Discover Hovězí: Trails, History and Culture

Hovězí lies in a valley formed by the Vsetínská Bečva and its tributaries, the Hořanský and Hovízský streams. Filka rises to 769 m south of the village. Marked trails, historic buildings and cultural events offer a range of things to explore. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Hovězí, you can first consider whether hiking, cycling, local history or events should be your priority.

Landscape and trails

Marked trails from Hovězí are available for hiking, cycling and, in winter, cross-country skiing. One specifically described hike begins at Hovězí railway station and follows a yellow-marked route to Filka. It is 5.5 km long and involves a 340 m ascent. The distance and elevation gain offer two points of reference for planning your own outing. Check the signs and trail conditions locally before setting out.

A 51 km cycling route passes through Vsetín, Ústí, Hovězí, Huslenky, Halenkov, Nový Hrozenkov, Karolinka, Velké Karlovice, Miloňov, Třeštík, Bařiny and Martinák. The Vsetínská Bečva section runs mostly along a cycle path closed to motor traffic. The approximately 30 km stretch between Vsetín and Velké Karlovice is also suitable for inline skating. These different route distances and activities give you useful options for planning, while helping you distinguish a full route from a short outing around a single place.

Architectural history and sculptures

The church in Hovězí was built in 1734 as a new masonry structure with a wooden tower, replacing an older wooden church. In 1891, the wooden tower, which had become unstable from the ringing of the bells, was replaced with a masonry one. Next to the church stands a Baroque stone cross dating from 1792. A statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from 1776, stands in the village square.

Another religious sculptural group is the Calvary group, featuring depictions of the Virgin Mary and Saint John. It was moved from Olomouc to Hovězí in 1858. The buildings and sculptures offer several points of historical interest: the church tower’s transformation, the Baroque cross beside it and the statue in the village square. The Calvary group adds to this local history a work that came to Hovězí from Olomouc.

Culture and local attractions

Cultural events include a brass band show, a regional theatre showcase and a two-day showcase featuring ensembles from across Horní Vsacko. The events range from music and theatre to a programme featuring ensembles from the whole region. A masked procession with a bear is also part of local tradition; it concludes a firefighters’ ball with the ceremonial burial of the bass.

The Kateřinský jarmark combines market stalls, a traditional pig slaughter, food, the traditional figures of Lucky and the Devil, a cultural programme and demonstrations of folk crafts. Wine and slivovitz tastings are also among the attractions for visitors. On the Bečva Bevlava Bečva route, refreshments are available in Hovězí at the weir near Koliba. Check whether this offer is available before visiting, and check event dates before your trip as well.

Discover more destinations: Střelná, Kelč, Pustevny, Študlov, Branky, Malá Bystřice, Vigantice, Police

For the overview of the wider region: Okres Vsetín.