Valašská Polanka: Hiking Trails, Landscapes and Traditions

Valašská Polanka lies in the valley of the Senice River. The landscape can be described with reference to several named areas: the western part of the cadastral area lies at the foot of the Vizovické vrchy; the right bank of the Senice belongs to the Javorníky and the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. A road and a railway line connecting Moravia with Slovakia also pass through Valašská Polanka.

Hiking Trails, Views and Cycling Routes

Marked hiking trails from Valašská Polanka lead to the ridges of the Vizovické vrchy and eastward to the border ridge of the Javorníky. The area is suitable for easy hikes, mountain biking and cross-country skiing in winter. These are different activities; however, the specific trails vary in route and character.

An approximately 2 km walk to the swing at Sulačov can start at the Church of St John the Baptist. The route is unmarked and not suitable for strollers. Sulačov offers views across the Senice valley toward Vsetín, as well as of the Javorníky and the Vizovické vrchy; the extent of the view depends on the weather.

The 7 km Vartovna educational trail has seven stops and introduces visitors to places of interest and the history of Seninka, Valašská Polanka and other places along the route. Another route recommendation goes from Valašská Polanka to the Huzules and back. A description dated 29 August 2024 recommends this route for hiking, cycling and mountain biking in challenging mountain terrain. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

For cycling, the BEVLAVA cycle path starts in Valašská Polanka and follows the Senice toward Prlov. Signage and conditions can also change along this route. If you plan to ride it, check the current wayfinding in advance.

Churches, Crosses and Local History

The Church of St John the Baptist was consecrated in 1778. The Hody in Valašská Polanka also commemorate this event. The church contains a small bell from 1720, known as the “umíráček”. It probably once belonged to a bell tower marked on old maps of Polanka. In front of the church stands a stone cross from 1779 bearing the coat of arms of the Illésházy counts. It is listed as a cultural monument; its restoration was completed in 2000.

A wooden cross erected in 1948 stands above the railway station. At the turn of the century, the children of the Pasekaren couple Mikušek had the cross restored in their memory. Two other enduring landmarks in local history are the memorials to the fallen: the memorial to those who fell in the First World War dates from 1934, and the one for those who fell in the Second World War from 1947.

Folk culture also extends beyond the village: residents of Valašská Polanka and Lužná presented the tradition of the Valašská svatba at ethnographic exhibitions in Vsetín in 1892 and Prague in 1895. The tradition of the “starovalašská dožatá” is still alive in Valašská Polanka.

Traditions and Dates Throughout the Year

Hody traditionally takes place every year on the third weekend in October. It commemorates the consecration of the local church in 1778; the exact program dates may vary from year to year. The parish pilgrimage is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 24 June, so its calendar date changes every year.

Pochod okolo Polanky is a traditional summer hiking day held on 5 July. It passes through Valašská Polanka and the surrounding area, offering beautiful views and several refreshment stops. The date and route details may vary from year to year. At recurring events, meat specialties are sold at the local fire station.

Nature and a Place to Stop

One natural feature in the nearby area is the preserved wetland ecosystem at Neratov Pond. Rare and specially protected aquatic invertebrates and amphibians live there. Valašská Polanka also has a local coffee roastery where visitors can stop for a coffee. If you plan to make this a definite stop, check in advance whether it is currently open to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Valasska Bystrice, Lačnov, Střítež Nad Bečvou, Huslenky, Valašská Senice, Jarcová, Police, Karolinka.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Vsetín.