Where to go on a trip Prostřední Bečva

On the upper reaches of the Rožnovská Bečva river, which flows through the Zlínský kraj, the Horní Bečva water reservoir was built during the Second World War. Although it is a relatively small dam in the village of Horní Bečva in the Vsetín district, over time it has gained the favour of a large number of tourists who spend their holidays domestically.

Construction of the Horní Bečva dam began as early as 1933, but it was not completed and put into operation until 1947. As is often the case with dams, the original intention was to prevent destructive floods in the Bečva river basin. Several similarly small reservoirs were planned for the area, but only the Bystřička dam was realised alongside Horní Bečva. An interesting fact is that a condition for the construction of the reservoir was the non-interruption of road traffic leading through the valley; therefore, the road first had to be diverted from the valley to the right slope of the future reservoir. The last reconstruction took place between 2005 and 2006, when Horní Bečva was drained.

When heading to the Horní Bečva waterworks, visitors should expect grassy beaches and a gradual sandy entry into the water. The maximum depth in the reservoir is around 7 metres, and the dam measures only 250 metres. If you are expecting crystal-clear water, you may be disappointed. The water in the Horní Bečva dam is naturally slightly turbid and tends to have a brownish-green colour. It is a popular spot for fishing, and there is also the possibility of engaging in water sports. Another advantage is the option of accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the dam.

If you wish to enjoy your holiday in peace, we recommend securing accommodation near the Horní Bečva water reservoir in advance. The best course of action is to check the offers of guesthouses, apartments, or campsites directly in the village of the same name. Larger groups will also find spacious cabins or cottages here, and even stylish dřevěnice (traditional wooden houses). Should it happen that everywhere is full during the peak season, the neighbouring Prostřední Bečva and Dolní Bečva, or perhaps Velké Karlovice, offer an equally varied range of accommodation. Regardless of your choice, your comfort is assured.

And now, we may look around the surroundings to see where else you might set off. If you are a dedicated nature lover and nothing attracts you more than peace and fresh air, take a trip to the Miloňová lookout tower or the Kněhyně – Čertův mlýn nature reserve. And if you have never been to Radhošť, you should stop by on your way past the Radegast statue. In unfavourable weather, you may visit, for example, the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka or the Valašské národní divadlo. And if you are heading to Severní Morava with children, they will surely be thrilled by a visit to the Tarzanie rope park in nearby Trojanovice. Simply choose your dates and accommodation. So, feel free to get started.

Rožnovské koupaliště is a sports facility in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, owned by the town and operated since the summer of 2000. The town also owns an indoor swimming pool (in operation since August 1994), which is located approximately 3 km from the outdoor swimming pool.

The swimming pool complex is open from June to August (depending on the weather) and offers several pools for visitors. The irregular-shaped recreational pool (depth 1.10 – 1.30 m) is equipped with various attractions (a 10 m long water slide, a wild river, a swinging pool, a water cup) as well as relaxation elements (air massage beds, massage jets, water cannons, a water spout, and a floor massage bubble). The longest pool is the 50-metre pool (concrete with a blue coating, width 20 m, depth 0.90 – 1.40 m), where visitors can enjoy additional attractions – a water banana and a water trampoline). Another pool (tiled, 25 x 20 m, depth 1.20 – 1.80 m) is designed for swimmers and has eight swimming lanes. A children's paddling pool is reserved for the youngest children under 6 years of age. None of the pools are heated; the temperature depends on the weather and the sun.

However, swimming is not the only entertainment available at the swimming pool complex in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. Visitors can play various ball games here, including beach volleyball, streetball, and foot tennis; Russian skittles, table tennis, and badminton are also prepared for visitors. By the paddling pool, there is also a children's playground. Changing rooms and sanitary facilities are a matter of course. Free WiFi internet access is available throughout the Rožnovské koupaliště complex.

In Rožnov, an indoor swimming pool with a swimming pool, a children's pool, a water slide, and a steam bath is also available year-round. If the swimming pool and indoor pool are not enough for entertainment, visitors may also enjoy an adrenaline park. Conversely, beer spas are a great option for relaxation in the town. However, the town's greatest pride is clearly the Valašské muzeum v přírodě, the largest open-air museum in Central Europe, which introduces visitors to folk customs, art, and entertainment.

