Lukov U Zlína

Lukov U Zlína combines castle history with educational trails, distinctive rock formations and protected woodland landscapes. The main attraction is Lukov Castle, but the area also offers specific starting points for shorter explorations, longer hikes and nature experiences.

Lukov Castle and historical discoveries

The origins of Lukov Castle date back to the first third of the 13th century. Step-by-step heritage restoration began in 1987; in 2016, Lukov Castle was named the Czech Monument of the Year. Three educational trails have been established on the grounds. The “Lukov Castle” educational trail leads through the upper part of the castle and explains its history and architectural development. It is approximately 500 m long on average and takes about 60 minutes.

There are also dedicated ways for younger visitors to engage with the history of Lukov Castle: educational programmes are aimed particularly at children and young people. The west palace also contains an interactive exhibition about the conquest of the castle in the 15th century, aimed especially at children. This makes it possible to combine a castle tour with engaging content, without limiting the visit to simply viewing the walls.

Further historical evidence can be found in the village. Construction of the Church of St Joseph began in 1810. The interior displays simple Empire architecture with elements inspired by the Baroque style in their arrangement. The altarpiece depicting the death of Saint Joseph was painted by the Viennese artist A. Schilling. Boží muka is a Baroque wayside shrine at the crossroads of the roads to Lešná and Fryšták: a sandstone statue of the Madonna stands on a brick pillar. Boží muka was erected in 1660 by Jan Fridrich Minkvic z Minkvicburku, the heir to Lukov Castle. Stará Lesovna was the residence of the wife of the composer Bedřich Smetana at the end of the 19th century.

Educational trails for different day plans

The Lukov educational trail is laid out as either an 8 km basic circular route or a 10.5 km route with detours. Along the way, eight information boards provide information about numerous natural features. The starting point is near Hájenka pod Růžovou. A shorter alternative is the “From Legend to Legend” circular route: it is approximately 3 km long and leads to ten stops featuring selected legends from Lukov.

Those who prefer a longer connection can include the Lukov–Zlín stage of the Cyril and Methodius Way; it begins in Lukov and ends in Zlín. The green-marked Lukov educational trail passes through a rock fissure from the Brzová natural monument area to Lukov Castle. Králky is suitable as a starting point for hikes and exploring the surrounding area. On the rocks below Lukov Castle, fans of adrenaline sports can test their skills.

Rocks, springs and protected forests

The Králky natural monument lies in the cadastral area of Lukov u Zlína, approximately 1 km northeast of Lukov. It protects distinctive rocks formed from Magura Flysch. In the past, the rock formations also served as an advanced fortification of Lukov Castle. At Králky, there are seats carved into the rock and a stone table associated with a recorded meeting of young members of the aristocratic Seilern families from Lukov-Lešná and Magnis from Strážnice at the beginning of the 19th century.

Other natural monuments also give the area its distinctive character. Borovice u Bezedníku is a Scots pine approximately 100 to 150 years old that towers over the surrounding woodland with its height of more than 35 m. Bezedník is a natural monument and a stop on the educational trail through the Lukovský forest district. During the First Republic, Bezedník was a forest bathing area with a buffet, seating and boats.

The Chladná dolina natural monument lies in the cadastral area of Lukov u Zlína and protects forest calcareous tufa springs and a species-rich beech forest. The Vela natural monument preserves one of the last remnants of natural beech forests in the Hostýnské vrchy. Rock outcrops are exposed there; the area and its wider surroundings are important breeding and refuge areas for numerous bird species. Studánka Rybárka is a fissure spring emerging from a sandstone massif and is one of the most productive springs in the wider area.

Water and accommodation on site

The Bělovodské ponds were restored in 1962 for recreation and fishing. They are particularly appealing to nature lovers for swimming and relaxation, offering a different atmosphere from the castle and rocky landscape. Penzion na pivovaře provides restaurant and accommodation services; in summer, seating is available in a garden restaurant.

More local pages to compare: Racková, Trnava U Zlína, Poteč, Dešná, Újezd and Valašských Klobouk, Kaňovice, Machová, Velký Ořechov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.