Vsetín District: Beskydy, Wallachian Culture and Nature

Vsetín District is considered a recreational area with a dynamically developing range of tourist services. Its special appeal lies in the interplay between protected landscapes, Wallachian history and culturally rich destinations offering memorable experiences. Here, you can combine experiences in nature, cycling and skiing with museums, traditional villages and distinctive buildings.

Beskydy Nature Among Hills and Protected Areas

The part of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area located in Vsetín District covers more than 555 km². This natural area includes significant parts of the Vsetín Mountains and the Moravian Javorníky. Primeval forest stands as well as rare animals and plants shape its distinctive character. The protected landscape area is among the most valuable natural sites in Europe.

The Beskydy site of European importance protects 18 habitat types, 11 animal species and 3 plant species. The Horní Vsacko Bird Area is also located in the southern part of the protected landscape area. For travel planning, the landscape is particularly attractive because the section of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area supports hiking, skiing and cycling. This makes Vsetín District suitable for different activity preferences, without requiring you to commit to just one type of experience.

Wallachian Traditions and Living Museums

A central cultural destination is the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. It is considered the oldest and largest open-air museum in Central Europe and comprises around 100 cultural heritage buildings. The region’s historical development is also reflected in its rural traditions: in Wallachia, extensive goat farming gave way to sheep farming. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the region also had high-quality linen production, which supported local livelihoods.

Valašská dědina is the largest area of the museum. It depicts everyday life in a Wallachian village from the late 18th century to the 1950s. Its programs include folk customs, children’s games, lessons as in the old school, farming, shepherding and crafts. In many buildings, you can take part in activities and try traditional work for yourself. The Wallachian Open-Air Museum is open year-round.

Also, Pustevny combines landscape and architectural heritage. It features a distinctive ensemble of wooden buildings in a folk style; Libušín and Maměnka are among the best-known huts. A statue of the pagan god Radegast stands on the Radhošť ridge. The Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius on Radhošť is considered the highest church building in the Czech Republic.

Castle Visits, Exhibitions and a Cycling Route

Vsetín Castle explores Wallachian history and its traditions through the permanent exhibition “Living Memory of the Region.” The Templar Cellar contains a knights’ game room, while the natural history exhibition in the tower includes an aquarium on the Bečva with live fish. Traditional museum events complement the offering. The Museum of the Wallachian Region also manages extensive ethnographic, historical and art collections.

For cyclists, the Bečva Cycling Trail is a good option. It connects Karolinka with Velké Karlovice through the Vsetínská Bečva valley. Experienced cyclists can continue from Strčková toward the Kyčerka ski resort and descend via the Baďurka Trail. This allows you to plan your journey either around a longer valley route or a more demanding continuation.

More Destinations for Your Regional Search

Other nearby search destinations include Francova Lhota, Zubří, Vigantice, Valašská Senice, Valašské Příkazy, Střelná, Seninka, Pozděchov, Police, Oznice, Mikulůvka, Malá Bystřice, Lidečko, Leskovec, Lhota U Vsetína, Kladeruby, Janová, Hošťálková, Kateřinice, Zašová, Velká Lhota, Valašská Polanka, Ústí U Vsetína, Študlov, Střítež Nad Bečvou, Růžďka, Ratiboř U Vsetína, Prlov, Liptál, Lačnov, Kelč, Jarcová, Jablůnka, Hovězí, Huslenky, Choryně, Bystřička, Branky Na Morave, Branky, Rosenau, Halenkov, Zdechov, Dolni Becva, Horni Lidec, Lužná U Vsetína, Hutisko Solanec, Novy Hrozenkov, Wesetin, Valasska Bystrice, Przno, Prostřední Bečva, Horni Becva, Hrachovec, Valasske Mezirici, Lázy, Vidče and Lešná.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlin.