Ostrata: Hills, Wood Art and Discoveries

Ostrata combines a gently hilly landscape with an unusually diverse local history. The municipality lies at the foot of the Hostýn and Vizovice Hills; a stream flows through Ostrata that was mentioned as early as 1261. A stay in this Czech landscape offers a combination of a connection with nature, regional history and special excursion destinations.

Historic Character Among the Hills

The first written mention of Ostrata dates back to 1391. Historically, the village belonged to the Lukov estate of the Lords of Šternberk and remained part of this domain until the end of feudalism. Traces of this past can also be found in smaller monuments: Ostrata’s historic monuments include a stone cross created in 1837. Below Ostrata, in the direction of Hvozdná, there is also a terrazzo cross or wayside shrine.

The municipality’s symbols also tell a story. Ostrata’s municipal seal dates from the end of the 18th century, while the original seal was still in use in 1820. The war memorial in the local park has also been repaired and restored. The windmill near Štípa is protected as a cultural and technical monument of the Czech Republic and adds another cultural and historical point of interest to the region.

Wood Art and Experiences at the RH Complex

One particularly distinctive destination is the First Wooden ZOO at the RH Complex in Ostrata. The collection consists mainly of chainsaw carvings made from wood from almost every tree species. In 2015, it was opened to the public in a garden covering approximately one hectare. As a result, the visit is not limited to a single exhibition room, but leads through an extensive garden area.

For children, the First Wooden ZOO offers a hands-on experience: the labelled wooden animal figures may be petted, touched and photographed. The complex also includes a Pohádkoland alley with figures of a Minion, Křemílek, Bart Simpson and SpongeBob. As part of an update for 2026, larger dinosaurs were added to Dinoland. An exhibition of toy cars has also been prepared.

There are two places at the First Wooden ZOO where visitors can sit and enjoy a snack. The RH Complex in Ostrata also houses a small clock museum with separate admission. Those who want to discover culture not only through grand buildings but also through crafts, collections and local memorials will find several different forms of it in one place.

Cycling, Water and the Organic Farm

Ostrata lies on cycling tourism routes that run from Zlín through Ostrata to other areas of the region. This makes the village a starting point for planning a trip centred on a cycling tour through several different landscapes. Another destination is the Ostrata Reservoir, a private fishing area between Hvozdná and Slušovice. The body of water has well-maintained, grassy banks; when planning your visit, however, you should take into account its designated use as a private fishing area.

Another option is the publicly accessible Juré Organic Farm. Organic products are sold there, including dried fruit as well as various fruit spreads and jams. The organic farm can be reached from Ostrata on foot or by bicycle and has a large children’s playground.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Stay

If you are looking for a hotel in Ostrata, you can first decide which aspect of the village is most important for your trip. The Wooden ZOO, with its figures, Dinoland and seating areas, is ideal for an activity-filled day. Juré Organic Farm adds regional products and a playground to the stay, while the cycling routes allow for a more active itinerary. History and smaller monuments also give the village a quieter cultural character. When looking for a suitable hotel, the desired combination of excursions, cycling, culture and family activities remains a sensible starting point.

For the broader travel overview: Zlín District.

More Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Ludkovice, Pozlovice, Lukoveček, Bohuslavice U Zlína, Lipová, Tlumačov, Spytihněv, Dešná.