Jasenná: Observation Tower, Educational Trails and Wallachian Culture

Jasenná combines viewpoints, educational trails and several clearly distinct cultural sites. Here, you can combine a trip to Vartovna with a hike, a cycling tour or an exploration of Wallachian traditions. Families can also enjoy a specifically described, easy route: the Baťa Trail from Vizovice to Jasenná is 5 kilometres long and suitable for families with children and pushchairs.

Educational Trails, Vartovna and Paths through the Landscape

The Portáš Educational Trail runs through the municipality of Jasenná. Another signposted option is the 7-kilometre Oškerovy paseky–Jasenná–Vartovna Educational Trail, with six stops and three information points. This makes it possible to combine different route lengths and thematic focuses without limiting the sights to a single location.

Vartovna, the highest point in the cadastral area of Jasenná, is home to a 37-metre-high observation tower. Its covered viewing platform is located at a height of 35 metres and can be reached by climbing 213 steps. Those looking for a shorter hike can choose the 5-kilometre Baťa Trail, which ends in Jasenná near the Evangelical church. At the end, you can also visit a municipal orchard with old regional varieties.

Cyclists can also include Jasenná in a marked route: one cycling tour leads from Hošťálková via Baťková and Syrákov to Vartovna and Vsetín. In winter, the hiking trails around Jasenná can be used for cross-country skiing.

Cultural Monuments and Wallachian Tradition

One of the most notable cultural sites is Mikuláštíkovo fojtství, a national cultural monument. Following extensive reconstruction between 2024 and 2026, it reopened to the public on 11 June. New visitor facilities and a multimedia exhibition were added. Near the fojtství, a Portáš statue created in 1941 by sculptor Stanislav Mikuláštík commemorates the fact that Jiřík Mikuláštík was a captain of the Portáš at the beginning of the 18th century.

The Baroque parish church of St Mary Magdalene was built in 1672, while its tower dates from 1732. The church contains an organ built by Jan Neusser in 1846, considered one of the oldest instruments in the Zlín Region. The townscape is complemented by the Empire-style Evangelical church. It was built mainly of stone between 1833 and 1836; its tower was added in 1861.

The Valašský soubor Portáš ensemble preserves traditional Wallachian culture and presents it to the public through folk songs, dances, customs and theatrical performances. In 2005, the association also revived the tradition of Jasenná church-fair processions featuring the leading of a ram.

Průkopa and Travel Orientation

For a natural-history addition, there is Průkopa, a protected natural monument in the cadastral areas of Jasenná and Lutonina. Vsetín Beds are exposed there, and Průkopa is considered a suitable site for excursions. The natural monument is freely accessible, and it is possible to drive to within 250 metres by car.

For geographical orientation, Road I/69 connects Jasenná with Zlín and Vsetín. Railway line 331 Otrokovice–Zlín–Vizovice extends as far as Vizovice; Vizovice is 6 kilometres from Jasenná. If you would like to explore other destinations in addition to Jasenná, you can also find Napajedla, Ostrata, Lhotsko, Žlutava, Dobrkovice, Machová, Lipová and Bělov here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.