Discover Zlin: UNESCO Gardens, Baťa Heritage and Landscapes

In Zlin, UNESCO heritage, Baťa history and varied landscapes come together. In Kroměříž, the Archbishop’s Palace and gardens are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site; Zlín is associated with the Baťa Skyscraper and the Shoe Museum, while the White Carpathians form a cultural landscape of meadows, forests and orchards as a biosphere reserve. When choosing a hotel, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: historic gardens, museums, regional customs or activities in the landscape.

UNESCO Gardens in Kroměříž

The Archbishop’s Palace and gardens in Kroměříž make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes the 58-hectare chateau garden, with exotic trees and historic architectural features. The Květná Garden has a different design: it covers 14.5 hectares and is accessed via a 244-metre-long colonnade leading into a formal garden in the Italian style. The area and the colonnade give a clear impression of how scale and architecture shape the gardens in different ways.

Baťa History and Museums

In Zlín, the Baťa Skyscraper, known as Building 21, offers views of the surrounding area. The Shoe Museum houses the largest shoe collection in Central Europe. The museums also each have their own focus: the Museum of Southeast Moravia in Zlín includes the Baťa exhibition; the Slovácké Museum in Uherské Hradiště presents the traditions and customs of Slovácko. This lets you choose between architecture, shoe history and regional customs when planning your cultural activities.

Cultural Landscape and Outdoor Activities

The White Carpathians Biosphere Reserve is a cultural landscape in a mid-mountain range. It includes 4,000 hectares of species-rich orchid meadows, as well as deciduous forests, orchards and individual fruit trees. Orchids and other rare plants grow in the meadows; the orchards preserve old and local fruit varieties. Hiking and cycling are also popular in the Beskids, the Hostýn Mountains and the Vizovice Mountains.

As of 19 May 2026, the marked hiking trail network in the Zlín Region covers around 2,500 kilometres and is linked to cycling, cross-country skiing and pilgrimage routes. For a specific trip, it is a good idea to check current trail information, as infrastructure can change over time. Regional pilgrimage routes connect, among other places, Velehrad and Svatý Hostýn. Boat trips are offered on the Baťa Canal, which also has a major cycle route running alongside it. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore: a trip on the water or a cycling route.

Traditions and Regional Cuisine

The UNESCO-listed Ride of the Kings tradition takes place regularly in Vlčnov, Kunovice and Hluk. Dates vary; if you are planning your trip around it, check the event dates for your intended travel period. Culinary traditions reveal another side of the region: Vizovice is associated with plum brandy, while dried plums and plum jam feature in South Wallachia. Regional specialities also include frgály and kyselica; Wallachian frgály are available with fillings such as pear jam or quark. Baking classes offer a hands-on culinary experience.

The wine culture of Slovácko and the historic Archbishop’s cellars in Kroměříž are also part of the region’s heritage. When looking for a hotel, use your itinerary as a guide to comparing locations: which sights and activities do you want to shape your days? Whether you are planning to visit gardens and museums, attend events and try regional cuisine, or go hiking and cycling, choose a location based on the destinations that matter to you on this trip.

Discover more destinations: Zlín District, Vsetín District, Kroměříž District, Uherské Hradiště District, Jihlava, Central Bohemia, South Moravia, Pardubice.

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