Doubravy – Village Culture and Landscape in the Vizovice Highlands

Doubravy Between Village Culture and Protected Landscapes

Doubravy combines the open landscape of the Vizovice Highlands with a remarkably rich village culture. Meadows shaped by agriculture, wooded areas, landscape greenery, and a varied relief characterize the surroundings. At the same time, wooden structures, chapels, crosses, and living customs tell the story of the village’s traditions. If you are planning a stay in Doubravy, you can therefore combine experiences in nature, short cycling trips, and cultural discoveries without losing sight of the character of a small village.

Uhliska and the Landscape Around Doubravy

Uhliska, a 14.25-hectare wetland along the floodplain of the Černý potok, lies in the northern part of Doubravy. Uhliska is located in the immediate vicinity of Doubravy, belongs to its cadastral territory, and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The species protected there include the dusky large blue and the large copper butterfly. Uhliska is particularly interesting if, on your outings, you would like to explore not only open landscapes but also the distinctive features of a designated wetland.

The landscape around Doubravy is suitable for short cycling trips, walks, and agrotourism. For cyclists, regional route 5055 from Topolná to Zlín provides a specific point of reference: it passes through Doubravy along roads used for local traffic. Those who want to explore the surroundings through different day-trip ideas can use it to connect a landscape experience with a regional route, without any particular stage or travel time being required.

Wooden Bell Tower, Chapel, and Village Traditions

A distinctive small structure is the wooden bell tower in the western part of the village square. It stands on a stone base, has a square floor plan, and a hipped roof. Two posts support the covered bell tower. The present form of the old bell tower dates from 1848. During its restoration, original building elements and traditional forms of folk architecture were preserved; for this reason, it received an award in the regional 2024 “Village of the Year” competition.

Local remembrance culture also includes five stone crosses in the built-up area and a monument to the victims of the First World War. The old granary is the only completely originally preserved agricultural building in Doubravy. Together with the Chapel of Saint Adalbert, it forms a tour through various facets of the village. The chapel is a cultural monument of local significance and was consecrated in 2011. Inside is the painting “Průvod svatých” by the academic painter František Peňáz. It also has a bell tower with the bells Silvestr and Veronika.

Even today, culture in Doubravy is not limited to buildings. The children’s folklore ensemble Doubravjánek has been active for several years and also performs in neighboring municipalities. The New Year’s custom “Podávání botů,” in which boys visit girls in their homes, has been passed down through the generations. Revived traditions also include the spring festival “Pálení čarodějnic.” In summer, a show of brass bands is a tradition. Masses are occasionally celebrated in the chapel; believers also meet there for communal prayer. During the Christmas season, people gather at the chapel for a program by Doubravjánek, sing Christmas carols, and celebrate a living nativity scene.

Transport and Choosing Where to Stay

The local transport connections provide an objective point of reference when choosing accommodation in Doubravy. Road II/490 connects Doubravy with the higher-level road network and ensures transport access to the area. The village has one bus stop serving both directions and one serving a single direction. Whether you want to focus on the landscape of Uhliska, route 5055, or village culture can therefore already be taken into account when planning your stay.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to expand your search to other places, this portal also features Zlín Zlin, Vysoké Pole, Ostrata, Podkopná Lhota, Rokytnice, Poteč, Vizovice and Valašské Klobouky.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.