The Moravské Kopanice Nature Trail introduces the historic and natural sights of the landscape around Žítková and Starý Hrozenkov at 14 stops. Together with the Hutě Nature Reserve, protected orchid meadows and traditional houses, it offers a range of nature and cultural themes for your stay.
Hiking the Moravské Kopanice Nature Trail
The trail runs along forest and field paths. It is suitable for hikers and mountain bikers, as well as cross-country skiers in winter. The route distances vary considerably: the main loop is 11.6 km long and has 410 m of elevation gain. The branch to Lokov is 4.7 km long with 110 m of elevation gain, and the branch to Hutě is 1.1 km with 50 m. Including the branches, the total length is 23.1 km.
This lets you choose between the options based on the planned distance: the branch to Hutě is significantly shorter than the main loop, while the branch to Lokov is in between. The stated elevation gains provide an additional way to compare the routes. Which option suits your day depends on how much walking you want to plan.
Hutě Nature Reserve and protected meadows
The Hutě Nature Reserve protects an area of considerable landscape value, particularly its significant plant and animal communities. It is considered the most valuable protected area along the Moravské Kopanice Nature Trail. The reserve overlaps with the Bílé Karpaty European protected area (3314) and the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area (71).
Protected orchid meadows are another natural feature of Žítková. The reserve and the meadows highlight different aspects: Hutě is a protected area with plant and animal communities, while the orchid meadows are mentioned as distinct protected landscape features.
Traditional houses and chapel
Visitors can still find a group of traditional houses in Žítková. Another specific cultural heritage site is the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Kopanice (Kaple Panny Marie Kopanické): it was built in 1990 and consecrated on September 8, 1991.
The chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Kopanice, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Agnes of Bohemia, and Saint Zdislava of Lämberg. The altar features a statue of the Virgin Mary of Kopanice with the Child; the figure wears traditional Kopaničáři dress. The chapel’s construction history, dedication and altar statue provide a cultural focus alongside the nature themes of the trail.
For orientation, the information centre with a minimuseum provides tourist maps and a flyer featuring tourist routes. If you want to include various routes in your plans, you can find these two types of information material there.
Sheep’s milk products and seasonal refreshments
Sýr od kapličky is located at house number 201 in Žítková and is run by the Šustekovi couple. Sheep’s milk is processed there, and sheep’s milk products are also made and sold. The selection includes sheep’s cheese, bryndza, žinčica and oštěpek. There is also a small refreshment area.
The products and refreshments are available from April to October and are usually unavailable outside this period. As seasonal availability may change, check what is currently available before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bílovice, Vlčnov, Boršice U Blatnice, Zlechov, Mistřice, Vápenice, Podolí, Pašovice.
For the broader travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.
