Forests, mountain pastures, homes, and holiday settlements shape the Wallachian landscape of Malá Bystřice. The hills and peaks around the municipality offer views of the surrounding countryside. The nature trail, rock formation, and local culture add specific themes to this landscape for a stay.

Landscape and regional orientation

The Bystřička stream flows through the valley of Malá Bystřice and gave the municipality its name. Mount Santov, at 620 m, is of tourist significance and is celebrated in the Wallachian folk song “Na Santově kopec, roste tam jalovec.” The stream explains the municipality’s name, while Santov appears in the song.

Nature trail and route choices

The Baťova naučná stezka is approximately 20 km long and has 18 stops introducing the natural features of this part of the Vsacko region. It runs from Cábské jezírko to a bus stop in Malá Bystřice, where three additional information boards are located. In this way, it combines a longer route with nature topics at several stops. As the length, number of stops, and route may be revised, check the latest information before setting out.

From the U Kočíbů bus stop in Malá Bystřice, an approximately 1.7 km uphill walk leads to Hospoda Santov. For distance planning, this is on a different scale from the approximately 20 km nature trail: this is the route to a single destination, while the trail is a longer route with 18 nature stops. This lets you choose between a focused visit to Santov and a longer hike. Trail conditions and distances may change; check the latest route information before your visit.

Rock formations and Santov

Svantovítova skála is a protected sandstone outcrop up to 12 m high. Its formation comprises three named parts: Ploutev, Svatka, and Svatoušek. The Svantovítovy skály in Malá Bystřice lie along the Klenov nature trail. While the hills offer views of the landscape, this is a specific geological natural feature.

In Santov, a district of Malá Bystřice, stands a protected timbered Wallachian bell tower. The district is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers; it offers beautiful views of the countryside and has a family-run restaurant. There is also a swing on a hill in Santov, serving as a leisure stop with views of the surrounding landscape. Before your visit, check the condition of the swing and look up the latest information about the restaurant.

Crafts and Wallachian folklore

The historical craft tradition in Malá Bystřice included making wooden implements, shingles, pocketknives, brooms, and bread troughs. The list includes everyday objects as well as products for the home, roof, and kitchen, and illustrates the range of local crafts in the past.

The Ovčácké slavnosti offer another insight into Wallachian folklore. Traditionally, they are held in a meadow near Hospoda Santov; the program includes demonstrations of traditional crafts and tastings of local food. Unlike the historical list of crafts, here you encounter crafts as part of a festival program. Dates and program may change, so check the latest event information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Zdechov, Przno, Choryně, Police, Hošťálková, Dolni Becva, Rosenau, Lázy

For the broader travel overview: Okres Vsetín.