Discover Hluk: Fortress, Okluky and Folklore

Hluk combines a medieval fortress in the town centre with a landscape shaped by the Okluky stream valley, the hills of the uplands and the last foothills of the White Carpathians. This creates a destination where culture, nature, leisure activities and regional traditions make different kinds of holiday possible. The fortress, the Okluky natural monument and the folk houses of Rajčovňa each give the town its own focus.

Fortress and local history

The medieval Hluk Fortress stands in the town centre on the right bank of the Okluky stream. Its first written mention dates from 1391. A more recent stage in its history is precisely dated: following extensive reconstruction, the fortress reopened on 1 June 2024. If you are interested in historic buildings, this is where the town’s long history meets a clear connection to the present day.

The information centre in Hluk offers tours of the fortress. This means that a visit need not be limited to viewing the building from the outside. The town centre also provides a good cultural reference point for days when you want to get to know Hluk first through its history and local traditions.

Okluky, hills and cycling route

The Okluky natural monument protects the only surface outcrop of Púchov marls within the Magura Flysch. This geological feature complements the historic centre with a natural attraction of its own character. The natural monument is located about 1.5 km from the centre of Hluk. If you want to combine culture and landscape when choosing your accommodation, this spatial difference is a useful point of reference: the fortress is in the centre, while the natural monument lies outside the town core.

Section No. 5048 of the Karpatská magistrála long-distance cycling route connects Hluk with Ostrožská Lhota.

Water, play and active breaks

Hluk municipal outdoor swimming pool has a swimming pool and a children’s paddling pool. The outdoor pool also includes a child-friendly play area. A beach volleyball court is located next to the outdoor pool. These facilities offer a different focus from the fortress and natural monument: they add water, play and exercise to a stay and give families with children another specific option for planning their day.

Folklore and recurring festivals

The folk houses of Rajčovňa present village life from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. They therefore show not only individual objects but also illustrate historic forms of housing across several periods. Exhibitions and events are also held in Rajčovňa. The folk houses can be visited throughout the year, so this attraction is not tied to a single event period.

Every three years, Hluk hosts the Dolňácké Festival Days with the Ride of the Kings. For your travel planning, this creates a clear distinction between an ordinary visit to the folk houses and a stay centred on this recurring festival. Regional cuisine is also connected with a historic tradition: cooking plum jam used to be customary and is now only a tradition.

For further destinations in the same area, you can also visit Vyškovec, Jalubí, Květná, Hradčovice, Nedachlebice, Hustenovice, Drslavice and Uherský Ostroh .

For the broader travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.