Where to go on a trip Poodří

An extensive ruin on an elevation near Nový Jičín with a tower that serves as an observation tower and a restaurant.

Hrad Starý Jičín, an extensive ruin on a hill near Nový Jičín, ranks among the oldest monuments in Moravia. It was founded at the end of the 12th or the beginning of the 13th century, with the first written mention dating back to 1240, likely by the Hückeswagen family. It originally served as a solid provincial castle for the protection of a trade route, the so-called Jantarová stezka, and due to its strategic location and wide view, it primarily fulfilled a military role. Its significance began to decline after the Thirty Years' War, when it gradually fell into disrepair. In 1996, the castle tower was reconstructed by the municipality, and it is now accessible as an observation tower with a beautiful view of the wide surroundings, for example of the town of Nový Jičín. A stylish restaurant is located on the ground floor of the tower, and a period exhibition of armour and documents about the castle is installed on the upper floors.

Access

The castle is located in the village of Starý Jičín in the Moravskoslezský kraj region. By car, you can reach it from the D1 motorway (exit 311) towards Nový Jičín, from where you continue along local roads. The tour route begins below the castle. For bus transport, the nearest stop is Starý Jičín, where regional connections stop. From the stop, it is necessary to count on a walk uphill to the castle. Parking is possible at designated car parks below the castle.

What is worth knowing

In the vicinity of the castle is the historical town of Nový Jičín, which has been declared an urban monument reservation. Visitors may visit the Žerotínský zámek with the exhibitions of the Muzeum Novojičínska, or take a walk around the square with its historical houses and arcades. For hiking, the Podbeskydí nature park or a trip to the nearby mountain Svinec with an observation tower is ideal.

In addition to the Vodní svět Sareza, also known as Čapkárna, the regional capital of Ostrava offers another place where visitors can experience a wealth of water fun. This is the Vodní areál Jih. As the name suggests, it can be found in the southern part of the city, which is not only a significant university seat and home to the mining and extraction industry but also the cultural centre of the Moravskoslezský kraj region.

What awaits visitors here? The Vodní areál Jih offers a 50-metre swimming pool. It features 6 swimming lanes and a depth ranging from 140 to 180 cm. In the immediate vicinity, sun loungers are placed for sunbathing or relaxation. The relaxation pool, located nearby, is between 100 and 120 cm deep. It includes water and air massage benches, and just like by the swimming pool, sun loungers are placed around it, along with a spacious grassy area.

Adrenaline lovers are usually most drawn to slides and water slides. Visitors will find plenty of them here. One of them is the Kamikadze, and as the name implies, it is clear that overcoming it will require a good deal of courage. It is a 20-metre steep slide, and visitors will be in the splash pool in the blink of an eye. A longer experience can be enjoyed on the open water slides with a length of 86 metres, while the less daring will appreciate the two 16-metre slides.

For families with children, a children's pool and a paddling pool with various water features are prepared, such as a slide, a water cup, a wild river, a water cannon, etc. There is also a playground with a tartan surface featuring plenty of climbing frames, swings, and a climbing wall. Parents may make use of the benches to watch their children play or enjoy refreshments at one of the nearby snack stalls.

Professional staff and lifeguards oversee order and safety throughout the duration of your stay. If visitors wish to engage in sports outside the pools, two beach volleyball courts or two other courts for badminton, foot tennis, or volleyball are available. A local restaurant is also at your disposal without restriction. Do not be mistaken; swimming will certainly build up your appetite.

What other interesting places can be visited in Ostrava? We definitely recommend the ZOO Ostrava, which is the second-largest zoological garden in the Czech Republic, housing around 400 species of animals. Another major attraction for children is the DinoPark Ostrava, although it is not located directly in the city, but in the village of Doubrava, about 15 kilometres away. For those who wish to learn more about the local history of mining, accessible mines are prepared Důl Hlubina or Důl Michal.

Ostrava is long past being just the "black city." If you do not believe it, come and see for yourself. You may choose accommodation near the Vodní areál Jih as your base to be close to the swimming pool. Cosy hotels, guesthouses, and apartments are available. We also recommend cottages and chalets, campsites, or private accommodation, which are located more on the outskirts or in nearby villages. Now, all that is left is to plan everything you wish to see in Ostrava.