Where to go on a trip Slovácko

A flooded mining pit transformed into a natural oasis on the outskirts of Prague

The water area is located in the Praha-Zličín district, in close proximity to modern residential developments. It was formed by the flooding of a former clay pit (a clay mining pit) that belonged to a local brickyard operating in the first half of the 20th century. Originally, raw materials for brick and chamotte production were extracted here, and after mining operations ceased, the pit gradually filled with water from springs and precipitation.

Today, following extensive revitalisation, the lake serves as a significant landscape-forming element and is primarily used for recreation and walks. The site is also a popular fishing ground (non-trout) where fishing is permitted with a valid permit. Water from the reservoir also serves to supply the restored Řepský potok, which flows out of the lake. Swimming is not officially permitted here, and the water serves primarily for the ecosystem.

Access

The lake is easily accessible by public transport, located within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) from the terminus station of the metro line B – Zličín. For motorists, it is best to use the high-capacity car parks of the shopping centres in Zličín (e.g., Metropole Zličín), from where a footpath leads to the water. There is no official car park directly at the reservoir.

Points of Interest

In the immediate vicinity of the lake, the new Park Na Prameništi has been built, offering relaxation zones, play elements for children, and footbridges over wetlands. Just a short distance away is the bustling Zličín shopping zone with numerous shops and services. For transport history enthusiasts, the nearby Pražský Semmering is of interest – a railway line with viaducts in Hlubočepy (accessible by train from Zličín). A walk to the Hliník lake offers surprising peace and a piece of nature in contrast to the surrounding urban development. It is an ideal place for a short escape from the bustle of the big city combined with watching the water surface.

Refreshment in clear water amidst the gravel pits of Ostrožská Nová Ves

This natural swimming area is located in the municipality of Ostrožská Nová Ves in the Zlín Region, right in the heart of Moravian Slovácko. The complex was created on the site of a mined gravel pit and is known for its high water quality, which is ensured by natural filtration through the sandy subsoil. In addition to swimming, the location also offers extensive facilities for sports and camping in a natural environment. The entire complex is set in a landscape with views of the surrounding ridges of the Bílé Karpaty and the Chřiby mountains. For every visitor, this location represents a functional stop for summer relaxation combined with discovering the traditions of the region.

What can be found here?

The main attraction is the sandy and grassy beaches that line the shores of the lake. The water surface offers space for swimming and water sports, with a rental shop for paddle boats and small boats available. The complex includes sports fields for beach volleyball, football tennis, and an area for water attractions and seasonal sports features. For children, slides, playgrounds, and play features are prepared directly on the beach. Catering is provided by several buffets and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. The complex also features a campsite that allows accommodation in cabins or in visitors' own tents and caravans.

Who is the place suitable for?

Thanks to the gradual entry into the water and the play features, the complex is ideal for families with children. The location is frequently sought after by athletes and young people due to the range of sports fields and water activities. The swimming area is also suitable for cyclists passing through along routes leading across Slovácko. Given the quiet environment and clean water, the location is also popular among seniors. For everyone looking for a combination of natural swimming and comprehensive services, Albatros offers corresponding conditions.

What can be visited in the surroundings?

Within close reach is the Letecké muzeum Kunovice, which offers tours of historical aircraft. Visitors may also tour the royal town of Uherské Hradiště with its monuments and exhibitions of the Slovácké muzeum. Approximately 15 kilometres away lies the Baroque Zámek Buchlovice with its well-known castle garden. For lovers of views, the Maják lookout tower in the municipality of Staré Mesto is available. An interesting destination is also Buchlov Castle, which dominates the surrounding landscape of the Chřiby mountain range.

In the beautiful Moravian town of Luhačovice, you will find the fourth-largest spa in the Czech Republic – Lázně Luhačovice. The town is located in the Zlín district, in the Zlínský kraj. Like all spa towns, it owes its fame to natural mineral springs, of which a total of 6 flow in Luhačovice. In addition to these, there are dozens of artificially drilled ones. Certainly, the most famous spring that flows in the local colonnade is Vincentka. It is of marine origin and has a whole range of healing effects.

