's death from the plague. Significant architectural modifications were carried out at the castle during their rule. These continued even after their death, when the castle returned to the hands of the Olomouc bishopric at the beginning of the sixteenth century. It remained the owner until 1948, when nationalisation took place.

From 1969, the castle was gradually and systematically renovated and opened to the public. Repairs were carried out on the castle palace, perimeter wall, gate, and Kulatina (an advanced fortification from the fifteenth century), which currently serves cultural purposes. A stone bridge over the moat was built, the inner castle in a state of emergency was conserved, and the Renaissance palace was roofed. Since the mid-1990s, metal staircases have made both viewing platforms and the viewing gallery accessible to the public. The seventeenth-century Kaple sv. Ondřeje is the best-preserved structure in the complex. In the nineteenth century, it was the only structure that received restoration and maintenance.

Visitors can explore the castle complex independently or with a guide. From the castle tower, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view not only of the immediate surroundings, but also see the ridges of the Beskydy mountains, the towns of Kopřivnice and Příbor, and catch sight as far as Ostrava. Several souvenir stalls can be found near Kaple sv. Ondřeje. Visitors are advised not to miss a visit to the game enclosure, where fallow deer and mouflons live. The castle is open to the public only during the summer season, but the enclosure is open year-round. During the season, visitors can look forward to various events, including a spooky night, fencing performances, the burning of witches, the Ondřejská pouť (St Andrew's Fair), or the grape harvest. At the very beginning of summer, the castle is the venue for the Mezinárodní hudební festival Janáčkovy Hukvaldy (International Music Festival Janáčkovy Hukvaldy).

However, other interesting tourist attractions can also be found in the village of Hukvaldy and its surroundings. Visitors are invited to visit Tropic Hukvaldy to discover exotic fauna and flora. In nearby Kopřivnice, all boys and men, young and old, will find something to their liking, as the Auto Moto muzeum (Auto-Moto Museum) and the Technické muzeum Tatra (Tatra Technical Museum) are located there. In Frýdek-Místek, visitors can explore the chateau with the Muzeum Beskyd (Museum of the Beskydy Mountains). The přírodní památka jeskyně Šipka (Šipka Cave Natural Monument) may lure visitors out into nature. During the summer season, visitors can go to refresh themselves at Aquapark Olešná or Aquapark Frenštát pod Radhoštěm.

Accommodation near Hrad Hukvaldy is easy to arrange, as the nearby village is prepared for tourists; hotel accommodation, a guest house, or a cosy cottage can all be found here. And if accommodation in Hukvaldy is fully booked, visitors can head to Kozlovice, Kopřivnice, or Příbor. The history of Moravia as well as interesting activities can all be enjoyed in the surroundings of Hrad Hukvaldy. Visitors are encouraged not to hesitate for long and to start planning a holiday in this locality. Immediately after finding accommodation on our website, visitors can begin compiling a list of everything they want to see and do during their stay.

A quiet ski sanctuary in the Beskydy Mountains

Ski areál Opálená is located on the northeastern slope of Ondřejník mountain, between the municipalities of Pstruží and Čeladná in the Beskydy Mountains. It is a popular destination primarily for families and recreational skiers, offering comfort in a pleasant natural environment with a mix of downhill skiing, snowboarding, and evening operations.

The resort is situated at an altitude ranging from approximately 560 to 670 metres above sea level. Its downhill slopes have a total length of about 650 metres, with the blue slope measuring around 300 metres for less experienced skiers and the red slope reaching up to 500 metres for more advanced ones. It features two main lifts with a transport capacity of approximately 1,350 persons per hour, while part of the resort is equipped with artificial snow-making technology and evening lighting. The resort also features a snowpark with jumps, rails, wallrides, and other elements, a children's park, a ski school, equipment rental and service, and aesthetic facilities including a stylish restaurant.

