Janová: Valleys, Hiking Trails and Local History

Janová combines distinctive landscapes with a rich local history. Marked hiking trails, historic buildings and traditional handicrafts offer different perspectives on the town. If you are looking for a hotel in Janová, they provide a starting point for deciding how to shape your stay: would you prefer to focus on the landscape and outdoor activities, or on the town’s history?

Landscape between valley and ridge

A considerable part of Janová’s cadastral area lies within the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. The landscape alternates between pastures and woodland, as well as long, narrow valleys and ridge sections with far-reaching views of the surrounding area. The Janovský potok flows through much of the built-up area and joins the Vsetínská Bečva in the town centre. In this way, the stream running through the built-up area and the expansive views from the ridge sections come together in different ways in the local landscape.

Hiking trails with different destinations

Two yellow-marked trails offer different experiences. The trail from the Hořansko valley leads through the forest to Vsetín; along the way, there are occasional views of the Janová–Hořansko and Vsetín–Jasenice valleys. Another route leads from Janová to the group of old Wallachian wooden houses at U Karolů, about three kilometres away. Along this trail, there are uninterrupted views of the Vsetínské vrchy ridge and the Javorníky border mountains. When choosing between the two routes, the destination and views are the clearest differences: Vsetín is the destination of the forest trail, which offers occasional valley views, while the trail to U Karolů gives an approximate distance and uninterrupted views of the two mountain ranges.

Buildings and crafts in local history

The buildings provide tangible milestones in the town’s history. The cemetery chapel was built in 1890, and the old bell tower dates from 1891. The new bell tower was built in 1994; its bell was purchased with money raised from Janová residents. One detail of the chapel came later: the carved entrance was completed in 2002, based on the original design by master builder Michal Urbánek. The monument erected in 1938 commemorates 27 local men who fell on the battlefields of the First World War. Together, the chapel, bell towers and monument represent different histories of construction and remembrance in the town.

The history of local crafts is also part of the story: in the 19th century, Janová was known for making Houně wool blankets and high cloth slippers. This takes the story beyond the buildings, to the products with which the town was historically associated. Visitors interested in Janová can therefore find both tangible dates connected with individual buildings and another way of discovering the town through its former local industries.

Travel focus and how to get there

When looking for a hotel in Janová, use the focus of your trip as a starting point: the hiking trails and views are all about landscape and outdoor activities, while the bell towers, chapel, monument and traditional crafts tell the story of the town. Mountain biking is another activity available in Janová.

Janová is the second stop on railway line 282 between Vsetín and Velké Karlovice. Check the current timetable when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Mikulůvka, Růžďka, Ústí U Vsetína, Valašská Polanka, Francova Lhota, Lešná, Oznice, Huslenky

See the wider travel overview: Vsetín District.