Discover Karolinka: Glass Culture, Cycle Path and Ski Resort

Karolinka combines impressive glass culture with a landscape where winter sports, cycling and signposted hiking trails open up different travel possibilities. Added to this are a distinctive church, a museum with regional connections and the Raťkov Valley with Wallachian cuisine. This allows you to combine cultural discoveries, active days and summer activities for children into a varied stay.

Glass History and Special Buildings

An important cultural point of reference is the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka. It opened to visitors on 16 August 2014 for those wishing to learn about the skill and artistry of master glassmakers. The gallery is open to visitors and displays paintings by the Wallachian masters Jiljí Hartinger, Karel Hofman and František Podešva. The motifs depict master glassmakers, glass production, life in the glassworks and Karolinka.

Karolinina huť is also part of the region's glass history. The glassworks was built in 1861–1862 on the eastern edge of Nový Hrozenkov by the entrepreneur Salomon Reich. Its products included cut glass and cylinders for paraffin lamps; important markets were Vienna and Galicia.

The Kostel Panny Marie Karmelské church also creates its own distinctive accent. It was built in 1994–1997; its foundation stone was blessed on 21 May 1995 in Olomouc by Pope John Paul II. Inside, an altar with a 253 cm tall wooden statue of the Virgin Mary is the dominant design element. The statue was created by the woodcarver Ladislav Borák, and the church interior is complemented by a mosaic by Juraj Begany, SVD.

Skiing, Summer Activities and Cycling

On the edge of the town lies Skiareál Karolinka, in a valley between the ridges of the Vsetínské vrchy and the Javorníky. The area includes a 1,000 m long ski slope. There is also a constantly groomed snow park, which is also suitable for snowboarding, as well as an evening skiing option.

In summer, the focus of the ski area changes: children can enjoy several types of trampolines, the inflatable attractions Bumperball and Aquaroller, pedal boats for the youngest children and disc golf. Those who prefer to cover longer distances by bicycle can consider the 56.8 km Vsetínská Bečva route. It runs from Velké Karlovice to Valašské Meziříčí via Karolinka; most of it follows a cycle path closed to motor traffic.

Karolinka is one of the starting points for signposted hiking trails.

Raťkov: Folk Architecture and Wallachian Cuisine

The rodový shluk Orságů is located in the Raťkov district. The ensemble comprises a farmstead dating from 1831 and is considered an exceptionally valuable example of folk architecture from the first half of the 19th century. The Raťkovský shluk Orságů – Chalupy Pod šenkem čp. 285 complex in Karolinka-Raťkov was awarded Folk Building of the Year of the Zlín Region in 2021.

The well-known Raťkovský šenk restaurant is also located in the picturesque Raťkov Valley in Karolinka. It mainly serves Wallachian specialities as well as other popular dishes. For regional orientation, you can also compare Lešná Lešná, Valasska Bystrice Valasska Bystrice, Ústí U Vsetína Ústí U Vsetína, Velké Karlovice Velké Karlovice, Růžďka Růžďka, Střítež Nad Bečvou Střítež Nad Bečvou, Janová Janová and Lužná U Vsetína Lužná U Vsetína.

For the broader travel overview: Vsetín District.