The long-distance cycling route No. 59 Ostrava–Beskydy runs through Žabeň. The area also offers a river landscape, historical border connections and architectural features. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider cycling, local history and landscape as distinct, tangible themes.
Cycling Connections and Competitions
The long-distance cycling route No. 59 is the most direct cycling connection: it passes through the municipality. Another connection is a 7,380-metre project section of the Ostrava–Beskydy cycling route between Vratimov and Sviadnov. The municipal association Region Slezská brána and the municipalities of Vratimov, Paskov, Řepiště, Žabeň and Sviadnov participated as partners. These two details describe different connections: Route 59 passes through Žabeň; Žabeň participated as a partner in the project section.
Cycling competitions are another tangible local connection. The “Velká cena Žabně” is a cycling race for children and young people. On 10 May 2025, it took place at “Visalaje”, the fire brigade sports ground. The “O pohár starosty obce Žabeň” competition was held repeatedly; its 38th edition took place on 9 June 2012, also at the fire brigade sports ground. Alongside the cycling route, there are therefore two competitions, each with its own name and dated history.
Rivers, Floodplain and Border History
Žabeň lies in an area bounded by the Olešná and Ostravice rivers. The Ostravice is also historically significant: it is the border river between Silesia and Moravia. Its role can therefore be understood not only in terms of the landscape, but also through the area's historical context.
The Ostravice floodplain near Žabeň is designated as the regional biocorridor “U Žabně”. Another connection between the river and human use is Stolbergův jez: the weir is located at the point from which water was diverted from the Ostravice to Paskov. Together, the river's location, the floodplain and the weir offer different ways to explore the landscape and its history of use.
Local History and Special Buildings
The first documented mention of Žabeň dates from around 1460. A later historical record concerns the chapel: in a document from 1838, residents of Žabeň pledged to build a chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian; they fulfilled this commitment. The local chapel is known as the Chapel of Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian.
An unusual architectural detail is the miniature town in the garden of the Lukšík family at house No. 128. Vladislav Jančík built the complex; its centrepiece is a magnificent castle. The miniature town is in a private garden. If you are considering a visit, please arrange it in advance.
A Seasonal Christmas Connection
A Christmas-themed offering is also part of the area's more recent history: in 2024, TJ Sokol Žabeň and the municipality invited people on an adventurous Christmas journey. The aim was to discover the story of Christmas and experience a festive atmosphere. Together with the competitions tied to specific dates, this adds a community event to the picture of Žabeň without implying a regular event schedule.
Discover more destinations: Žermanice, Metylovice, Bocanovice, Nošovice, Horní Tošanovice, Baška, Raškovice, Košařiska
For the overview of the wider region: Frýdek-Místek District.
