Karolinka combines cultural history with outdoor activities and distinct seasonal offerings. Cultural highlights include the Kostel Panny Marie Karmelské church, the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka and an ensemble of folk architecture in the Raťkov district. Activities include skiing, a cycling route through Karolinka and marked hiking trails; in summer, the ski area also offers activities for children. This lets you choose whether to focus your trip on culture, winter sports, or excursions on foot or by bike.
Church, Glass and Architectural History
The Kostel Panny Marie Karmelské church was built between 1994 and 1997. Its cornerstone was consecrated in Olomouc by Pope John Paul II on 21 May 1995. Inside, an altar is the dominant feature: it includes a 253 cm-tall wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, created by woodcarver Ladislav Borák. There is also a mosaic by Juraj Begany, SVD. The church’s history, sculpture and mosaic art offer several specific points of interest for a culture-focused visit.
The gallery at the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka is open to visitors. It displays paintings by Valašsko artists Jiljí Hartinger, Karel Hofman and František Podešva. Their subjects include glassmaking masters, glass production, life at the glassworks and Karolinka itself. The Muzeum sklářství Karolinka opened to visitors on 16 August 2014 for those wishing to learn about the skill and art of glassmaking masters. For current visit planning, please check the latest visitor information.
The Karolinina huť glassworks tells a story of historic production. It was built in 1861–1862 on the eastern edge of Nový Hrozenkov by entrepreneur Salomon Reich. Its products included cut glass and cylinders for paraffin lamps; Vienna and Galicia were important markets. Alongside the gallery’s artistic depictions, visitors can also learn about the products and markets of a former glassworks.
In the Raťkov district, the rodový shluk Orságů includes a farmstead building dating from 1831. The ensemble is considered an exceptionally valuable example of folk architecture from the first half of the 19th century. The rodový shluk Orságů – Chalupy Pod šenkem čp. 285 in Karolinka-Raťkov was named Folk Building of the Year in the Zlín Region in 2021. For visitors interested in historic architectural styles, Raťkov offers a distinct highlight alongside church and glassmaking history.
Skiing in Winter, Activities in Summer
The Karolinka ski area lies at the edge of the town, in a valley between the ridges of the Vsetínské vrchy and Javorníky ranges. It includes a 1,000 m ski slope. The area also has a regularly groomed snowpark suitable for snowboarding, as well as night skiing. As seasonal operating information may change, please check the latest details before a winter trip. The operator may also update the slope length.
In summer, the Karolinka ski area offers children several types of trampolines, the inflatable Bumperball and Aquaroller attractions, pedal boats for the youngest visitors and disc golf. The summer activities are quite different from the ski area’s winter offerings. Please check the current availability of these seasonal activities before your visit.
Cycling, Hiking Trails and Cuisine
One specific option for cyclists is the 56.8 km Vsetínská Bečva route from Velké Karlovice to Valašské Meziříčí, which passes through Karolinka. Most of it follows a cycle path closed to car traffic. As infrastructure works may change route conditions, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
Karolinka is also a starting point and tourist centre for marked hiking trails. Cycling and hiking are therefore different ways to enjoy the outdoors; the Vsetínská Bečva has a named route that passes through the town, while the hiking trails are identified by their markings.
A municipal description dated 9 January 2025 lists Raťkovský šenk as a restaurant in the Raťkov valley in Karolinka. Its menu includes Valašsko specialities and other popular dishes. Please check the latest restaurant information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Novy Hrozenkov, Lidečko, Vidče, Oznice, Liptál, Seninka, Lhota U Vsetína, Horni Lidec
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Vsetín.
