Kunovice – Aviation, Traditions and Trails in Kunovský les

Kunovice combines an impressive aviation history with vibrant Moravian traditions and excursions into a recreational forest close to the town. If you are looking for accommodation for a culturally focused stay featuring festivals, local history and active leisure pursuits, you will find several clearly distinct experiences here: from a former government aircraft to the mostly flat educational trail through the floodplain landscape of the Morava River floodplain.

Aviation History and Special Insights

The Aviation Museum in Kunovice displays the former government aircraft Tupolev TU-154M “Naganský expres”. The museum also documents the history of aviation and aircraft production, which continues to play an important role in the Czech Republic and is concentrated in Kunovice in the Uherské Hradiště area. As part of an admission visit, visitors can look inside the aircraft and listen to the crews’ radio communications with the tower at Kunovice Airport. This turns a museum visit into an engaging encounter with technology, transport and the history of regional industry.

Jízda králů and Kunovice Festival Traditions

A second focus is Kunovice’s traditional customs. Since its revival in 1996, Jízda králů has taken place regularly every two years, usually around Pentecost Sunday and approximately one week before Jízda králů in Vlčnov. The oldest known record of Jízda králů in Kunovice dates back to 1892. The festival and its accompanying events take place in the centre of Kunovice and its immediate surroundings. For travel planning, therefore, not only the historical background is interesting, but also the special timing of the event.

Svatováclavské hody s právem has been celebrated in Kunovice since 1918. A central feature of the Kunovice Hody is the hodové právo. It derives from the symbols of authority of municipal self-government and symbolises rank, power and authority. Anyone wishing to experience regional culture not only in exhibitions but also through traditional forms of celebration will find an independent way of engaging with the history of the town here. The folk dance school takes place regularly in August and September as part of the Kunovice Hody.

Local History Between House and Church

Individual buildings also give Kunovice a clearly tangible historical profile. Listed House No. 679 was built in the first third of the 19th century after two devastating fires in Kunovice and preserves a traditional black kitchen. The present form of the Church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 18th century. The church is open during services. Together with the festival traditions, this creates a townscape in which history is not limited to a single attraction.

Active Leisure in Kunovský les

For active days, the Jízdy králů Kunovice grounds offer a sports field with artificial turf, a skate arena and an outdoor fitness area. Sports equipment can be borrowed there free of charge. The grounds are used year-round by locals and tourists for active recreation. Leisure options also include a public running trail, an educational trail, a disc golf course and a children’s playground in the Kunovský les forest park.

In the vicinity of Kunovice, the 5-kilometre Kunovský les educational trail runs through a recreational forest close to the town, mostly over flat terrain. Ten stations introduce typical plants and animals of the floodplain forest community in the Morava River floodplain. The educational trail begins at the clearing known as Jelení louka, near the cycle path leading to the Kunovice aircraft factory and Kunovice Airport. This allows you to choose different priorities when selecting your accommodation: cultural events such as Jízda králů, aviation history, local history or active hours in Kunovský les.

Other Places to Search

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Kunovice, you can also explore Lopenik, Staré Město, Bánov, Slavkov, Hradčovice, Stříbrnice, Svárov and Korytná.

To the higher-level travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.