Discover Horni Becva

If you would like to combine water, easy trails, mountain scenery and winter sports in a single stay, Horní Bečva offers an unusually diverse mix. The town is located in the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area at the transition between the Beskids and the Vsetín Hills. In addition, there is a reservoir with summer activities, themed walking trails, marked routes, regional history and several winter sports options.

Reservoir, easy trails and discoveries with children

The Horní Bečva Reservoir is central to many experiences in the area. In summer, swimming, water sports and fishing are possible there. Access to the water includes a grass beach, a gently sloping sandy entrance and a bathing jetty. Those who prefer to experience the landscape on foot can walk around the reservoir on an easy trail just under 2 km long.

A special option for families is the child-friendly, easy Kulíškova educational trail. The trail is 2.5 km long and includes ten interactive stations. It begins a short distance below Hotel Horal, near Hotel Pod Javorem. In addition, Horní Bečva has five themed circular walking routes following the footsteps of the fairytale goblin Špírek: Kudlačena, Přehrada, Bobišek, Kyčera and Šorstýn.

Mountain scenery, a wetland meadow and a cycle path

The natural features extend beyond the reservoir. The Rožnovská Bečva rises below the summit of Mount Vysoká, which reaches 1,024 m, in the cadastral area of Horní Bečva. Kudlačena is a typical example of a Beskydy Sihla, meaning a submontane wetland meadow, and is also a natural monument in the cadastral area of Horní Bečva.

For a longer tour, an 11 km high-level loop leads from Horní Bečva via Kotlová, Benešky and Polana. Another circular route is located near the viewpoints above the former quarry. It is about 3 km long, has three modern rest pavilions and offers views of the reservoir and the surrounding hills.

The Bečva cycle path begins below the Horní Bečva dam. It runs along the Rožnovská Bečva towards Rožnov pod Radhoštěm or as far as Valašské Meziříčí. Those who want to combine cycling with waterside scenery will therefore find a clearly described route along the river here.

Winter activities between Rališka and Sachova studánka

Cross-country skiing trails run above the Horní Bečva Reservoir, between the Rališka and Sachova studánka ski areas. The routes lead across meadows, with options for different levels of difficulty. For downhill skiing, Rališka has a two-seat Doppelmayr chairlift; the longest run is 650 m long. The ski area can be reached via the road from Rožnov pod Radhoštěm to the Bumbálka border crossing and is located about 1.3 km to the right above the Horní Bečva Reservoir.

The run in the Mečová ski area is suitable for beginners, children and snowboarders. At the ski area at Sachova studánka, a ski bus runs between the central car park on the main road and the ski area.

Church, mountain pass and regional tradition

The Church of Saints John and Paul is part of Horní Bečva’s history. Construction began in 1791, and it was consecrated on 23 May 1802. The mountain pass between Horní Bečva and Velké Karlovice bears the traditional names Benešová and Beneška. A continuous strip of subservient maple stands was created there.

A culinary tradition could be experienced at Haferobraní on 13 July 2024. The festival was held in honor of blueberries from the local forests. Offerings included blueberry tastings, blueberry dumplings, Kanco-Knedlo-Hafero-Zelo and blueberry beer. In this way, the region’s history complements the natural experiences with a concrete insight into local festival and food culture.

Further destinations: Lázy, Valasske Mezirici, Prlov, Dolni Becva, Ústí U Vsetína, Jarcová, Kelč, Branky Na Morave

To the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.