Anda
You’ve probably never heard of Roznov pod Radhostem. I can absolutely understand that because I felt the same way. But Roznov and the whole Moravian Wallachia in the east of the Czech Republic have so much to offer.
The small town has about 20,000 inhabitants and is located just 22 kilometers from the Slovakian border. Larger cities in the region are Ostrava and Vsetin.
Originally Rozov was a climatic health resort because of its many hours of sunshine and fresh mountain air.
This article was written for you by Phil from the travel blog JOURNICATION.
The region has a long Bohemian-Moravian tradition. Due to immigrants of Balkan-Romanian origin, this area has developed a special culture and language. It’s visible in the architecture, costumes, customs, and traditions.
How to get there – What is the best way to get to Roznov?
The best way to get there by train is via Valašské Meziříčí. The town is well connected to the rapid transit network in the Czech Republic.
Nearby airports are Ostrava and Krakow / Poland. From Ostrava it takes about 35 minutes by car, from Krakow it is about 2:40 hours. The biggest international airports are in Prague or Vienna.
By car or bus, the best route from Prague is the D1 highway. Then, continue on the E50 via Holubice.
From Vienna, the route takes the D2 freeway through Slovakia, and later the E462 expressway towards Wallachia.
The best activities in Roznov pod Radhostem
Roznov is a great destination, especially for lovers of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best activities you can do in Roznov pod Radhostem.
Hike to the top of Radhost pod Radhostem
As the name Roznov pod Radhostem in the local language suggests, Roznov is located very close to the Radhost mountain, the most visited mountain in the Czech Republic.
Many hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels lead throughout the region over the peak. It is best to check with the local tourist information which one is most likely to meet your expectations.
A convenient option is to travel by car to Pustevny. There is a large parking lot for hikers, appropriate catering, and many accommodations, such as Chata Šumná. The houses here are traditionally built of wood and are beautifully decorated. Near Pustevny, you will come to the viewpoint of Stezka Valaška with a great view of the surrounding landscape.
From Pustevny, an interesting nature trail leads up the mountain. The trail has 10 stations explaining the nature and history of the mountain and the region.
From here the climb is not too difficult.
The path leads past the stone statue of the god Radegast (Socha Radegasta) – half-man, half-animal. Legend says all wishes come true when you touch his round belt buckle.
We continue along the ridge to the top of the mountain. Here stands the wooden pilgrimage chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two missionaries from Thessaloniki. According to legend, they destroyed the Radegast statue here and erected a cross. In front of the chapel, there is a statue of the two scholars by author Albín Polášek.
From the top of Radhost, you have a great view of the whole region. In clear weather, you can even see the mountain Lysá hora, the highest of the Beskydy mountain range. It’s the last spur of the Western Carpathians, in which Radhost is also located.
Get to know the local culture in the Wallachian Open Air Museum
A special sight in Roznov is the Wallachian Open Air Museum (Valašské muzeum v přírodě). The buildings and exhibits were brought here from various parts of Moravian Wallachia. Some of them are from Roznov itself. They provide an impressive insight into the life of people living here in the past. Not only are there dwellings with original furniture and everyday objects on display, but there is also a school, a church, and even a restaurant. During the summer months, it is a great option for an authentic regional meal.
At the nearby mill canal, crafts such as blacksmithing and the work of millers are demonstrated during the warm months. The unusual historic beehives are especially worth seeing.
The museum is located directly in the large parks of Rostov. There is also a large parking lot for those arriving by car.
Visit the Jurkovičova Tower
A very special highlight is the Jurkovičova tower (Jurkovičova rozhledna). It is an approximately 30-meter-high observation tower with artistic wooden elements, opened in 2012. The tower stands on Karlově Hill above the Wallachian Open Air Museum at an altitude of 480 meters.
A well-marked, beautiful path leads here through the forest. The tower is very easily accessible from the hikers’ parking lot even without a visit to the museum. Normally the tower is open from mid-April to mid-October. The entrance fee is around 30 crowns for adults and 15 crowns for children.
Discover Moravian Wallachia by bike
The whole region is a paradise for cyclists. Well-developed bike paths make a stay in Roznov a very relaxing vacation. Especially along the Rožnovská Bečva River, beautiful paths lead to cozy neighboring towns and villages like Valašské Meziříčí.
Here you will find great opportunities to take a break and stop for a typical Moravian meal. Especially around the main square, you will find many options. Try the cozy Pivnice “U Rychlíka”, the stylish café U Zvonu or the quaint Přístav directly on the river.
Enjoy the ski resort Na Bučiskách
In Roznov pod Radhostem, winter sports fans will also get their money’s worth. In Skiareal Na Bučiskách, there are four ski jumps, 3 smaller jumps of categories K 5, K 15, and K 35, and one middle jump of K 70 category. The jumps have been renovated several times since they were first built, the last time in 2006.
There are also lifts and downhill skiing facilities in the area. In summer, the area is popular with hikers.
Relaxing with a glass of beer in Roznov pod Radhostem
The Czech Republic is famous not only for its great nature with deep forests but also for its beer. Even the city of Pilsen – the namesake of the popular variety “Pilsener” – is located in the west of the country. Radegast beer is brewed in the Nošovice brewery, so it comes from the region.
By the way, the beer tastes especially good after hiking through the forests of Radhost Mountain.
Now you know what to expect in Moravian Wallachia. Pack your bags, and off you go to Roznov pod Radhostem and its great surroundings.
Are you particularly interested in traveling in Eastern Europe and the Balkans? Read more here: Balkans Road trip – Incredibly versatile adventure.