Vsetín District: Nature and Wallachian Culture

More than 555 km² of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area lies within Vsetín District. Nature is therefore a defining focus of a trip here: the protected area includes significant parts of the Vsetínské vrchy and the Moravian Javorníky mountains. The section within the district is home to primeval forest and rare animal and plant species; the protected landscape area is considered one of Europe’s most valuable natural areas.

Nature conservation can also be viewed on different scales. In the Beskydy European protected area, 18 habitat types, 11 animal species and 3 plant species are protected. The Horní Vsacko Bird Protection Area is also located in the southern part of the protected landscape area. For active days, the section of the protected area in Vsetín District offers opportunities for hiking, skiing and cycling. This selection combines nature experiences with different activities, without prescribing a particular itinerary.

Wallachian History and Living Culture

The Wallachian Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is considered the oldest and largest open-air museum in Central Europe. It comprises around 100 cultural heritage buildings. Its largest section, Valašská dědina, depicts everyday life in a Wallachian village from the late 18th century to the 1950s. Its themes range from folk customs and children’s games to lessons using historical teaching methods, as well as farming, sheep herding and crafts. At many of the buildings, visitors can take part in activities and try traditional work for themselves. The museum is open year-round.

Regional history extends beyond individual exhibitions. In Wallachia, the tradition of grazing shifted from extensive goat farming to sheep farming. At the beginning of the 19th century, the region also had a well-established tradition of linen production, which supported local livelihoods. These themes add a different perspective to the history of rural daily life than the architecture and collections you can discover at museums and attractions.

Wooden Architecture, Viewpoints and Museums

At Pustevny, a distinctive group of folk-style wooden buildings forms a unique architectural ensemble. Libušín and Maměnka are among the best-known cottages there. A statue of the pagan god Radegast stands on the Radhošť ridge. The Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius is also located there and is considered the highest-altitude ecclesiastical building in the Czech Republic. The three landmarks make distinct statements: folk wooden architecture, a figure from mythology and a religious building.

At Vsetín Castle, the permanent exhibition “Living Memory of the Region” presents the history and traditions of Wallachia. The castle also features a Templar cellar with a knight’s playroom and a natural history exhibition in the tower. Its Bečva River aquarium displays live fish. Traditional museum events round out the program; if you would like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the specific dates in advance. The Museum of the Wallachian Region manages extensive ethnographic, historical and art collections.

Cycling and Choosing a Base for Your Trip

For cyclists, the Bečva Cycle Path provides a clearly defined route between Karolinka and Velké Karlovice through the Vsetínská Bečva valley. Experienced cyclists can continue from Strčková toward the Kyčerka ski area and descend via the Baďurka Trail. These offer different reference points for planning a ride: a route between two towns and a described continuation followed by a descent.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Vsetín District, first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are hiking, skiing or cycling in the protected area your priority, would you like to explore Wallachian history, or are you especially drawn to architecture and museum visits? This leaves room to combine nature, regional traditions and culture according to your own interests.

Discover more destinations:

Halenkov, Zdechov, Horni Lidec, Dolni Becva, Lužná U Vsetína, Hutisko Solanec, Novy Hrozenkov, Horni Becva, Wesetin, Valasske Mezirici, Valasska Bystrice, Przno, Hrachovec, Rosenau, Branky Na Morave, Bystřička, Choryně, Francova Lhota, Hovězí, Huslenky, Jablůnka, Jarcová, Karolinka, Kelč, Lačnov, Liptál, Prlov, Prostřední Bečva, Ratiboř U Vsetína, Růžďka, Študlov, Střítež Nad Bečvou, Ústí U Vsetína, Valašská Polanka, Velká Lhota, Velké Karlovice, Vidče, Zašová, Kateřinice, Branky, Hošťálková, Janová, Kladeruby, Leskovec, Lhota U Vsetína, Lidečko, Malá Bystřice, Mikulůvka, Oznice, Police, Pozděchov, Seninka, Střelná, Valašská Senice, Valašské Příkazy, Vigantice, Zubří, Pustevny, Lázy, Lešná.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Zlin.