And how did Vincentka actually originate? In 1590, when the town was acquired by the Bartodějský z Bartoděj family, the Bublavý pramen flowed here, now known as Amandka. It was not until about a hundred years later that the prominent Czech physicist and physician Jan Ferdinand Hertod z Todtenfeldu issued a written declaration on the chemical composition of the local water and its significant healing effects. In 1972, the name Vincentka appeared for the first time. Not only in spa treatment but also in ordinary households, Vincentka is used for inhalation and drinking cures in the treatment of respiratory tract issues, vocal cords, or stomach problems.

The founding of Lázně Luhačovice is attributed to the noble Serényi family. It was the then-count Vincent who, at the end of the 18th century, had the first medical and accommodation facilities built, which were subsequently further expanded by count Jan in the first half of the 19th century. It was he who gave names to all the then-known springs after the members of his family.

Lázně Luhačovice are among the top and globally recognised spa centres. They primarily treat respiratory diseases, and they also achieve very good results in the treatment of childhood asthma. Sinusitis, chronic and allergic rhinitis, as well as convalescence after chest surgery – they are prepared to help you with everything here. The local healing springs, in combination with climatotherapy, rehabilitation, and other modern medical methods, contribute step by step to your healing and the removal of all ailments.

The spa operators strive to enrich longer treatment programmes throughout the year. You may visit various cultural performances by leading Czech artists and singers or go dancing to live music. Sports activities such as bowling, squash, a tennis court, or a fitness centre are also at your disposal. Subsequently, you may relax in one of the swimming pools.

And if you wish to venture beyond the spa gates and discover the town and its surroundings from a different perspective, we have several tips for you. You should certainly not miss a walk to the Luhačovická přehrada. Nordic walking has become very popular, especially recently, so you will encounter groups of enthusiastic athletes of all age categories.

If you prefer historical monuments, the zámek Luhačovice is ideal for you. The original Baroque noble palace is now partly the seat of a local art school, and the remaining part is inhabited by descendants of the original owners. Or you may just set off into the town, wander through the well-maintained colonnades, picturesque streets, and beautiful parks. Everyone will find something they enjoy in Luhačovice.

Has our story caught your interest? Do you have someone in your family who constantly struggles with respiratory tract inflammation? Why not set off for a stay in Luhačovice? Choose a date, plan your activities, and you may set off. We will be happy to help you select suitable accommodation near Lázně Luhačovice on our portal, or you may use our search agent, which will make your search easier.

Do you know which attraction in Moravia is among the most visited? It is ZOO Zlín, sometimes also referred to as ZOO Lešná due to the Zámek Lešná of the same name, which is part of the garden. It is visited by more than 600,000 people annually. It is located about 10 kilometres from Zlín.

The original garden was founded by Tomáš Baťa as early as 1930 and has undergone several renovations and expansions in the following years. At present, it keeps over 200 species of animals. ZOO Zlín is the only one in the Czech Republic that can boast the breeding of the kiwi bird. A botanical garden is also part of the premises. Visitors also have the opportunity to enter the emu ostrich and kangaroo exhibit directly.

ZOO Zlín is divided into several sections according to continents. In the section called Afrika, very popular animals dominate, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, or lions. The Etiopie exhibit, with its typical African village and smaller African animals such as storks, cranes, baboons, or meerkats, is also part of it. The ingenious design down to the smallest detail will give visitors the feeling of having been truly transported to Africa.

Another represented continent is Asia. Here, visitors may encounter the Hala - Bala exhibit, named after the reserves in southern Thailand. Malayan tapirs or gibbons, as well as pelicans or geese, can be found here. In other enclosures of the Asian section, visitors will see pandas, tigers, bears, or gaurs. The Mu - Shin garden, which is the largest Japanese garden in the Czech Republic, or a Buddhist corner with a statue of Buddha and other artefacts, is also part of the exhibit.

