Stupava: Chřiby Forests and Glassmaking History

Stupava lies in a valley along the Stupavka River and in the heart of the Chřiby. Densely forested slopes and extensive woodlands shape the surrounding area. Stupava is also a good starting point for hiking and cycling trips and is associated with glassmaking. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can therefore choose where to stay based on different interests: the landscape, a hike to a historic destination, or the history of glassmaking.

Valley, Forests, and Nature Reserve

The Stará Hráz Nature Reserve lies about 1.5 kilometres southeast of Stupava in the Kyjovka Valley and covers 7.8 hectares. Its habitats include hornbeam-oak forests on the right-hand valley slope and ash-alder floodplain forests in the floodplain of the meandering Stupava River (Kyjovka). A floodplain is the part of a valley close to a river; here, the ash-alder floodplain forest is found, while the hornbeam-oak forest is associated with the right-hand slope. These forest communities are characteristic of the Chřiby.

The natural setting can be appreciated in several ways: in addition to the wooded slopes surrounding the town, the reserve features both a valley slope and a floodplain, as well as two types of forest. Its location southeast of the town and its area also help orient visitors to Stará Hráz. For nature enthusiasts, the reserve’s size is not the only point of reference; the distinct character of its slopes and floodplain is another.

Hiking and Cycling

Stupava is a good starting point for hiking and cycling trips. A green-marked hiking route in the area leads to the ruins of Cimburk Castle. The castle was originally Gothic and dates back to 1327. Cimburk is a specific hiking destination with historical significance: the route leads to a castle whose Gothic origins and date provide a clear historical connection.

Two different options stand out here: the route to Cimburk combines a marked trail with a historic destination, while Stará Hráz is a nature reserve characterised by its area and forest communities. You can consider whether you would prefer to base your stay around a hiking route or a natural area. Both hiking and cycling are part of what Stupava offers; Cimburk is also a specific destination for hikers.

The Stupava ski and activity area has been in operation since 2001. It is another local leisure option alongside hiking and cycling trips.

Glassmaking and Local History

Glassmaking is another important part of Stupava’s history. Local glass production at the glassworks ended after the floods of 1905. The Stupava cultural centre houses the exhibition “In the Footsteps of the Chřiby Glassmakers.” The Chřiby Glassmakers Museum in Stupava reopened in 2025 with a new exhibition. Stupava’s church is also part of the town’s history; it was completed in 1859.

These historical points of interest represent different chapters: the completion of a church, the end of local glass production, and the later reopening of the museum with a new exhibition. This allows you to explore the town’s history from different perspectives: architectural history and the glassmaking tradition are among the topics highlighted, alongside the forested landscape and local trails.

Discover more destinations: Veletiny, Uherské Hradiště, Kněžpole, Suchá Loz, Mistřice, Salaš U Velehradu, Drslavice, Horní Němčí

For the wider travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.