Discover Sušice: History, Festivals and Cycling

Sušice combines an early settlement history with local festival traditions, regional culture and a dedicated cycling option. The townscape includes an old Slavic hillfort, historic buildings, masked processions, festivals with refreshments and the 34-kilometre “Stezka Rulandského bílého” cycle route.

Historical Traces in Sušice

Sušice was founded in the first half of the 13th century on the site of an old Slavic hillfort. A fortress inhabited by a local lord stood on this site; its existence has been archaeologically confirmed. The first written mention of the settlement dates from 1344. In that year, a plot of land in Sušice was bequeathed to Velehrad Monastery. Several decades lie between the foundation in the first half of the 13th century and the first written mention in 1344.

Further traces lead through various periods of the town’s history. The former manorial mill in Sušice is first documented in 1603, and the last milling took place in 1848. Mill use therefore belongs to the earlier history of the town; the Chapel of the Virgin Mary dates from the later year 1886. In addition, a monument near Sušice commemorates a Swedish general who fell during the Thirty Years’ War.

Festivals with a Local Character

In Sušice, the Mariánské hody s právem is celebrated every year as a local tradition. The Mariánské hody 2026 was scheduled for 29 and 30 August 2026 at the Hřiště Sušice sports field. Another traditional part of local customs is the Fašank procession, in which participants wear various masks and costumes. “Pálení čarodějnic a stavění máje” is also organised in Sušice. The “Dětský den” children’s day, featuring the children’s programme “VESELUŠKA A KAMARÁDI”, was also planned for 13 June 2026. The Fašank procession is characterised by various masks and costumes; the children’s day focused on a dedicated children’s programme.

Flavours and Customs

Local festival culture includes a traditional Slivovice tasting. A jury and the other visitors assess the samples submitted. Sušice’s municipal symbolism includes a grape figure commemorating the region’s historic winemaking tradition. Another distinctive link to regional culture is the Slovácké koláčky. In Sušice, they are part of folklore and festival customs. During the hody, the families of the stárky offer refreshments to visitors at their homes.

Cycling and Further Orientation

The 34-kilometre “Stezka Rulandského bílého” cycle route passes through Sušice. The route complements the historic sites and festival culture with a dedicated cycling trail.

If you would like to compare other places in the same higher-level area in addition to Sušice, you can find Květná, Slavkov, Drslavice, Uherské Hradiště, Bánov, Bílovice, Lopenik and Popovice here.

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