Finding accommodation near the swimming pool in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm should be perfectly easy, as the town is a popular holiday destination and is therefore well-equipped for tourists. The widest selection can be found if you are looking for apartments. However, cottages, chalets, and guesthouses with a family atmosphere are also available. The town and its residents also think of budget-conscious tourists, so campsites and private accommodation can also be found here. Come and spend a few days in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and treat yourself to the opportunity to discover Valašsko, its nature, traditions, and culture!

Since 2012, visitors have been able to admire views of the Valašsko region from the heights of the Miloňová Lookout Tower. It is located in the Zlín Region, in the Vsetín District near the town of Velké Karlovice. It was built at an altitude of 846 metres above sea level, and from it, visitors can see not only a large part of the Beskids, but also the Javorníky mountain range. A green tourist trail leads to the lookout tower, so visitors certainly cannot miss it. Visitors can also connect here to the yellow trail, which guides them along the ridges of the Vsetínské vrchy hills.

It is a hexagonal wooden lookout tower with a concrete base, designed by architect Antonín Závada, the author of the better-known project of the Jurkovičova rozhledna in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. The Miloňová Lookout Tower rises to a height of 20 metres, while the roof is another four metres higher. The viewing platform is circular, so visitors will have a truly magnificent view in all directions. Visitors can set off here all year round, because thanks to its stable structure, adverse weather conditions do not bother the lookout tower. Furthermore, in fine weather, even children will enjoy the journey, as around the lookout tower they can walk a children's tourist trail named Hledej poklad na Galiku.

As the location of the Miloňová Lookout Tower implies, several tourist trails with attractive destinations are immediately available here for visitors. It is sufficient to book accommodation near the Miloňová Lookout Tower, and it does not matter whether it will be apartments, cottages, or a guesthouse. From any accommodation in the surrounding area, visitors can set off somewhere else every day. For example, Vsetín or Nový Hrozenkov can serve as a starting point for visitors. However, visitors can just as easily stay in Karolinka or Hovězí. Visitors should simply be careful on some tourist trails and take their identity card or passport with them, as the local trails often extend into Slovakia.

Once visitors have had enough of walking in the mountains, it will certainly come in handy to refresh themselves at the Velké Karlovice swimming pool. Conversely, if visitors have arrived during the winter season, they should certainly make use of one of the Beskid ski resorts, for example the Razula ski resort or Synot Kyčerka. At any time of the year, the Karlovské muzeum and the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka are worth a visit. Should visitors also desire culture, they are invited to check out the programme of the Valašské národní divadlo. Whatever visitors ultimately decide, they will thoroughly enjoy nature, entertainment, and knowledge here.

A water area designated for summer recreation and sports activities in the natural environment of the Beskydy mountains.

The Přírodní koupaliště Na Stanoch natural swimming pool, also known as Kačák, is located in the village of Nový Hrozenkov in the Vsetín district. This reservoir was created following gravel-sand extraction and today serves as a significant recreational centre in the valley of the Vsetínská Bečva river. The location is characterised by crystal-clear water and the scenery of the surrounding mountains of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Beskydy. For every visitor, this complex represents a functional combination of natural swimming and modern sports facilities. During the summer season, the area is a popular destination for both local residents and tourists visiting the region.

What can you find here?

The complex offers extensive grassy and pebbled beaches that line the shores of the reservoir with gradual entry into the water. A unique feature is the Acrobat Park, which is used for training and exhibitions of ski and snowboard jumps into the water. The sports facilities are complemented by a beach volleyball court, areas for foot tennis, and a children's playground with play elements. Visitors may utilise the services of a sports equipment rental shop, which offers paddleboards and other gear. Dining is provided by several refreshment stalls and a restaurant with outdoor seating. Modernised sanitary facilities, showers, and changing rooms are also part of the complex.

For whom is the place suitable?

Thanks to the clean water and play zones, the location is ideal for families with children. The complex is regularly visited by athletes and adrenaline lovers, especially due to the facilities for acrobatic jumps. The site is an important stop for cyclists passing through the Bečva valley and for tourists seeking refreshment after hikes in the Beskydy mountains. Due to the quiet environment and good accessibility, the swimming pool is also suitable for seniors.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

In the village of Nový Hrozenkov, one can find the Památník Antonína Strnadla with an exhibition of folk architecture. Approximately 7 km away lies Velké Karlovice, where you can visit the Karlovské muzeum and the historical wooden church. The Miloňová lookout tower rises above the valley and is accessible via hiking trails. In the neighbouring town of Karolinka, you will find the Sklářské muzeum and the Stanovnice water reservoir. For lovers of mountain hiking, the Javorníky mountain ridge with the Kohútka peak is within a 10 km range.

