Halenkov: Trails, Landscape and Bentwood History

Between the Javorníky, valleys and living history

Halenkov combines a peaceful landscape with an unusually wide range of opportunities to explore the town and its surroundings. The small valleys have largely preserved the character of the attractive Valašsko landscape. Alternating flysch layers have shaped the region’s landscape, creating deep valleys, steep slopes, numerous spring areas, and diverse forest and meadow biotopes. This gives you a destination where paths through the landscape are just as important as insights into the region’s history.

From Halenkov, marked hiking trails lead on foot, by bicycle or on cross-country skis to the ridge of the Javorníky. Other marked routes run via Vsacký Cáb, which is 841 metres high, and continue to the ridge of the Vsetínské vrchy. A wooden cross on Kyčerka along the educational trail offers a sweeping view over Valašsko and the Javorníky.

Educational Trail, Cycle Path and Various Ideas for Day Trips

The almost 30-kilometre-long educational trail from Halenkov is particularly varied. It leads through the whole of Halenkov and connects the town with the neighbouring municipality of Lazy pod Makytou on the Slovak side of the Javorníky. Thirteen stops divide the route. The educational trail is open to tourists and cyclists and is also suitable for a leisurely walk. This allows you to experience the route according to your preferred pace and focus, without being restricted to a single mode of transport.

The educational trail begins at the restored “Boží muka” chapel in Dinotice. One section from Dinotice via the upper ponds in Provazné can be completed by bicycle. The chapel is also a spiritual site. Hugo Thonet had it built in 1930; today, it provides a lasting reminder of the Thonet family and Halenkov’s history of bentwood furniture. For a culturally oriented tour, this starting point is therefore more than just a route marker.

The section of the 44-kilometre Bečva Cycle Path from Vsetín to Velké Karlovice that runs through Halenkov also offers another option for an active day. This section is also used by inline skaters. Those who want to combine hiking, cycling and routes of different lengths can therefore view Halenkov as a destination offering several distinct experiences.

Church and Bentwood as Distinctive Local History

The Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross is part of Halenkov’s visible history. The late Baroque church was built together with the rectory between 1786 and 1788. It has a single-nave body with a transept, side chapels, an organ loft and a five-storey western tower. The church belongs to a protected cemetery complex with a tower, a mortuary, an enclosing wall with two gates and a niche chapel.

The connection between the town and furniture history dates back to 1868, when Michael Thonet founded a factory for bentwood furniture in Halenkov. Chairs from the Halenkov branch of Gebrüder Thonet became a symbol of lightness, elegance and durability. The history of bentwood furniture thus also connects Halenkov with the history of global furniture design. Those who want to experience not only nature on their journey but also understand regional development will find a clearly recognisable cultural theme here.

Traditions, Sports Complex and Regional Specialities

In 2023, the Halenkovské slavnosti was a traditional cultural event and reached its 19th edition. The traditional programme included a humorous performance by the fire brigade, which ended with the felling of a maypole. Another local speciality is Halenkovský FRZEGUL, a traditional competition for the best quark frgál, the best cabbage and the best goulash.

The sports complex in Halenkov also includes a pump track with its own operating rules. The multifunctional sports court can be reserved after registering as a user. These specific facilities complement the trails and cultural attractions with further options for days when you want to make your stay more varied.

Further destinations in this overview: Przno, Horni Lidec, Karolinka, Vigantice, Zdechov, Zubří, Hrachovec, Liptál.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.