Podhradí U Luhačovic – Castle Ruins, Springs and Trails

If you are looking for a place with woodland scenery, historical traces and marked trails, Podhradí reveals several sides within a small area. Podhradí lies in the valley of the Pozlovický potok and is surrounded by forests on three sides. The access road does not continue beyond the village. At the same time, Podhradí is in the immediate vicinity of the spa town of Luhačovice – a location that combines excursions into the countryside with a connection to the spa town.

Hiking Trails between Luhačovice and the Rocks

One particularly clearly described route is the approximately 30-kilometre-long blue-marked hiking trail from Luhačovice via Pozlovice, Starý Světlov, Spletený vrch, Kláštov, Svéradov and Mount Kopce to Čertovy skály. The trail passes through Podhradí and makes the village a specific section of a longer hiking connection. There are also a number of marked hiking trails in and around Podhradí.

There is also a documented route specifically for cycling: the “Na Komonec nad Luhačovicemi” route can be ridden by mountain bike and connects an educational trail, marked hiking trails and forest paths. This provides different ways of exploring the landscape side by side, without losing sight of the historical destinations.

Starý Světlov: Castle Ruins with Interpreted Traces

Northwest of Podhradí lies the extensive ruin of the medieval Starý Světlov castle, built in the 14th century. Its remains have been preserved on the site. At difficult-to-access locations, simple terrain stairs help prevent visitors from damaging the terrain. An information system explains the construction history of the castle.

The site also preserves unusual details of its past. Fragments of the mechanism of a drawbridge were found in the castle gate. Remains of a medieval counterfeiters’ workshop were identified in one room of the palace. Every year, guided castle tours and lectures on the history and heritage values of the site take place at Starý Světlov. Podhradí organises them in cooperation with the National Heritage Institute and the Museum of the Luhačovice Zálesí Region.

Springs, Folk Architecture and Places of Remembrance

The landscape’s special features include several springs. Sojsinka is located along the educational trail below Starý Světlov. The sulphur spring Sirčena rises at the upper end of Podhradí; its protected surroundings include a purpose-built rest area. Near Turecký kříž grows the rare European service tree Jeřab oskeruše, estimated to be over 300 years old.

The buildings also give the village its own character. The wooden bell tower in Podhradí is part of the characteristic folk architecture of the Luhačovské Zálesí region. Podhradí also has a wooden log chapel whose typology recalls Jurkovič’s buildings on Pustevny. Turecký kříž is a stone cross dating from 1663 and a memorial to the Turkish wars. The first mention of Podhradí dates from 1563, when it was known as Podhradí Starosvětlovské.

Summer Tradition and Swimming in Nature

The Anenská pouť pilgrimage festival takes place in Podhradí in summer. The celebration includes an extensive cultural programme and fairground rides. On the edge of the village, a small water reservoir offers the opportunity for wild swimming during hot summer months. These two attractions complement the trails, springs and castle ruins with seasonal and local experiences.

For further local selections in the regional context, you can also view Bohuslavice U Zlína, Rudimov, Újezd and Valašských Klobouk, Provodov, Bělov, Nedašov, Křekov and Poteč.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.