How to get there

Ski areál Opálená can be reached by car from Frýdek-Místek via Čeladná all the way to the municipality of Pstruží, following local signs to the resort afterwards. Parking areas, usually free of charge, are available directly at the lower station of the resort. Public transport can bring visitors by bus to Pstruží or Čeladná, from where the resort is accessible on foot or via local transport during the winter season.

What you can discover in the surroundings

The surroundings of Opálená offer numerous hiking trails leading into the Beskydy ridges. From the resort, visitors may connect to trails along the red-marked path towards Skalky, the peak of Ondřejník, or further towards Lysá hora. Nearby, visitors will also find other resorts, nature reserves, and Wallachian cultural sites in Čeladná, as well as suitable destinations for relaxation off the slopes.

The resort is an excellent choice for undemanding skiing in the quiet environment of the Beskydy Mountains, featuring accessibility, basic services, and options for users ranging from beginners to intermediate skiers.

Satinský vodopád, sometimes also referred to as Vodopád na Satině, is rather a smaller natural monument in the Moravskoslezský kraj, in the Frýdek-Místek District. It lies in the cadastral area of the municipality of Malenovice on the Satina stream, which originates below Lysá hora and is part of the Chráněná krajinná oblasti Beskydy.

There are certainly more significant waterfalls in our country as well; Satinský vodopád, despite being less than 2 meters high, is nevertheless frequently visited by tourists. It is protected by the surrounding forests and is hidden in a rock gorge about 1 kilometer long. And it is precisely the picturesqueness of the surroundings and the shadows created by massive beeches that give this place a special, almost fairytale-like feel.

Along the entire course of the Satina stream, there are also other smaller waterfalls and cascades. Some are hidden even in considerably deep gorges, and therefore getting directly to them can be very dangerous, especially after rain. This entire area is designated as the Přírodní památka vodopády Satiny.

The surroundings of Satinský vodopád are rich in diverse fauna and flora. When looking around, visitors may have the feeling of being in a primeval forest. Particularly well-represented are acidic beech forests, and at the same time, up to 3 species of rare animals,  caddisflies, occur here.

Setting out to explore the waterfall is possible from Ostravice, which is a significant tourist center of the Beskydy. Several marked tourist routes lead from here. During the hike, visitors walk along a forest footpath all the way to Medvědí skála, which is one of the nicest viewpoints in the Beskydy.

A visit to Satinský vodopád should definitely be included on the list of trips in the Beskydy. And there is an endless amount of other interesting natural gems here. We recommend planning the entire holiday suitably so that nothing is missed and the Beskydy can be enjoyed to the fullest. As the saying goes, only with quality preparation can visitors get the maximum out of their holiday.

It is not only about having time off from work, but it is also important to relax the body and mind. And this is related to finding suitable accommodation facilities. Objects offering wellness stays will certainly be a good choice of accommodation in the Beskydy. Conversely, if visitors prefer peace and quiet, they should choose cottages in solitude or in the forest. Whether visitors book accommodation near Satinský vodopád or, conversely, somewhere in the city, a holiday with family or friends will leave memories for a lifetime. So do not hesitate any longer and start planning.

The highest peak of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy is steeped in many legends. One of the most famous tells of gatherings of witches from all over Slezsko, who were said to have revelled there with devils and even Lucifer himself! Nowadays, however, one would be hard-pressed to find witches or devils on Lysá hora. Instead, it is swarming with tourists, cyclists, runners, and skiers, for whom Lysá hora and its surroundings are a great attraction.

What to do on Lysá hora in winter?

According to another legend, the treasure of the bandit Ondráš and his band is hidden inside Lysá hora. It is said to be guarded by "divá Hana," a witch whose spirit appears in the form of a huge snake with a golden crown... Whether or how much of the legends about witches and treasures are true, no one knows. However, it remains a fact that Lysá hora is a true jewel of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy and the entire Valašsko region.

