Šanov lies in a valley basin beneath the ridge of the White Carpathians, in the border region between Moravia and Slovakia. The village combines a strong focus on remembrance with a variety of routes through the surrounding area: memorial sites can be found in the centre and above the village, along with a nature trail featuring two circular routes, marked hiking trails and a route to wooden sculptures. At the edge of the village, Na Mlýně is a family-run rest stop right on the Stezka Českem and popular cycling routes.
Memorial Sites and Aviation History
In 1944, an American B-17-G bomber was shot down over Šanov; nine airmen lost their lives. A memorial in the village centre commemorates the airmen and the victims of the First and Second World Wars. The “Letecká bitva nad Bílými Karpaty” museum displays parts of downed American bombers, documents, and equipment belonging to pilots and crews. Visits are possible by prior arrangement.
Another place of remembrance is the “Letecké srdce” sculpture by Jaroslav Koléšek, created in 2002. It stands in the woods above Šanov at the site where an aircraft crashed. The sites focus on different aspects: the memorial includes victims of both world wars, while the museum and sculpture are connected to the area’s aviation history.
Nature Trail, Hiking Trails and Wooden Sculptures
The Bojkovická nature trail has a long circular route of 24 km and a short one of 16 km. The two routes differ in length by 8 km. The trail runs from Bojkovice railway station through Pitín, Hostětín and Šanov to the “Na koncích” border summit at 652 m. One stop provides information about Šanov and its memorial trees; in Šanov, the nature trail also includes the “Big Time” memorial.
Blue- and green-marked hiking trails lead from Šanov. The green-marked trail passes a half-timbered barn from the 19th century and the “Letecká bitva nad Bílými Karpaty” museum. If you would like to visit the museum, remember to arrange your visit in advance. A hiking route from Šanov also passes a viewpoint overlooking the Vizovické vrchy.
Another route links 15 wooden sculptures spread across the cadastral areas of Hostětín, Pitín, Šanov and Rokytnice. The Šanov–Horná Súča tourist route passes through Šanov and over the ridge of the White Carpathians; a short distance away, it connects Tenčín and the surrounding area with the Bojkovsko microregion. These routes differ in their course and themes, ranging from individual stops around Šanov to connections across the ridge.
Na Mlýně: Rest Stop and Farm
Na Mlýně is at the edge of the village, right on the Stezka Českem and popular cycling routes. This family-run rest stop offers refreshments made with local ingredients. It is therefore also of interest to travellers who would like to combine their tour with a break.
During school trips, children can explore the entire Na Mlýně farm and feed sheep and llamas. This opportunity is part of organised school trips; it is not described as a general visitor offering for all travellers.
Ski Slope and Snow Conditions
Šanov has a ski slope whose operation depends on natural snow. Before visiting, check the current conditions and operating information. This winter activity is distinct from the trails and memorial sites, which are among the village’s described attractions regardless of snow conditions.
Discover more destinations: Křekov, Karlovice, Jasenná, Luhačovice, Hvozdná, Bratřejov, Ludkovice, Slopné
For the broader travel guide: Zlín District.