In the Austrálie section, the aforementioned kiwi bird and several other aviaries with Australian birds can be found. There is also a walk-through kangaroo and emu exhibit called Stezka běžce Emu. ZOO Zlín is the only European zoo that also breeds New Guinea singing dogs.

And then, visitors move on to America. Interesting animal species are represented here as well. Would you like to see an anteater, colourful macaws, or capybaras? Are you interested in what a squirrel monkey, saki, or curassow looks like? This section will fulfil all your wishes and answer all your questions. A popular exhibit is also the pool with sea lions, which can be observed even underwater. Various species of cacti can be admired in the Mexiko exhibit.

ZOO Zlín is also significant in terms of nature conservation and the rescue of endangered animal species. Thanks to its activities, more than a dozen vultures bred here have been released into the wild. From contributions from visitors, the zoo also supports the protection of white rhinoceroses or white-bellied herons.

The zoological garden includes a large number of refreshments, souvenir shops, and the necessary sanitary facilities. During the visit, it is recommended not to miss Zámek Lešná from the end of the 18th century, which will certainly enchant visitors with its fairytale appearance. And once all the exhibits that ZOO Zlín offers have been explored, visitors are invited to head out for a tour of the city itself. Surely, something captivating will be found there as well.

However, not only Zlín itself, but the entire Zlínsko region is ideal for spending free time or a holiday throughout the year. It is important to find suitable accommodation near ZOO Zlín, or in the wider surroundings, and take the right group of people on the trip. Východní Morava truly offers many places worth visiting. Using our search agent, a cosy guesthouse or a comfortable hotel, a cottage in seclusion, or private accommodation can be found in the Zlínsko region. It is entirely up to you. And then, nothing stands in the way of setting off towards new adventures.

Visit a place with a tradition spanning more than a century, where the history of thoroughbred breeding was written.

Hřebčín Napajedla is located in the town of the same name, Napajedla, in the Zlínský kraj (Zlín Region). It was founded in 1886 by Aristid Baltazzi and to this day remains one of the most significant centres for racehorse breeding in Central Europe. The stud farm complex is known for its characteristic brick architecture with white decorative elements, surrounded by extensive pastures. This place is deeply connected with the tradition of breeding horses that have achieved and continue to achieve success in prestigious races both at home and abroad.

What Can Be Found Here

Within the stud farm complex, visitors can admire historical stables used for housing breeding mares and stallions. During the season, mothers with foals graze in the adjacent pastures, creating a peaceful and picturesque scenery. The stud farm also includes an indoor riding arena and spaces used for horse training. Visitors can view the exteriors of the buildings, which are heritage-listed and document the high standard of agricultural architecture from the late 19th century. As part of organised tours, visitors learn fascinating facts about the history of breeding and the successes of the local progeny.

Who Is the Location Suitable For?

The location is an excellent choice for lovers of horses, nature, and historical architecture. Families with children will enjoy the sight of animals in their natural environment and the peaceful atmosphere of the complex. The site will also appeal to photographers and those interested in regional history who are looking for authentic monuments of the Moravian countryside. Thanks to the flat terrain, the complex is also accessible to senior citizens and persons with reduced mobility. It is believed that a visit to this traditional stud farm will be a rewarding experience for visitors.

What Can Be Visited in the Surroundings?

Right in the town of Napajedla, visitors can explore the Baroque Zámek Napajedla (Napajedla Chateau) or the town museum with an exhibition on the town's history. Just a few kilometres away lies the Pahrbek recreational area by the oxbow lake of the Morava River, ideal for walking or cycling. Lovers of footwear and modern architecture should not miss a visit to the nearby city of Zlín with Baťa's Skyscraper and the footwear museum. From there, it is only a short distance to the ZOO Lešná zoological garden, which ranks among the most beautiful in the Czech Republic.