An altitude of 1,323 metres combined with a characteristic climate makes Lysá hora one of the coldest places in the Česká republika – why visit, then? Precisely for that reason! Lysá hora certainly cannot complain about a lack of snow. Permanent snow cover can be found here from October to May. Snowfall peaks during March, and it is not unusual for its depth to exceed 2 metres. It would be a sin not to take advantage of such conditions!

Experienced cross-country skiers are likely familiar with the Lysohorská magistrála, from which Lysá hora can be conquered from three different directions. And what could be better after a ride through the snow-covered landscape than traditional Valašsko refreshments? At the summit of Lysá hora, there are two mountain huts available (the Bezručova hut and the Chata Emil Zátopek – Maraton, which also offers accommodation), each one nicer than the other. The conditions on the mountain also favour ski mountaineering enthusiasts and would favour downhill skiers as well, but the possibilities for downhill skiing are a subject of dispute between conservationists and proponents of this sport on Lysá hora.

Hiking, cycling, and paragliding

Lysá hora is not only one of the coldest but also one of the windiest areas in the country. Is that also a reason to visit? Of course! Especially if you are a paragliding enthusiast. The Beskydy as a whole are among the top paragliding areas in our country, and their highest peak, being an ideal flight terrain with all the infrastructure around it, is a kind of symbol of this status.

Otherwise, Lysá hora is a destination especially for hikers and cyclists, for whom it is a cult place. Several marked trails and paths lead to the summit of the mountain. Perhaps the most popular one leads from Ostravice, is just under 9 kilometres long, and has been part of an event called Bezručův výplaz for 60 years. As the name suggests, it is the favourite route of the Czech poet Petr Bezruč, along which he undertook his "climbs" to the summit of Lysá hora.

For more demanding hikers with very good physical fitness, we recommend the ascent from Krásná; for the less fit, there is a relaxing route from Visalaje. Although it is almost 9 kilometres long, it is the easiest walking ascent to Lysá hora of all.

As for cyclists, they will certainly welcome the opportunity to test their abilities and endurance while climbing Lysá hora from Papežov. It is the only completely paved route on which there is even a ban on car traffic (except for those with an ascent permit), so it is a true paradise for road cycling enthusiasts. However, if you are looking for something more leisurely, we recommend taking the path from Malenovice. It should be noted, however, that the terrain is only rideable on mountain bikes, not road bikes.

How to get to Lysá hora?

Accessing Lysá hora by car is permitted only to the owners of local properties or their contractual business partners. In special cases, some buses may also receive an ascent permit. Otherwise, visitors may use a special shuttle bus service, which runs at regular intervals from various directions up to the summit of the mountain.

Another option is offered by the aforementioned bicycle. However, the "Moravian cogwheel" is also popular – you just have to grit your teeth and pedal and pedal... all the way to the top. Most people use the route from Ostravice to climb Lysá hora. There is also the final train station in this village, with trains running from the direction of Frýdlant nad Ostravicí.

Accommodation on Lysá hora and in its surroundings

In addition to the aforementioned huts at the summit of Lysá hora, it is also possible to make use of hundreds of beds available in the foothills of this Beskydy landmark. If you wish to be as close to Lysá hora as possible, focus on finding suitable accommodation in Staré Hamry, Ostravice, Čeladná, or Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. Besides hotels, guesthouses, private lodgings, and apartments, you will certainly also come across traditional log cabins, cottages, and houses with a beautiful garden and architecture so typical of Valašsko.

In the wider area around Lysá hora, one can stay, for example, in Trojanovice or Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. From these centres, you can then set out, for example, to Rožňov pod Radhoštěm. The entire Moravskoslezský kraj will amaze you with its picturesqueness and friendliness. And Lysá hora? A trip there will be an experience for outdoor sports enthusiasts as well as for nature lovers and admirers of beautiful views from the heights.

Winter Resort with Diverse Slopes in the Beskids

The park is located in the municipality of Staré Hamry in the Moravskoslezský kraj, in the picturesque valley of impressive Beskid hills. The resort offers ideal conditions for families, beginner, and more advanced skiers. The environment is complemented by accommodation directly in the resort, a restaurant, and wellness zones, making it a comfortable winter and year-round destination.

