This calm town in Czechia houses the vast Wallachian Open Air Museum, offers hiking in the Beskydy Mountains, and features the unique Jurkovič Tower for panoramic views.
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm sits at the foot of Radhošť mountain. You can explore the Wallachian Open Air Museum, climb the Jurkovič Tower, or hike in the Beskydy Mountains. The town's climate and location make it suitable for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Wallachian Open Air Museum: A Journey Through Time
The Wallachian Open Air Museum, the largest of its kind in Central Europe, is a national cultural monument comprising over 100 original buildings across three distinct areas. In the Wooden Town, you'll find a small rural development from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, including period-accurate housing, craft workshops, and a climatic spa. The Wallachian Village section recreates a typical rural settlement, with farmsteads, a windmill, and a blacksmith's shop. In the Mill Valley, you can observe traditional cloth felting, cereal milling, and iron processing in functional technical structures. The museum allows you to experience the daily life, customs, and crafts of the region's past inhabitants.
Scaling the Jurkovič Tower
Built in 2012 based on century-old designs by architect Dušan Jurkovič, the Jurkovič Tower stands 30 meters high. This observation tower combines stone and wood construction with four gables, a ball top, and folk decorations. Its design, reminiscent of a gingerbread house, provides views of the surrounding landscape. You can reach the tower from the hikers' parking lot. As you climb, you'll notice the intricate details of its construction, reflecting Jurkovič's architectural vision.
Exploring the Beskydy Mountains
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is close to the Beskydy Mountains. You can visit Pustevny, a mountain resort, by taking a 45-60 minute bus ride from town. From Pustevny, you can hike 9 kilometers to Mount Radhošť, which stands at 1129 meters. For a shorter trip, walk to the statue of Radegast, the legendary pagan god of the mountains. