Karlovice lies in the forests between Malenovice and Oldřichovice. The village’s history leads back to Pěnkov, its memorial sites point to different chapters, and a marked trail network connects Karlovice with other municipalities. If you are planning a stay that combines culture with time on hiking or mountain biking trails, these themes offer several points to consider when choosing your destination.
From Pěnkov to the Founding of Karlovice
The medieval village of Pěnkov is documented from 1368; Karlovice was established on its land. The decision to found Karlovice came much later: on 23 October 1768, Count Karel Vincenc Salm-Neuburg decided to establish it on the site of the former manor farm at Pěnkov. At the time, he owned the Malenovice estate. The two dates therefore refer to different milestones: 1368 relates to Pěnkov, while 1768 marks the decision to found Karlovice.
Another point of reference in the village’s history is the Chapel of Panny Marie Matky dobré rady. The sisters Anežka, Barbora and Františka Gorgoňovy were its principal benefactors. They also commissioned the chapel’s main image of the Virgin Mary. Thus, the account of the village’s founding sits alongside a later history of support for and furnishing of the chapel.
The Vodění medvěda tradition is also part of Karlovice: it has been held there for decades and is maintained by members of the volunteer fire brigade. If you would like to connect your trip with the tradition, check the specific event dates in advance.
Memorial Sites and Points of Reference in the Village
A stone monument to Karlovice’s first mayor stands on the main road from the crossroads towards Svatá voda, on the right in the first section of a bend. At the Karlovice cross commemorating those who fell in the First World War, a black memorial plaque remembers Jan Mikeštík, who died in the anti-fascist resistance.
A sandstone cross stands in the upper part of Karlovice, known as Pěnkov, on the left side of the road towards the farm. Another monument is in the lower part of Karlovice, behind the fire station and municipal office. Pěnkov thus refers here to the upper part of the village; the monument behind the fire station and municipal office is a separate point of reference in the lower part.
Forest Landscape, Tradition and Trails
The notable Žižkův dub (Žižka’s Oak) stands on the edge of the cadastral area of Karlovice, which borders the cadastral area of Oldřichovice. According to local tradition, Hussites camped by this tree during the siege of Malenovice Castle. This is a local tradition; unlike the founding decisions, it is not associated with a date. The pilgrimage site of Svatá voda–Malenovice is also nearby. It has a well covered by a stone vault and a rock cave containing a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The marked Stezky napajedelských emirátů (Trails of the Napajedla Emirates) network covers 70 kilometres and connects Napajedla with Karlovice and other nearby municipalities. It is intended for hikers and mountain bikers. As trail conditions can change, check the route before setting out. Another specific point of reference is the yellow-marked section of the Cyrilometodějská trail, which leads from the spring at Svatá voda to Karlovice.
The trail information answers different planning questions: the 70-kilometre network is described in terms of its length and intended users, while the yellow-marked section is described by its direction from the spring at Svatá voda to Karlovice. Together with the historic sites and forest setting, these offer several clear points to help you decide whether Karlovice is right for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Doubravy, Březůvky, Bratřejov, Zlin, Návojná, Jestrabi, Lukoveček, Neubuz.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Zlín.