The Vodní nádrž Karolinka can be found in the south of the town of the same name, in forested hilly terrain between the Vsetínské vrchy and Javorníky mountain ranges. It lies on the Velká Stanovnice river. For this reason, this area is sometimes also referred to as the Vodní nádrž Stanovnice. The town of Karolinka is interesting not only because of this reservoir, but tourists are also attracted by the local Skiareál Karolinka or the Valašské národní divadlo. It is certainly among the frequent destinations for travellers within the Vsetín district and the entire Zlínský kraj.

Construction of the dam began in June 1977 and was completed in 1985. Two years later, it was put into permanent operation. During the filling of the dam, several predominantly agricultural homesteads were flooded. These residents moved into several apartment buildings and family houses in Karolinka that were built for this purpose.

The main task of the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is to ensure a supply of drinking water for the inhabitants of the Vsetín, Klobouky, Valašsko, and Zlín regions, as well as to regulate the water flow of the river and protect the surroundings from potential floods. During warm and dry months, on the other hand, it serves to maintain at least the minimum flow.

The length of the Karolinka dam wall is 391.5 metres, its width is 5 metres, and its height above the riverbed is 35.5 metres. The water surface area is just under 51 hectares. In 1995, two turbine sets were installed at the bottom outlet closures, allowing for water extraction from three different depth levels in the reservoir, which enabled the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant.

In terms of water quality, the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is among the highest-quality reservoirs in the Morava river basin. This is mainly due to the purity of the Velká Stanovnice river, which rises directly on the slopes of the Javorníky. In the reservoir, the water neither overheats nor becomes polluted from the surroundings, as there are almost no villages or industrial or agricultural enterprises in its immediate vicinity. With its clear surface, it attracts people primarily in the summer for swimming and water sports. However, this is strictly prohibited due to the purpose of the dam.

Therefore, one should at least go for a walk around the water reservoir, which provides excellent living conditions for a large number of plants and animals. You can see various species of water birds, such as the mallard or the osprey. Among fish, graylings and pikes are represented. And if you are lucky, you may even encounter crayfish.

The easiest access to the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is by car, which you can park on the widened road shoulder by the dam wall. A marked cycle path or two hiking trails also lead nearby. You can follow these to reach other interesting places that Karolinka offers. In addition to the aforementioned ski resort and theatre, there is, for example, the Muzeum sklářství, which has had a rich history here since 1860. Other tourist routes will take you to further corners of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Beskydy.

If you plan to spend your holiday in this picturesque region, you will likely be looking for a place where you can relax after a day full of experiences and prepare for new adventures. Accommodation near the Vodní nádrž Karolinka is provided by cottages and chalets, picturesque log cabins, private accommodation, as well as high-quality apartments. A higher standard of lodging, including services, is offered by guesthouses and hotels. Conversely, a somewhat wilder but romantic type of accommodation is provided by campsites. Whatever you choose, we are sure that you will certainly enjoy your stay here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Botanical Treasure Hidden in a Quarry Beneath Štramberská Trúba

When the abandoned limestone quarry Dolní Kamenárka was transformed into a Botanical garden and arboretum Štramberk in 1999, a place with a completely unique atmosphere was created across an area of nearly ten hectares. This year-round, freely accessible open-air area represents a welcome oasis of biodiversity, history, and geological points of interest, where visitors are invited to head during daytime hours without worrying about admission fees. The combination of the protection of endangered species, a leisure space, and a unique landscape exhibition creates an ideal setting for a peaceful escape into nature amidst the mountains.

A Green Miracle Beneath Rock Faces

The garden focuses long-term on the protection of calcicolous and thermophilic vegetation, which is complemented by a well-conceived arboricultural exhibition and distinctive geological elements. Over 1,200 plant taxa have taken root in this diverse environment, including such rarities as the marsh helleborine, common butterwort, and dyer's greenweed. Life in the quarry is far from ending there, however – nearly 1,100 species of butterflies find a home here, among which the Apollo butterfly plays a leading role, as Štramberk is the very only locality in the Czech Republic where this successfully reintroduced species lives. The character of the landscape is rounded off by romantic wetland ponds, natural rockeries, and a sensitively constructed limestone biotope that provides ideal conditions for orchids and diverse communities of marsh plants. While wandering through the area, visitors will also encounter a symbolic stone labyrinth reminiscent of a sunny Mediterranean landscape or a mysterious pit with Pouťová jeskyně, which is currently being explored with anticipation by speleologists.