The resort features three ski slopes with a total length of around 3.8 km. The equipment includes a two-seater chairlift and two ski lifts, with a transport capacity reaching approximately 3,000 persons per hour. The slopes in the resort lie at an elevation difference of around 80 to 180 meters, and artificial snowmaking guarantees a sufficient amount of snow even during weaker winters. In the evening, some tracks are also operated under artificial lighting. A ski equipment rental shop, service, a ski school for children and adults operate in the resort, and visitors can relax in a wellness center with a sauna and hot tubs.

How to Get There

Ski Park Gruň is accessible by car via the road leading to Staré Hamry, from where the resort is well signposted. A parking lot for visitors is located at the lower station. Public transport connects Staré Hamry with surrounding towns by bus; upon arrival in the municipality, it is necessary to walk to the resort or use local transport during the winter season.

What Visitors Can Discover in the Surroundings

The surroundings of Gruň offer an excellent connection to hiking trails, for example, along the red tourist trail towards Lysá hora or the Beskid ridge. In the immediate vicinity, there are many cross-country skiing trails that connect to the surrounding cross-country skiing networks. Among the points of interest in the landscape is the Gruň peak (approx. 843 to 885 m a. s. l.) with a chapel and original tourist buildings, suitable as a destination point for a trip.

Ski Park combines quality downhill conditions with comfortable facilities and beautiful nature, ideal for winter sports and relaxation in the Beskids.

A modern winter resort in the heart of the Beskydy mountains

The Ski areál Bílá is located in the Moravskoslezský kraj region, in the municipality of Bílá near Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, in the valley of the Bílá Ostravice river. The resort offers a variety of ski slopes, high-quality facilities, and additional services for both families and sports-oriented skiers, and thanks to its accessibility, it attracts visitors from Ostrava, Frýdek-Místek, and the surrounding areas.

The resort is situated at an altitude of approximately 518 to 774 metres above sea level. There are 6–7 ski slopes in operation, ranging in length from 90 m to approximately 1,100 m, with a total length of slopes amounting to roughly 5.6 km. A variety of transport facilities are available for visitors: the new six-seater Zbojník II. chairlift with heating and a bubble cover (length of about 900 m), as well as anchor-type lifts to Javořinka and the southern slope (approx. 780 m and 700 m with a capacity of about 1,050 persons/h), a children's lift (Miki, approx. 100 m), and several Sun Kid magic carpets (35 m) for the youngest visitors. All slopes are equipped with artificial snowmaking, and some offer evening floodlighting. The resort also includes a snowpark (on slope No. 5), a ski and snowboard school, equipment rental and service, and a family children's park (e.g., a carousel, a cable lift). For cross-country skiers, the resort is connected to maintained trails ranging from 20 to 33 km in length, set in the beautiful Beskydy landscape.

How to get there

The resort is situated directly on the I/56 road between Frýdek-Místek and Bumbálka, with direct access for cars. It can be reached from Ostrava in approximately 45 minutes, and from Olomouc in about an hour and a half. If a visitor chooses public transport, it is possible to use bus lines from Frýdlant nad Ostravicí or from surrounding municipalities that connect with regional buses to the resort.

What to discover in the vicinity

Numerous tourist trails lead through the area around the resort; for example, visitors can follow the yellow trail to the Šance dam in the direction from the municipality of Bílá. From Bílá, a blue trail continues towards Bílý Kříž and further on to the Beskydy ridges. Hikes towards Lysá hora are also popular, with part of the route leading from the valley along the red trail. In Bílá itself and the surrounding area, it is also possible to visit the wooden kostel sv. Bedřicha or make use of the Smradlavá nature trail leading to a spring of the same name.

The Ski areál Bílá combines sporting challenges, family skiing, and the beauty of the Beskydy landscape. An ideal choice for both winter activities and relaxation.