Zlín: UNESCO Culture, Nature and Moravian Traditions

Those who choose Zlín as a travel destination will find an unusual combination in the Zlín Region of history, nature, preserved cultural traditions, Zlín Functionalism and the spa architecture of Luhačovice. The region stretches from landscaped gardens and museums to protected landscapes, pilgrimage routes and regional cuisine.

Culture between Zlín and Kroměříž

A special cultural highlight can be found in Kroměříž: The archbishop’s palace and gardens form a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Zlín Region. The ensemble includes the 58-hectare palace garden with exotic trees and historic architectural elements. The Květná Garden covers 14.5 hectares. A 244-metre-long arcade gallery leads to a formally designed Italian-style garden. In Zlín, the Baťa skyscraper (Building 21) offers views over the surrounding area. The Shoe Museum houses the largest shoe collection in Central Europe. The Museum of South-Eastern Moravia in Zlín, with its Baťa exhibition, and the Slovácké Museum in Uherské Hradiště, with its traditions and customs of Slovácko, showcase different aspects of regional history.

The White Carpathians and routes through the countryside

The White Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is a cultural landscape in the low mountain region. Across 4,000 hectares, species-rich orchid meadows, deciduous forests, orchards and individual fruit trees alternate. The meadows are home to orchids and other rare plants; the traditional orchards preserve old and local fruit varieties. Hikers and cyclists have around 2,500 kilometres of marked hiking trails at their disposal in the Zlín Region, connected to cycling, cross-country skiing and pilgrimage routes. The White Carpathians, the Beskids, the Hostýn Hills and the Vizovice Hills also offer landscapes for hiking and cycling tours.

Active days, spa town and regional cuisine

Boat trips are available on the Baťa Canal, while a main cycle route runs along its course. The Zlín and Luhačovice areas combine leisurely walks, relaxed cycling and more demanding routes through the Vizovice Hills and the White Carpathians. If you would like to plan quieter days, Luhačovice, Moravia’s largest spa town with several healing mineral springs, is a destination in its own right. Regional cuisine includes Frgály, Kyselica, Vizovice plum slivovitz and the wine-growing areas of Slovácko with their wine cellars. Wallachian Frgály are available, for example, with pear purée or quark; baking courses turn them into a hands-on culinary experience. In Kroměříž, you can also discover Slovácko wine culture and historic archbishop’s cellars.

Which location suits your trip?

When choosing your accommodation, you can weigh up urban history, nature, spa traditions and regional cuisine. Zlín is a good fit for Baťa Functionalism, views and museum culture; Kroměříž focuses on UNESCO gardens and historic spaces; the White Carpathians and the Vizovice Hills stand for landscapes and outdoor activities; Luhačovice combines the character of a spa town with the attractions of the surrounding area. From Prague, you can reach Zlín by train via Otrokovice in around 3.5 hours; direct bus connections are also available.

Other regions and destinations

For regional orientation, you can also visit the pages on Uherské Hradiště District, Kroměříž District, Vsetín District and Zlín District. Other destinations to supplement your search include Hradec Králové, South Moravia, Jihlava and Karlovy Vary.