Discover Myjava: Nature, Trails and Traditions

Bučkova jama near Vrbovce reveals a characteristic side of the Myjava District: this 38.46-hectare protected landslide area includes flower meadows, woodland and wetlands. Orchids and the bulb-bearing lily grow in this habitat. Rare butterflies include Colias myrmidone, as well as Maculinea nausithous and Maculinea teleius; the composition of species may change over time.

Nature and Landscape Around Myjava

The protected Chvojnica area also combines distinctive landscape features: a mountain stream preserves its riparian vegetation, while tufa deposits create calcareous fens. Near Vrbovce, the flower meadows of Kožíkov vrch are home to nine orchid species and the rare purple hawkweed. Its presence may vary seasonally.

In Turá Lúka stands Lipa U Belanských, a protected small-leaved lime tree more than 620 years old. It is considered the oldest recorded protected tree in the Myjava District. Myjava itself is the centre of the distinctive Kopaničiarska region between Záhorie and Považie. The Žalostiná viewing platform lies above Chvojnica in the White Carpathians and the Biele Karpaty Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Biele Karpaty).

The Kamenec viewing platform opened to the public in August 2023. The project includes information boards about birdlife at various locations in the region. An electric bicycle charging station is located in the gazebo by the children's playground; check in advance whether it is operating during your visit.

Compare Hiking Trails and Tours

Two differently marked hiking trails lead from Myjava to different destinations. The green-marked Trail No. 5117 is 11 kilometres long and runs from the central signpost in Myjava via Ostrý vrch to the square in Vrbovce. The blue-marked Trail No. 2413a is 10 kilometres long; it leads from Myjava through Turá Lúka to the ruins of Branč Castle in Podzámok. The routes are similar in length, but differ in markings, stops along the way and destinations.

For a shorter option, try the self-guided Žalostiná–Chvojnica circular trail: open year-round, it is 6.5 kilometres long and has five stops. Trail conditions and signage may change, so it is worth checking before setting out. The Myjavská päťdesiatka hiking march has also been part of Myjava's tourism events programme since 1971; dates vary from year to year.

For cyclists, the 4Cykloregio is a 42.9-kilometre, blue-marked sports cycling route through Turá Lúka, Vrbovce and Chvojnica in the Myjava area. From Chvojnica, it continues to Skalica and the Baťa Canal, where it connects to the long-distance cycling route along the Morava River. In winter, Ski-Land Stará Myjava offers a groomed slope and services for winter recreation. Operations and offers depend on seasonal conditions.

Culture, History and Living Traditions

The ruins of Branč Castle are also associated with a historical interpretation: construction is dated to the second half of the 13th century and linked to securing routes across the Carpathians to Moravia. On Ostrý vrch in Vrbovce, the monument commemorating the Kuruc battle recalls the fighting in December 1704 between imperial troops and the insurgent army. In Myjava, the Myjavský Viadukt railway bridge was declared a national cultural monument in 2021.

At Gazdovský dvor in the Turá Lúka district, experience a living exhibition in a typical Kopaničiarska farmstead dating from the late 19th century. Traditional costumes, tools and work equipment are on display. Visitors can also try traditional activities, such as tying Myjava scarves or trying on a traditional Myjava costume; activities may depend on the day and booking arrangements. You can sample whatever the farmwife has cooked that day. The dish on offer therefore depends on the day of your visit and the programme.

The Vrbovčianska izba in Vrbovce showcases peasant home life, crafts, work and festive costumes, and other objects. Visits can be arranged by telephone. Festivals also offer insight into regional culture: in 2026, the International MYJAVA Folklore Festival held its 66th edition, featuring folk traditions, music, dance, singing, crafts, tastings, markets and exhibitions. At the Dožinky harvest festival in Turá Lúka, the 2026 programme included tastings of regional specialities, craft demonstrations and participation in harvest activities. The festival returned after a one-year break; programme items may change in future editions.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

The Veselí nad Moravou–Nové Mesto nad Váhom railway line passes through Myjava station. Check before travelling whether passenger services are currently available. Your planned excursions can help guide your hotel choice: Trail No. 5117 starts at the central signpost in Myjava, while Trail No. 2413a leads from Myjava through Turá Lúka to the ruins of Branč Castle.

Discover more destinations: Brestovec, Košariská, Podkylava, Poriadie, Stará Myjava, Miawa, Vrbovce, Priepasné, Rudník, Lúka, Kostolné, Jablonka, Hrasne, Krajné, Polianka.

Return to the regional travel overview: Trenčín.