Nová Lhota is located in the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area. Hiking trails to Velká Javořina and a distinctive cultural history give a stay two specific focal points. For planning your hikes, it is worth looking at the different options: the Javořinská Nature Trail is 5 km long in its shortest version; another loop, classified as difficult, covers 13 km. There are also historical traces in Vápenky, as well as regional architectural and dance traditions.

Hiking trails to Velká Javořina

A popular, blue-marked hiking trail to Velká Javořina passes through Nová Lhota. The summit is at 970 m and is the highest point in the White Carpathians. This provides a specific destination for hikes through the area.

The Javořinská Nature Trail leads from Vápenky to the summit; its shortest version is 5 km long. There are numerous rest stops and information panels about the local fauna and flora along the way. Visitors interested in nature will find information about the plant and animal life here; the rest stops provide opportunities to take a break along the route.

A longer option is the 13 km difficult hiking loop starting from Vápenky. It follows the yellow route to Kamenná búda and then the red route to the summit. The return to Vápenky follows the blue route. The distances describe different types of hikes: the 5 km is the shortest version of the nature trail, while the 13 km is a difficult circular hike.

Trail conditions for both hiking options can change seasonally. Check the conditions before setting out. In winter, a groomed cross-country ski trail is maintained on the route from Vápenky to Velká Javořina. Snow conditions and seasonal maintenance determine its availability; check the conditions before planning to ski.

History and culture in Nová Lhota

Vápenky was established toward the end of the 18th century below the Javořina massif as a workers' settlement on the border of the then estates of Ostroh and Strážnice. The name comes from the historic lime quarrying: lime was extracted to supply the glassworks in Květná. The place name thus refers to a specific industry and a connection to the history of the glassworks.

Numerous picturesque traditional folk houses have been preserved in Vápenky; the settlement is protected as a conservation area. In addition to its origins as a workers' settlement, its buildings add another dimension to the area's history: its architectural heritage is part of the character of this historic place.

The Church of St. Matthew in Nová Lhota also represents the history of the place. It was founded in 1729, is dedicated to St. Matthew, and has a side altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church and the protected houses thus highlight two different forms of built heritage.

Nová Lhota's distinct cultural identity is also apparent in comparison with other villages in Horňácko: distinguishing features include language, costume, dance style, and special dance forms. The central dances include sedlácké and konopice. Their older forms show characteristics of dances from the uplands. Visitors interested in local culture will find not only architecture but also distinctive linguistic and dance traditions.

Discover more destinations: Skalka, Hrubá Vrbka, Žeravice, Ratíškovice, Tvarozná Lhota, Karlín Na Moravě, Malá Vrbka, Zdanice

For the overview of the wider travel region: Hodonín District.