Horní Bečva combines a reservoir with trails ranging from a short nature trail to an 11 km highland loop. When planning your stay, you can choose from a variety of activities: summer fun on the water, walks, longer hikes and—when winter conditions are suitable—cross-country and downhill skiing. Horní Bečva lies in the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area, at the transition between the Beskids and the Vsetín Hills.
Landscape between the Beskids and the river’s source
The Rožnovská Bečva rises below the summit of Vysoká, which is 1,024 m high, within the cadastral area of Horní Bečva. Kudlačena is also located there: this natural monument is a typical example of a Beskydy sihla, a submontane peat meadow. Together, these details give an impression of the landscape’s diversity—from the river’s source below the summit to this distinctive type of meadow.
A historical landscape feature lies at the mountain pass between Horní Bečva and Velké Karlovice. It has long been known as Benešová (Beneška); a continuous strip of coppiced maple woodland was established there.
Reservoir, swimming season and walking trails
In summer, swimming, water sports and fishing are possible at the Horní Bečva reservoir. The shore has a grass beach, a gently sloping sandy access to the water and a bathing jetty. Visitor facilities may change, so it is a good idea to check the condition of the beach access and jetty before your visit.
An easy walking trail of just under 2 km runs around the reservoir. If you’re looking for themed routes, Horní Bečva has five trails following the footsteps of the fairy-tale imp Špírek: Kudlačena, Přehrada, Bobišek, Kyčera and Šorstýn. These names offer a choice without committing you to a single loop.
From an interactive nature trail to a highland loop
The easy, child-friendly Kulíškova naučná stezka is 2.5 km long and has ten interactive stations. Its starting point is a little below Hotel Horal, by Hotel Pod Javorem. This makes it a shorter option than the 11 km highland loop, which runs from Horní Bečva via Kotlová, Benešky and Polana. The distances can help you plan your day; no walking time is given for these routes.
Another circular route passes viewpoints above a former quarry. It is about 3 km long and has three modern rest pavilions, with views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. This gives you a choice of routes with viewpoints and places to rest, as well as the waterside trail.
Winter trails and a cycling connection
Cross-country ski trails run above the reservoir between the Rališka and Sachova studánka ski areas. The routes cross meadows and offer options for different ability levels. Their availability depends on snow conditions, so check conditions before planning a day of cross-country skiing.
Rališka ski area can be reached via the road from Rožnov pod Radhoštěm to the Bumbálka border crossing. It is about 1.3 km uphill to the right of the reservoir. Facilities include a two-person Doppelmayr chairlift and a longest descent of 650 m. At Mečová, the slope is suitable for beginners, children and snowboarders. The ski area at Sachova studánka operates a ski bus between the central car park on the main road and the ski area; its service may depend on the season or car park capacity.
Cycling can also be part of your plans: the Bečva Cycle Path begins below the dam. It follows the Rožnovská Bečva towards Rožnov pod Radhoštěm or as far as Valašské Meziříčí. Conditions may vary for winter sports and cycling, so plan according to the activity you have in mind.
Church and festival traditions
Construction of the Church of Saints John and Paul in Horní Bečva began in 1791. It was consecrated on 23 May 1802. A more recent, specific date in the local festival calendar is Haferobraní: on 13 July 2024, it was held as a traditional festival in honour of blueberries from the local forests. The programme included blueberry tastings, blueberry dumplings, Kanco-Knedlo-Hafero-Zelo and blueberry beer.
Choose accommodation based on your travel plans
When choosing a hotel in Horní Bečva, you can start by considering which activities will shape your stay: summer at the reservoir, shorter walks, longer hikes, cycling or winter sports. For winter days, snow conditions and the seasonal ski bus service are practical factors; at the reservoir, it’s worth checking the current state of visitor facilities.
Discover more destinations: Valašské Meziříčí, Dolní Bečva, Leskovec, Jablůnka, Francova Lhota, Lidečko, Ratiboř u Vsetína, Branky na Moravě.
For the wider travel overview: Vsetín District.
