Discover Zašová through its sacred art history and trails to springs and through forests. Key landmarks include the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the monastery garden and the 4.6-kilometre Velký okruh circular walking trail. Timing is also important when planning your visit: the church has seasonal opening hours, the water quality at the spring can change, and festivals follow specific calendar rules.

Pilgrimage Church and Trinitarian Monastery

The Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Zašová was built in the early 18th century by the owners of the Valašské Meziříčí–Rožnov estate. The Baroque high altar features a Gothic panel painting of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, dating from the mid-15th century. The Baroque furnishings and the much older Marian painting give a visit to the church a distinct art-historical focus.

The church is open to the public from 1 May to 28 September: Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00, Sundays and public holidays from 13:00 to 17:00. Check the current schedule before you travel. The Trinitarian Monastery in Zašová is the only surviving monastery of this order in Czechia. The monastery garden is freely accessible year-round; check access shortly before your visit, as details may change.

Guided tours in Zašová are available on request for groups and excursions. A mobile app also offers an interactive game about the history and work of the Trinitarian Order, suitable for adults and children aged eight and over.

Walking Trails and Springs

The 4.6-kilometre Velký okruh circular walking trail starts at the Stračka pilgrimage site, goes around Stračka and Pohoř, and passes through the surrounding forests. The pilgrimage site lies on a hillside, where a spring rises. Pilgrims and visitors draw water daily from the forest spring in the Stračka pilgrimage area. The spring’s water quality varies and can deteriorate, especially in high temperatures and after rain. Take this weather dependence into account if you plan to visit the spring.

Another spring area is nearby, between Veselá and Hrachovec, at U tří studánek. There are four springs with varying flow rates. Their water flows into a hand-dug pool where salamanders live. Unlike the single spring at Stračka, this area is defined by several springs and the habitat around the pool: two distinct natural features that stand out when exploring the surroundings.

Cultural History in Veselá

The educational trail through Veselá introduces the history and nature of the area. The rectory retains its Josephine character from 1785 and is protected as a cultural monument. St. Martin’s Church has been a prominent landmark in the landscape since 1821 and is one of the last monuments of the Josephine architectural style in Wallachia. Together, the information about the rectory and church brings the architectural history of this period to life through two specific examples; the educational trail also offers a broader focus on history and nature.

Festivals and Seasonal Activities

Zašovská pouť takes place every year on the first Sunday after 2 July, following the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. Zašovské slavnosti is held annually on the first Saturday in September. The exact dates vary from year to year; check the dates if you want to plan your stay around one of the festivals.

A pump track for cycling was built in the Skály area in 2024 and is open to the public around the clock. Skiareál Veselá has ski slopes that are groomed and lit daily, with artificial snow; its operation varies by season. As an additional wellness option, Relaxační centrum Salza offers a salt cave, massages, body and ear candling, biopedicure, an infrared sauna, a Biolamp and other services.

Planning a visit therefore depends on different schedules: for the church, seasonal opening days and hours matter; for festivals, the dates; and for the ski area, the season. If one of these is central to your visit, check the relevant time frame first.

Discover more destinations: Ratiboř U Vsetína, Valasske Mezirici, Przno, Lázy, Karolinka, Jarcová, Halenkov, Novy Hrozenkov

For the overview of the wider region: Okres Vsetín.