Ostrata: History, Wood Art and Hilly Countryside

Ostrata combines gently rolling countryside with a history stretching back to the Middle Ages and cultural attractions at the RH site. Cycling routes and the Juré organic farm also add their own distinctive touches. The following topics can help you shape your visit around local history, wood art or an excursion into the surrounding area.

Countryside and Local History

Ostrata lies in gently rolling terrain at the foot of the Hostýnské and Vizovické Hills, with a stream flowing through the village. The stream was first mentioned in 1261. Ostrata itself, by contrast, was first mentioned in writing in 1391. The two dates refer to different things: 1261 to the stream, and 1391 to the village. So if you are tracing the area’s early history, do not conflate them into a single founding year.

Ostrata belonged to the Lukov estate of the Lords of Šternberk and remained part of this domain until the end of feudalism. The village seal dates from the late 18th century; the original seal was still in use in 1820. Historical monuments include a stone cross created in 1837. A village newsletter reported in 2024 that the war memorial in the local park had been repaired and restored.

A 2024 village newsletter also mentions a terrazzo cross or wayside shrine below Ostrata, in the direction of Hvozdná. Nearby is the windmill near Štípa, which is protected as a cultural and technical monument of the Czech Republic. Alongside local landmarks, these provide further named points of cultural and historical interest.

Wooden Figures and Themed Areas at the RH Site

The First Wooden ZOO at the RH site is best known for its wooden figures. The collection consists mainly of chainsaw carvings made from wood from nearly every tree species. In 2015, it opened to the public in a garden of about one hectare at the RH site. Children can pet, touch and photograph the labeled wooden animal figures. The First Wooden ZOO also has two spots where visitors can sit and have a snack.

The site includes a Pohádkoland lane with figures of a Minion, Křemílek, Bart Simpson and SpongeBob. An operator update for 2026 reports that larger dinosaurs have been added to Dinoland. Another operator update for 2026 also mentions a small clock museum at the RH site, with a separate admission fee. The site thus brings together carved animal figures, a range of themed areas and a dedicated offering devoted to clocks.

Cycling Routes and the Juré Organic Farm

Ostrata is part of cycling routes that lead from Zlín through the village to other parts of the region. As routes may change, check the course of your chosen route before setting off. The Juré organic farm can be reached from Ostrata on foot or by bicycle.

The Juré organic farm is open to the public; access is via a rustic restaurant. The farm sells organic produce, including dried fruit and a variety of fruit spreads and jams. It also has a large children’s playground. When planning your visit, you can therefore distinguish between the cycling routes and a specific destination offering products and a playground.

Discover more destinations: Kaňovice, Vizovice, Lukov U Zlína, Všemina, Slopné, Oldřichovice, Šarovy, Zádverice.

For the regional travel overview: Zlín District.