More than 555 km² of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area lie in Vsetín District. Here, protected nature meets a cultural history that can be seen in museums, folk architecture and regional traditions. The Beskydy area includes significant parts of the Vsetín Hills and the Moravian Javorníky Mountains. The Beskydy Protected Landscape Area is considered one of Europe’s most valuable natural areas—a character reflected in both its habitats and the opportunities it offers for hiking, skiing and cycling.

Beskydy: Habitats and activities

The section of the protected landscape area within Vsetín District includes old-growth forest stands and rare animal and plant species. The Beskydy European protected area safeguards 18 habitat types, 11 animal species and 3 plant species. The Horní Vsacko Bird Protection Area is also located in the southern part of the protected landscape area. These protected areas highlight different aspects of nature: from habitats and species to a designated area for birds.

The range of activities is also clear: in the Beskydy section of Vsetín District, visitors can hike, ski and cycle. A dedicated cycling route runs through the Vsetínská Bečva valley, connecting Karolinka with Velké Karlovice. For experienced cyclists, a continuation from Strčková towards the Kyčerka ski area is also described, with a descent along the Baďurka route. The two options provide different kinds of guidance: a connection between two places and a route explicitly intended for experienced riders.

Wallachian traditions at the open-air museum

The history of Valašsko can also be explored through its pastoral economy: extensive goat farming was followed by sheep breeding. In the early 19th century, high-quality linen production also helped provide a livelihood for people in the region. For those who want to learn about these developments not just as facts, but through objects and everyday themes, the Valašské Museum in Nature in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm offers a comprehensive insight. It is considered the oldest and largest open-air museum in Central Europe and comprises around 100 historic buildings. The museum is open year-round.

The Valašská dědina, the largest section of the museum, offers a particularly vivid experience. It depicts everyday life in a Wallachian village from the late 18th century to the 1950s. Its programs cover folk customs, children’s games, traditional teaching methods, farming, sheep herding and crafts. At many of the buildings, visitors can take part and try traditional tasks for themselves. The Valašská dědina thus focuses both on the way of life it portrays and on practical activities.

Wooden buildings, mountain ridge and castle exhibitions

At Pustevny, an ensemble of distinctive wooden buildings in the folk style offers a particular focus on Wallachian architecture. Libušín and Maměnka are among the best-known huts there. The statue of the pagan god Radegast stands on the Radhošť ridge. The Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius is also located on Radhošť and is considered the highest church building in the Czech Republic. These examples offer different points of interest: folk architecture in one place, and a religious landmark at an exceptional elevation in another.

At Vsetín Castle, the permanent exhibition “Living Memory of the Region” introduces visitors to the history and traditions of Wallachia. Further insights are offered by the Templar Cellar, with its knight-themed playroom, and the natural history exhibition in the tower. The latter includes the Bečva Aquarium, with live fish. The castle also hosts traditional museum events. The regional history exhibition, play area and aquarium each offer a different reason to explore history, nature and museum culture.

Discover more destinations

Hrachovec, Przno, Valasska Bystrice, Valasske Mezirici, Wesetin, Horni Becva, Novy Hrozenkov, Hutisko Solanec, Lužná U Vsetína, Dolni Becva, Horni Lidec, Zdechov, Halenkov, 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.

To return to the overview of the region: Zlin.