Valašské Meziříčí: Castles, Museums and Observatory

For a stay combining culture, history and time outdoors, Valašské Meziříčí offers a range of attractions that are easy to explore individually. The cityscape is shaped by the large Baroque “Zámek Žerotínů” castle in the centre. Other highlights include an interactive exhibition on the history of the landscape at “Zámek Kinských” castle, a museum devoted to the butchery trade and programmes at the observatory. You can choose what to see based on whether you are interested in historic interiors, regional nature, craftsmanship or the night sky.

Castle History and Culture in the Centre

The founding of “Zámek Žerotínů” is dated to 1538. The south wing houses the Muzejní a galerijní centrum, with a historical exhibition. The castle courtyard is laid out as a French park, and the castle complex also serves as a cultural centre for the city, offering a varied programme throughout the year. During school holidays, festivals, concerts and film screenings take place in the courtyard. If you have a particular event in mind, check the dates in advance.

The Muzeum řeznictví explores another side of history: its interactive exhibition focuses on the butchery trade and displays butchery machinery and equipment. The museum is fully accessible. On a guided tour, you can also sample meat and smoked specialities from MP Krásno, a. s. and the local Řeznictví H+H, as well as regional beer from the Paličák microbrewery, provided you book in advance. The tasting is therefore available only as part of a guided tour and with advance booking.

Exhibitions at Zámek Kinských

“Zámek Kinských” castle houses a branch of the Muzeum regionu Valašsko. Its interactive permanent exhibition, “Člověk v krajině, krajina v lidech,” explores how the relationship between people and the nature of the Valašsko region has changed. Its timeline stretches from the arrival of the first prehistoric hunters in the region to the present day. This gives it a different focus from the historical exhibition in the south wing of “Zámek Žerotínů”: here, the emphasis is on the landscape and people’s relationship with their surroundings.

The castle also has an amphitheatre, used mainly in summer as a venue for cultural events. If you would like to combine exhibitions with events, it is worth including the relevant dates in your plans. A visit to the permanent exhibition and a summer cultural event offer different perspectives on Zámek Kinských and its attractions.

Observatory, Walks and Getting Your Bearings

Hvězdárna Valašské Meziříčí offers programmes for individual visitors, families and organised groups. In good weather, visitors can use telescopes to observe the Moon, planets, multiple-star systems and stars in the night sky. Which celestial objects are visible depends on the weather and the time of year. This makes a visit a weather-dependent addition to a cultural stay; if stargazing is your main interest, take these conditions into account when planning.

For time in nature, the “Naučná stezka Zámecký park Kinských” educational trail leads through the park. Its ten stops cover the park’s origins, history and natural features. Another way to connect sights on foot is the red circular tourist trail through the city: it is eight kilometres long, graded easy and includes 238 metres of elevation gain. The two routes have different focuses—the educational trail centres on the park, while the circular route passes the city’s monuments and sights.

Rybník Podlesí is a fishing pond near the centre. Its well-maintained banks are suitable for relaxing or taking a walk. For the Ťapkání route, you can borrow Nordic walking poles from the Tourist Information Centre. The centre is located in the historic Sýpka building in the rear courtyard of Zámek Žerotínů, 100 metres from the town square. It is a convenient point of reference if you are looking for information about the city or want to borrow poles.

Discover more destinations: Lidečko, Študlov, Pozděchov, Police, Zdechov, Kateřinice, Vigantice, Branky Na Morave.

For the overview of the wider area: Vsetín District.