Drslavice – Forest, Viticulture and Living Traditions

Drslavice between Forest History and Living Traditions

Drslavice combines a multifaceted local history with experiences in nature and traditions that are still maintained today. Pepčín is particularly closely associated with the village: A small chateau once stood in the municipality’s cadastral area, built from 1903 by Count JUDr. Václav Kounic as a summer residence in the Obora forest near Drslavice. Pepčín was demolished in 1981; only the clearing in the forest remains at its former site. As a result, the historic site is now present as a forest clearing rather than as a preserved building.

Pepčín, the Chapel and Local Culture

The former site of Pepčín nevertheless remains an important point of reference for today’s excursions. The municipality of Drslavice organizes a traditional New Year’s Eve gathering there for the whole family together with other municipalities. Since 2018, a newly built recreational area has been developed at the former site of the small chateau.

The Chapel of Panny Marie Svatohostýnské stands in the center of Drslavice and is considered Drslavice’s most important cultural monument. The local events calendar is also part of the village’s character. The Drslavské léto project has been implemented since 2015 in cooperation with local associations and supports cultural, social, sporting and charitable events. Drslavice also maintains the traditional Hody celebrations and a local Fašank procession.

Nature between Forests, Ponds and the Olšava Terraces

In addition to its historical importance, the Obora forest also has special ecological significance: A pond in the Obora forest is home to rare amphibian species. The Terasy Nature Monument is one of the last refuges for endangered thermophilic plant species on the right-bank terraces of the Olšava. Certain insect species, in turn, depend on these plants. Another valuable natural area is Kovářův žleb - Obora. The extensive, contiguous complex comprises several forest communities: Carpathian oak-hornbeam forests, basiphilous thermophilous oak forests, Pannonian oak-hornbeam forests and valley alder forests. It lies in an otherwise comparatively intensively farmed landscape.

Hiking, Cycling and Regional Traditions

A route to the Vrhové Steppe Reserve leads via the Terasy Nature Monument and along the reservoir and a group of ponds and pools on the Holomňa stream. Several cycling routes intersect in Drslavice. The TJ sports complex has rest areas and seating with refreshments.

The Annual Cycle and Viticulture

The annual cycle is also visible in Drslavice. A long-standing Easter tradition involves boys walking through the village from Thursday to Holy Saturday during Holy Week, carrying Hrkávky rattles. Viticulture in Drslavice has been documented since the 16th century; in 1900, the vineyard area covered 12 hectares. Those looking for accommodation in Drslavice can therefore choose between different focuses for their stay, including nature, local culture, viticultural history and local festivals.

More Places for Orientation

For further orientation, you can also visit Nedachlebice, Vápenice, Částkov, Nezdenice, Hostějov, Suchá Loz, Kostelany Nad Moravou and Kněžpole .

For the broader travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.