Practical Information for Every Visitor

A walk through the main area, during which the main parts of the garden can be traversed, local fauna encountered, relaxation by the ponds enjoyed, and a stop at the labyrinth or cave made, takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half. The arboretum is excellently adapted for all generations. Families with children will appreciate the combination of nature, playful activities, and the discovery of labyrinths; school groups and naturalists will find a perfect terrain for ecology, botany, or entomology here; and individuals, couples, and seniors will enjoy a well-deserved rest in an unconventional landscape. Furthermore, fully barrier-free access and the fact that entry is also permitted for dogs on a leash will please visitors.

How to Get Here and What Awaits Visitors

The arboretum is located in the western part of Štramberk at the foot of Bílá hora, just under seven hundred metres from the historical centre. If travelling by car, parking is possible near the football pitch or the primary school, from where a short forest path will guide visitors to the entrance. In the event of using public transport, it is sufficient to alight at the train or bus stop directly in Štramberk and continue on foot following the tourist markings. Inside the area, benches inviting visitors to sit by the water's surface or rocks and the unconventional environment of a former quarry full of discoveries await visitors. Once the tour is concluded, experiences from a peaceful morning or afternoon can be rounded off in one of the local restaurants, and the diverse range of services in the surroundings of the town can be utilised.

Unique spiral-shaped structure with a view of the Beskids

The Rozhledna Bílá hora is located on the summit of Bílá hora (557 meters) near the historic town of Štramberk in the Moravskoslezský kraj. It was ceremoniously opened in 2000 and is unique for its architecture, which resembles a DNA helix. The lookout tower, designed by architect Milan Šmída, has a height of thirty-six meters and is accessed by one hundred and sixty-five steps. From the viewing platform, a circular and panoramic view is offered of the Podbeskydská pahorkatina region, the Moravskoslezské Beskydy (dominated by Lysá hora), the Oderské vrchy, and the picturesque town of Štramberk with the Štramberská trúba tower.

Access

Visitors can reach the lookout tower by car from the I/58 road leading from Štramberk. A free parking lot is available for visitors near the foot of the mountain, from where a mildly rising asphalt road about eight hundred meters long leads to the lookout tower. The most popular pedestrian access is directly from the center of Štramberk along the yellow tourist trail, which leads through the Šipka natural monument. The nearest bus stop, Štramberk, náměstí, is located approximately one and a half kilometers away. The lookout tower is open year-round.

What is worth discovering

The dominant feature of the immediate surroundings is Hrad Štramberk with the aforementioned Štramberská trúba tower. In the town of Štramberk, visitors can view historic wooden houses and taste the local specialty – Štramberské uši. South of the mountain is the Muzeum Tatra Kopřivnice, dedicated to the history of the automotive company. Nearby is also the Kamenný vrch natural monument and the Šipka cave, known for the discovery of a Neanderthal jawbone.

Gothic castle tower with a view

Štramberská Trúba is the remnant of the 13th-century Strallenberg medieval castle, the origin of which is associated with the Benešovic or Přemyslid dynasties. The 40-metre-high tower dominates the picturesque town of Štramberk, nicknamed the "Moravian Bethlehem". The tower acquired its present appearance with a characteristic wooden gallery during a reconstruction in 1903, following a design by the architect Kamil Hilbert.

Today, Trúba serves as a popular observation tower offering breathtaking views of the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountain ranges, as well as the Moravská brána. The castle grounds also function as a cultural centre. Below the tower stands Jaroňkova útulna, a folk-style wooden structure that previously served as a tourist hostel.

Access

The tower can be reached on foot from Náměstí Štramberk via a steeper paved path or steps around Jaroňkova útulna. Parking is available at the central car park below the square. The "Štramberk, nám." bus stop is within walking distance. The "Štramberk" railway station is located about 1 km from the centre.

What is worth discovering

Directly in Štramberk, visitors are recommended to taste traditional Štramberské uši, a local gingerbread specialty. Not far from the square lies the world-famous Šipka cave, where the remains of a Neanderthal child were discovered. The Botanical Garden and Arboretum in the old limestone quarry are also well worth a visit.

Štramberská Trúba is an icon of the region, combining history, architecture, and magnificent views. It represents an ideal trip destination for the entire family.