Rozhledna Kraví hora near Bořetice is set in a picturesque landscape interwoven with countless cycle paths and vineyards. It is therefore no little wonder that it ranks among the most popular destinations for people who love sports and high-quality Moravian wine. An interesting feature is also the fact that the Olbramy hill, upon which it towers, is in the immediate vicinity of the whimsical Svobodná spolková republika Kraví hora. Consequently, for those with a sense of humour, this micro-territory can be explored from a bird's-eye view and subsequently visited in person.

The lookout tower was built in 2006 on a hill with an elevation of 272 metres above sea level, which means that even though the platform stands at a mere 12 metres, visitors will enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside. Bringing a camera along on the way up is certainly recommended, as Pálava and the Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs will lie directly opposite, naturally inviting nature photography. Furthermore, a smaller chapel decorated with folk Slovácko motifs stands at the base of the viewpoint.

A further point of interest is that the initial impulse for the construction of the lookout tower was a victory in the 2005 Village of the Year competition. When travelling towards it, by following the yellow tourist trail, visitors will pass wine cellars that might tempt them to taste some of the local produce. However, if advice may be offered, this activity is best postponed, as reaching the viewing platform requires climbing 65 steps, a feat that might prove somewhat challenging after a glass or two.

This tourist destination can be reached both from Bořetice and from nearby municipalities such as Vrbice and Němčičky. This makes it easy to secure comfortable accommodation near the Rozhledna Kraví hora away from the unpleasant bustle of the town. Countless wine guesthouses, suitable for celebrations and weddings alike, or private lodgings await visitors in the surrounding area. Afterwards, quality relaxation can be pursued by heading to the nearby Arboretum Němčičky, which is likewise well worth a visit. Visitors are invited to tune in to new experiences and come and enjoy their well-deserved leisure time here.

Přírodní park Niva Dyje, as the name suggests, is a protected area situated between the main course of the Dyje river and its tributary, the Včelinek, bordered by the towns of Břeclav, Lednice, Podivín, and Ladná. At the same time, it forms the eastern boundary of the well-known Lednicko-Valtický areál, and the castle park in Lednice also lies within its territory. Among other things, it is part of the NATURA 2000 network and is protected under the Ramsar Convention on the protection of wetlands. The reason for the declaration of the nature park in 2002 was the protection of the floodplain forest ecosystem.

The park is situated at an altitude between 160 and 165 metres above sea level. From a geomorphological perspective, it is incorporated into the Dolnomoravský úval, a sub-unit of the Dyjsko-moravská niva. The entire park consists of river deposits, continuous layers of gravel-sand, flood loams, and sand dunes, known as "hrúdy". The area of the nature park is 1,300 ha. Many species of animals and plants live in symbiosis within this area.

Přírodní park Niva Dyje is a pleasant place for romantic walks. Cycling is also widely practised here. Active tourists as well as those less fit take advantage of the almost flat terrain and are able to cover several tens of kilometres in a day. From the park, it is just a stone's throw to significant sites of the Lednicko-Valtický areál. It is possible to choose from several circuits according to one's time and physical fitness.

A pleasant circuit with a length of approx. 27 km, which is also suitable for bicycle trailers, can be started right in Přírodní park Niva Dyje. Via a turn-off to Břeclav, one passes gradually around historical gems. First, the Apollonův chrám chateau by the Mlýnský rybník awaits, followed by the Chrám Tří grácií, which was built as a summer house for the nobility. Continuing further to the western bank of the Hlohovecký rybník, one reaches the Hraniční zámeček, originally a summer residence of the Lichtenštejn family. From there, passing around the northern shore of the pond, one arrives at the Rybniční zámeček.

