Malá Bystřice: Landscape, nature trails and Wallachian heritage

Malá Bystřice lies in a Wallachian landscape of forests, mountain pastures, homes and holiday settlements. The hills and peaks around the municipality offer views of the surrounding countryside. The Bystřička stream is also part of the town’s history: it flows through the valley and gave the municipality its name.

At 620 m, Mount Santov is a popular tourist destination and is celebrated in the Wallachian folk song “Na Santově kopec, roste tam jalovec” (“On Santov Hill, a juniper grows there”). Santov is also a district of Malá Bystřice. A popular destination for cyclists and walkers, it offers views of the countryside, a family-run inn and a listed timber Wallachian bell tower.

Nature Trails and Rock Formations

The Baťova nature trail is approximately 20 km long and has 18 stops. These introduce visitors to natural features of this part of the Vsacko region. The trail runs from Cábské jezírko to a bus stop in Malá Bystřice, where three information boards supplement the route. The length is approximate, and the route and number of stops may change.

Another natural feature is the Svantovítovy skály, located along the Klenov nature trail. This protected rock formation is a sandstone outcrop up to 12 m high. Its three named sections are Ploutev, Svatka and Svatoušek. The combination of a geological attraction and a nature trail gives the rock formation a special place among the municipality’s natural attractions.

There is also a swing on a hill in Santov, a leisure stop offering views of the surrounding countryside. Check its condition before your visit. From the U Kočíbů bus stop in Malá Bystřice, an uphill walk of about 1.7 km leads to Hospoda Santov. Walking distance and trail conditions may change; check them before making plans.

Wallachian Culture and Crafts

The listed timber bell tower in Santov connects the district with Wallachian heritage. Historical local crafts in Malá Bystřice included making wooden utensils, shingles, pocketknives, brooms and bread troughs. This craft tradition is part of the town’s history; it does not indicate current production or workshops.

A 2023 municipal newsletter describes the Ovčácké slavnosti as a traditional festival held in a meadow by Hospoda Santov. The description mentions Wallachian folklore, demonstrations of traditional crafts and tastings of local food. Dates and programs may change. If you plan your trip around the festival, check the announced dates and program details in advance.

This can help you choose a destination based on the topics that interest you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Študlov, Huslenky, Branky, Pustevny, Ratiboř U Vsetína, Ústí U Vsetína, Janová, Leskovec.

Back to the main travel overview: Vsetín District.