Mountains Janovice

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.