Subsequently, via a larger circuit around the northern shore of the Mlýnský rybník, one arrives at Janův hrad, which is an artificial castle ruin built between 1801 and 1808. The castle is accessible to the public, and refreshments are available in its immediate vicinity. It is therefore an ideal stop for refreshments. It is only a stone's throw from there back to the starting point in Přírodní park Niva Dyje.

Due to the number of significant historical monuments and various natural beauties, thousands of tourists from both the Czech Republic and abroad head here annually. They are well prepared for them here in the Břeclav region. In addition to many wine cellars and restaurants, there are a number of cosy cottages and cabins, apartments, or guesthouses available. A great advantage is also private accommodation, where there is a high probability that local hosts will share their "secret" tips for trips with you. In any case, accommodation in the vicinity of Přírodní park Niva Dyje is a guarantee of quality services, Moravian hospitality, and warm-hearted people who will do everything to ensure your stay here is unforgettable.

Natural monument with fossil findings in the Zlín Region

Kurovický lom, situated in the Zlín Region, is a former limestone quarry covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, which is now protected as a natural monument. The quarry is significant for its geological and paleontological findings, particularly for its unique examples of Jurassic sediments and the abundant occurrence of marine animal fossils. A smaller body of water has also formed here, serving as an important biotope for amphibians and dragonflies. The site is important for scientific research and education.

Access

Kurovický lom is located south of the village of Kurovice. Access by car is possible directly to the edge of the quarry via a local road, with limited-capacity free parking available. The nearest bus stop, Kurovice, is approximately 1 km away on foot. The nearest railway station, Hulín (line 330), is about 5 km away. Access to the quarry viewpoint is year-round and unrestricted, although entry into the quarry itself is limited for safety reasons.

What to see

In the immediate vicinity of Kurovický lom, visitors may explore the historic town of Kroměříž with the Arcibiskupský zámek and the extensive Květná zahrada and Podzámecká zahrada, which are on the UNESCO list. It is also possible to visit the town of Holešov with Zámek Holešov and a popular rope centre. Another point of interest is the Rozhledna Hostýn near the village of Bystřice pod Hostýnem, which offers a panoramic view of the Hostýnské vrchy.

Ski centre directly in the town for beginners and families

Svah Zlín, also known as the J. Šperky area, is located directly in the centre of the town of Zlín at the address Nám. T. G. Masaryka 5144, in the area behind the Dům umění. It offers simple yet modernly equipped winter activities, primarily for local residents, children, and beginner skiers, with good accessibility and an urban character.

The area is features one main ski slope approximately 250 metres in length with a vertical drop of approximately 46 metres. For the youngest visitors, two Sun Kid conveyor belts are available, with lengths of approximately 52 metres and 102 metres. The area is equipped with an artificial snowmaking system and night lighting, which allows for evening skiing. The facility also includes a ski school, equipment rental, professional service (e.g., Montana), and refreshment facilities, including the Igloo bar. In the snowpark, obstacles such as boxes, rainbow, rails, and barrel jumps can be found.

How to get there

Svah Zlín is situated directly in the town's built-up area, roughly 100 metres behind the Dům umění in the Barabáš locality. Access by car is possible via local roads from náměstí T. G. Masaryka towards the area. Parking is provided in the immediate vicinity. Public transport is convenient: the area is accessible by public transport directly from Zlín, and there are connections from the town centre, including a school ski bus; the distance from the Zlín railway station is approximately 1 km.

What you can discover in the surroundings

In the surroundings of Svah Zlín, several options for trips and exploring the region are available. Pedestrians can use the green tourist trails that lead from the town centre towards the higher elevations in the vicinity (e.g., towards Barabáš or the adjacent forest areas). Other options include tours of the architecture of Zlín (e.g., Baťovy objekty, vila T. G. Masaryka), walks along the Dřevnice river, or trips to well-known places in the surrounding nature.

This slope thus represents a comfortable and accessible choice for winter sports directly in the town, ideal for beginners, families, and school groups.