Janová – Hiking Trails, Bell Towers and Wide Views

Janová between forests, meadows and wide views

Janová presents a landscape with ever-changing features: long, narrow valleys lie between meadows and wooded areas, while the ridge sections open up wide views of the surrounding area. A considerable part of Janová’s cadastral territory lies within the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. This gives the village a combination of nature experiences and a landscape that cannot be reduced to a single form. If you would like to choose between walks, longer hikes and cultural discoveries during your stay, you will find several clearly distinct points of interest here.

Local history in bell towers and a chapel

Two bell towers are among Janová’s notable cultural landmarks. The old bell tower dates from 1891, while the new one was built in 1994. The bell in the new bell tower was purchased through a financial collection among the residents of Janová. The two years represent different chapters in the village’s history and make the place interesting beyond its landscape as well.

Another historical landmark is the cemetery chapel, which was built in 1890. Its carved entrance was completed in 2002 according to the original design by builder Michal Urbánek. Janová is also home to a monument to 27 local men who fell on the battlefields of the First World War. The monument was erected in 1938. In the 19th century, Janová was known for producing Houně wool blankets. Also in the 19th century, the village was known for producing tall cloth slippers. Those interested in local history can therefore connect architecture, craft traditions and commemorative culture in Janová without viewing the village merely as a starting point for excursions.

Hiking trails with Wallachian architecture and mountain views

There are two particularly illustrative destinations for hiking. A yellow-marked hiking trail leads from the Hořansko valley through the forest to Vsetín. Along the way, there are occasional views of the Janová–Hořansko and Vsetín–Jasenice valleys. Another yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Janová, after about 3 km, to the group of old Wallachian wooden houses at U Karolů. This trail offers continuous views of the Vsetínské vrchy ridge and the Javorníky border mountains. The two routes therefore differ considerably: one combines forest, valley views and Vsetín, while the other leads to traditional wooden architecture and an uninterrupted panorama of the mountain ranges.

Cycling, inline skating and longer routes

Cyclists will also find various options in Janová. Janová offers opportunities for mountain-bike excursions. In addition, the marked Bečva Cycle Path runs for more than 141 km along the Bečva River. The route is suitable for cycling, inline skating and walking; selected sections can be used by inline skaters. This distinction is important when planning your day: mountain-bike excursions are possible in Janová, while the Bečva Cycle Path is a considerably longer, marked route along the river.

Getting there and comparing other destinations

Janová is the second stop on railway line 282 between Vsetín and Velké Karlovice. In addition, several bus lines run from Vsetín towards Velké Karlovice. To compare other destinations, you can then explore Kelč, Vidče, Prostřední Bečva, Lužná U Vsetína, Lačnov, Střítež Nad Bečvou, Hošťálková and Ústí U Vsetína.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.