Bystřička – Reservoir, Klenov and Rocky Landscape

Bystřička combines a reservoir with distinctive rock formations, historical traces and a variety of paths. The destination is suitable for different kinds of day trips: at the water, beaches, boats and paddleboards take centre stage, while the Klenov educational trail reveals geological, botanical and zoological features. In addition, there is a cultural monument, the remains of a medieval castle and two cycle routes with different itineraries.

Reservoir and Cultural Monument

The Bystřička waterworks is a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It was declared a cultural monument in 2003 because of its unique architectural and urban design and technical equipment. The dam is also one of the oldest dams in the Czech Republic. In the catchment area of the Morava River, above its confluence with the Dyje, it is considered the oldest dam.

The former craft tradition is also part of the history of the area. In the past, torches, Křivák knives and household wooden vessels known as “valašský porcelán” were made in Bystřička. This designation refers to a local craft tradition, not to a current form of production.

Klenov: Rocks, Castle Traces and Educational Trail

The Klenov massif is home to large, striking rock formations made of sandstone and conglomerate. Some of them are interpreted as frost cliffs. The formation includes a narrow gorge, a small fissure cave, rock ledges and a rock window measuring 165 cm in length and 35 cm in width. Klenov therefore offers unusual natural features that clearly differ from an ordinary woodland landscape.

The remains of a medieval castle are located on the rocky summit of Zámčisko on Mount Klenov. Ceramic finds date its existence to the 14th century. The Klenov educational trail connects several of these landscape and cultural sites: it begins at the Bystřička Reservoir and follows the blue hiking trail marking to a viewpoint near the nature reserve below Mount Klenov. It then continues to the rocky summit of Zámčisko, the turn-off to the Svantovítovy Rocks and the Louky pod Štípou natural monument.

Hiking, Cycling and Water Activities

The Klenov educational trail is 7 km long and features 10 information panels about the geological, botanical and zoological features of the Javorníky Mountains. In summer, it is suitable for hikers and mountain bikers, and in winter also for cross-country skiers. This allows the landscape to be explored in different ways depending on the season, without changing the documented character of the trail.

At the main beach of the Bystřička Reservoir, grassy and sandy areas alternate. The access to the water is gently sloping there. There is also a boat and paddleboard rental facility near the main beach. For cyclists, the green Route 6119 runs around the reservoir and continues to the municipality of Valašská Bystřice. The blue Cycle Route 6018 descends to the Bystřička Reservoir. Those looking for a hotel in Bystřička can therefore choose the area according to their preferred focus: water activities at the main beach, nature and geology around Klenov, or cycle routes in different directions.

Other Places to Search

For further orientation, you can open Kelč, Horni Becva, Jarcová, Lačnov, Seninka, Hutisko Solanec, Francova Lhota and Hrachovec.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.