Rožnov pod Radhoštěm

The air is crisp and clean and it smells of wood in the city lying in the valley of the Bečva River, at the foot of the mythical mountain of Radhošť. At the heart of Rožnov, there is the renowned open-air museum where you can go back in time. You will see how people lived, ate, drank and worked in the 19th century there. You can climb up the lookout tower that looks like a gingerbread house, walk in the footsteps of the former climatic spa, or do some sports. Visiting Radhošť is a must: it is where the pagan and Christian cultures meet, and it is only up to you to decide which you prefer: the two missionaries or the pagan god?

Wallachian Open-air Museum - Get carried away by the past

The largest and oldest open-air museum in Central Europe is a national cultural monument with more than 100 original buildings. It has several parts. The wooden town represents a small rural development at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries where you can learn about housing, crafts, authorities, the Church and the climatic spa. The Wallachian village resembles a true village with farmsteads, a windmill, a blacksmith’s shop, wells and gardens. The Mill Valley presents functional technical structures, where you can see how cloth fabric is felted, cereals are milled, boards are cut, oil is pressed or how iron is processed. The Valley includes the Wallachian Pantheon, an honourable cemetery that pays honours to prominent natives of the region. It is where Emil Zátopek, a famous Czech athlete and four times Olympic winner, is buried.

Jurkovič Observation Tower - A gingerbread house with an awesome view

The observation tower above the city was built based on the original, more than one-hundred year old drawings by famous architect Dušan Jurkovič. The tower, made of stone and wood with four gables, a ball top and typical folk decorations, looks like a gingerbread house. All the blacksmith’s, tinsmith’s and most of the carpenter’s work including details is handmade using old techniques no longer practised today. The observation tower will definitely enchant you: it is, unofficially, the most beautiful lookout tower in Moravia. The view from the observation deck at the height of 19 metres is beautiful.

Radhošť and Pustevny - The symbol of Radhošť has the body of a man and a lion’s face

Attractive Pustevny are beautiful in every season. You can hike up, take a chairlift, come up on running skis, or on a bike. There are two lovely lodges, Maměnka and Libušín, designed by Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič in the folk art nouveau style towards the end of the 19th century. The buildings are complemented with a hundred-year-old wooden bell tower. In 2014, Libušín was destroyed by fire and public fundraising for its reconstruction is now underway. Mythical Radhošť is the best-known mountain in Beskydy with awesome views. It is connected to worshipping Radegast, a pagan god that allegedly lived there. The legend says that his idol at the top of the mountain was destroyed by the missionaries Constantine and Methodius in the 9th century. Today, there are statues of both saints at the top of the mountain welcoming visitors, and also a statue of Radegast with the body of a man and a lion’s face, turned the other way. However, it is Radegast that is the symbol of Radhošť. From Radhošť, it is a pleasant stroll from Pustevny; the trail is 4 kilometres long and you can enjoy beautiful views of the countryside.

Rožnov Spa - Also visited by the founders of psychoanalysis and genetics

Towards the end of the 18th century, a local physician noticed the favourable climate in Rožnov and its surroundings and sent four patients there to breathe in some fresh air. The result was great; soon after a climatic spa was founded in the city. In the beginning, the therapy included sheep’s whey and walks, and it was later expanded with baths and electrotherapy. The spa was very popular at the beginning of the 20th century when it provided therapy to patients with diseases related to the breathing apparatus, lungs and the heart. Clients came from all over the world, including the famous founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, and Gregor Johann Mendel, the founder of genetics. The spa flourished until WWII, and the only reminder of its history is now the spa house in the park, healthy climate and beautiful countryside. Although, there is now a beer spa following this tradition in the city.

Sport Opportunities in Rožnov - A city made for sports

With its hilly terrain, Rožnov is made for active sports. There are many ski slopes of various difficulty levels in the surroundings. And if you do not like downhill skiing, you can try running on skis: there are a lot of cross-country skiing trails available there. Or you can put on skates. There is a modern skate park that will satisfy both amateurs and professionals alike. Other options include tennis, badminton and golf. Cyclists and Nordic walking fans can also enjoy Rožnov. If you want some adrenalin, visit the local rope park, or try some paragliding. To experience popular as well as lesser known sports, come to Rožnov for the special event, Rozhýbejme Rožnov (Get Rožnov Moving).

Tips for Trips around Rožnov pod Radhoštěm

In Kopřivnice, there is a museum of Tatra automobiles, which used to be famous all over the world. The monumental castle and world-renowned composer Leoš Janáček are reasons to visit Hukvaldy. In Starý Jičín, you can see the ruins of Jičín Castle, and many monuments all over the town, including a pillory. Vizovice is famous for its chateau and fruit spirits, led by the Rudolf Jelínek plum brandy. The industrial architecture of Ostrava with its mining towers, furnaces and the skyline of the Vítkovice Ironworks is an unforgettable experience, seen both from the ground and the sky.