Velká Lhota stands out for its wooden Tolerance Church and its location above the Bystřička Reservoir. The village lies on the northern ridge of the Vsetínské vrchy. Its distinctive features range from a long history of evangelical faith to ridges, forest edges, and wetlands. This gives you different options when planning your trip: cultural history, scenery, or nature watching.
Scenery between the ridge and the reservoir
The Beskydy Protected Landscape Area runs through the municipality of Velká Lhota. The municipality’s highest elevations include Vrchhůra, at 693 meters, and Ostrý vrch, at 672 meters. Velká Lhota offers views of the Rožnovská Bečva valley, as well as Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and the surrounding mountain ranges: the Beskydy, Vsetínské vrchy, Javorníky, and Hostýnské vrchy. A mighty maple is a prominent landmark in the municipality.
The landscape is also shaped by its flora and fauna. Rare orchids and other uncommon flowers grow along the forest edges, including prstnatec Fuschův and vstavač mužský. Rare bird species nest in the area, such as pěnice vlašská, ťuhýk obecný, bramborníček černohlavý, krkavec velký, jeřábek lesní, jeřáb lesní, and kos horský. Several less common amphibian species live in wetlands and pools. So, alongside the viewpoints, a range of habitats is also worth considering if you are interested in the municipality’s nature.
The wooden church and Karafiát
The wooden evangelical church in Velká Lhota has no tower and was built in 1783. The same building, a wooden Tolerance prayer house, was declared a national cultural monument in 2008. The church is still used for religious services: services are held there every Sunday, along with other church celebrations. Plan your visit around the services and celebrations.
Jan Karafiát, author of Broučci, is also associated with the village. He served as an evangelical pastor in Velká Lhota from 1875 to 1895. The Jana Karafiáta educational trail is 14 kilometers long and has 16 stops. It leads to the municipality of Velká Lhota and introduces the nature and history of the area around Valašské Meziříčí. The route thus combines a connection to local history with an insight into the wider region.
Hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking
Several marked hiking trails pass through the municipality. Check the markings for your specific route before setting out. In winter, cross-country ski trails run along the ridges; snow conditions may vary. The terrain is increasingly used for mountain biking. The activities therefore have different characteristics: hiking routes pass through the municipality, cross-country skiing is seasonal, and mountain biking is a growing use of the terrain.
When choosing activities, you can take into account both the season and the subject that interests you most. Anyone interested in architectural history will find a clear cultural connection in the Tolerance Church and Karafiát. Those interested in scenery and nature can explore the named ridges, views, and habitats. When planning a particular outing, keep the specific trail markings and winter snow conditions in mind.
Discover more destinations: Valašská Polanka, Lešná, Střítež Nad Bečvou, Vsetín, Růžďka, Branky, Pozděchov, Ústí U Vsetína
See the overview of the wider area: Vsetín District.
