Vlachovice – Nature, Traditions and Trails in the White Carpathians

Vlachovice is a destination for travellers who do not want to experience the landscape and traditional crafts separately. Protected nature, an educational trail to traditional fruit-drying houses, regional museums and cycling routes are closely connected here thematically. If you are looking for a place to stay with visible traditions and a variety of excursion ideas, Vlachovice offers an unusually concrete selection.

Landscape and farming heritage

Most of the cadastral area of Vlachovice lies in the northernmost part of the CHKO Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area. The surrounding area is also shaped by its traditional use: much of the land in Vlachovice has long been used as natural pastures and meadows for sheep, cattle and horses.

Fruit-drying houses, cycle route and regional trails

Those who want to explore Vlachovice actively will find several options with different layouts. Official cycle route 5058 leads from Slavičín through Vlachovice towards Vlachova Lhota. The educational trail to the fruit-drying houses is a destination in its own right: it starts and ends in Vlachovice, is 15 km long and can be shortened. The route connects eight traditional fruit-drying houses, four of which are still in operation. It also passes through picturesque corners of the White Carpathians and is suitable for cycling as well.

Fruit processing is visible in Vlachovice not only along the educational trail. Sušírna sv. Františka operates year-round. Herbs and fruit are dried there, which Květomluva uses to make teas, syrups and herbal bath mixtures. Another opportunity to learn about the local tradition is the event “Putování po vlachovských sušírnách”, traditionally held on the first Saturday in September.

Museums of folk culture and crafts

The Museum of Folk Culture and Traditions of the Vlachovsko Region is housed in an old farmhouse in Vlachovice. It displays unique ceramic vessels from the Ďulův kopec archaeological site. A visit to the museum thus combines the rural atmosphere of a historic building with a specific insight into the region’s earlier history.

The Bednářské muzeum is dedicated to the coopering trade. Traditional tools and products are on display, including barrels, tubs, vats and planters. By prior arrangement, the museum also offers an insight into the cooper’s workshop. For visitors who want not only to experience the landscape but also to understand how regional everyday objects are made, this museum provides a distinct focus.

A day at the pool and historical traces

As another option in Vlachovice, the open-air swimming pool has a large and a small pool. The swimming pool complex also includes a sand volleyball court. The remains of a water castle are located on the southern edge of Vlachovice, adding a historic site to the cultural traces of the town.

More destinations

Other destinations to choose from include Sehradice, Komárov, Hrivinuv Ujezd, Neubuz, Slopné, Hvozdná, Bohuslavice Nad Vláří and Vizovice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.