Horní Bečva: Reservoir, Hiking Trails and Winter Sports

Horní Bečva lies in the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area, at the transition between the Beskids and the Vsetín Hills. The Rožnovská Bečva rises in the cadastral area of Horní Bečva, below the summit of Vysoká (1,024 m). Kudlačena is also within the cadastral area: this natural monument is a typical example of a Beskydy *sihla*, a submontane peat meadow. The river’s source, the peat meadow and the protected area each give the landscape its own character.

By the reservoir: water and a circular trail

In summer, visitors can swim, enjoy water sports and fish at the Horní Bečva Reservoir. The shore has a grassy beach, a gently sloping sandy access to the water and a bathing jetty. As visitor facilities may change, check their condition before your visit. If you prefer walking, you can take an easy trail of just under 2 km around the reservoir.

Walks and hikes

The child-friendly, easy Kulíškova educational trail is 2.5 km long and has ten interactive stations. It starts a short distance below the Horal Hotel, by the Pod Javorem Hotel. Five themed circular walking trails follow in the footsteps of the fairy-tale goblin Špírek: Kudlačena, Přehrada, Bobišek, Kyčera and Šorstýn.

For a longer hike, an 11 km highland loop leads from Horní Bečva via Kotlová, Benešky and Polana. Another option is an approximately 3 km circular route to viewpoints above the former quarry. It includes three modern rest pavilions and views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The routes therefore vary considerably in length, from the path around the reservoir to the shorter themed and viewpoint loops, and the highland loop.

Cycling path and winter routes

The Bečva cycling path starts below the dam. It follows the Rožnovská Bečva towards Rožnov pod Radhoštěm or all the way to Valašské Meziříčí. In winter, cross-country ski trails run above the reservoir between the Rališka and Sachova studánka ski areas. The trails cross meadows and offer options for different ability levels; their availability depends on snow conditions.

The Rališka ski area can be reached via the road from Rožnov pod Radhoštěm to the Bumbálka border crossing and lies about 1.3 km to the right, above the Horní Bečva Reservoir. It has a two-seat Doppelmayr chairlift; the longest run is 650 m. As infrastructure and conditions may change, check the latest information before visiting. The run at the Mečová ski area is suitable for beginners, children and snowboarders. Operating dates and slope conditions may vary.

The ski area at Sachova studánka operates a ski bus between the central car park on the main road and the ski area. The service may be seasonal or depend on available parking capacity. Check in advance whether the ski bus will be running during your visit.

Church and historic landscape

Construction of the Church of Saints John and Paul in Horní Bečva began in 1791; it was consecrated on 23 May 1802. Another historical trace is the mountain pass between Horní Bečva and Velké Karlovice, which has traditionally been called Benešová (Beneška). A continuous strip of subservient maple woodland grew there. The church and the mountain pass reveal different aspects of the area’s history: the church’s dated construction and a landscape with a name passed down through tradition.

For the main travel overview: Vsetín District.