Huslenky can be explored through specific cultural and nature themes. The Protestant church refers back to an older wooden toleration church that it replaced; in Kychová, Wallachian log construction shapes the settlement. Makyta and Galovské lúky add two different protected areas. When planning, it is therefore worth choosing a focus: would you like to learn about architectural history, discover nature, or set aside time for a marked hike?
Church and Architectural History
The Protestant church in Huslenky is a three-nave building in the Pseudo style. It was built from 1873 to 1892 to replace a wooden toleration church and is considered an important place in the history of religious conflicts. Its design, construction period and role in this history offer different points of interest for a cultural stay.
The church is a specific destination for anyone who, on a visit, wants to take in not only the landscape but also Huslenky’s religious architectural history. Its lengthy construction period, from 1873 to 1892, and its role as a replacement building give the church a clear historical context.
Kychová: Settlement and Architecture
Kychová is a district of Huslenky. Above the Kychová stream, it forms a hillside settlement group; the buildings are Wallachian structures built using log construction. Since 1 January 2005, Kychová has been protected as a conservation area. Here, the hillside settlement pattern meets a distinctive building style.
For those interested in traditional architecture, Kychová offers a different focus from the three-nave Protestant church. The conservation area brings together a specific settlement pattern and Wallachian log construction. Together with the church, it offers insight into two different aspects of the architectural history of Huslenky and Kychová.
Protected Areas and Their Natural Features
The Makyta Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of the municipality of Huslenky, in the southwestern part of the Javorníky Mountains, on Soláň sandstone. The area extends from 620 to 922 metres above sea level; the highest peak is Makyta. The protected area includes a near-natural mountain beech forest complex, where silver fir and sycamore maple are common. Numerous transitions lead to scree communities with endangered and rare animal and plant species.
Galovské lúky offers a different natural feature. The nature reserve is a habitat for many specially protected and endangered plant species and is known especially for the presence of species from the orchid family. It belongs to the first zone of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. While Makyta is associated with mountain beech forest, elevation and scree communities, Galovské lúky is known above all for its specially protected plants.
Hiking to Galovské lúky and Makyta
A shared section of the green- and blue-marked hiking trails leads from the centre of Huslenky towards Zděchov and the meadows of Galovské lúky. After 2 kilometres, turn left at the Uherská–U Holubů trail sign onto the green trail. After a further 3 kilometres, turn left again at the Uherská–bus trail sign onto a forest track. From there, the trail climbs for about 1 kilometre to the meadows below the summit of Hrachovec.
Another marked hiking route starts at Huslenky railway station. It follows the green trail to the Valašské Kyčery saddle and then the red trail to Makyta; the route is 12 kilometres long. The two descriptions differ in their starting point and destination: one leads from the centre of the village to the meadows below Hrachovec, while the other goes from the railway station to Makyta. Before setting out, check the condition of the trails and markings, as these may change seasonally.
If you are looking for accommodation in Huslenky, you can plan your stay around whether architectural history or one of the hikes described here is your main priority. These themes offer different planning options without implying any particular accommodation or amenities.
Discover more destinations: Lešná, Velká Lhota, Střelná, Zdechov, Pustevny, Valašská Senice, Halenkov, Hovězí
For the overview of the wider area: Vsetín District.
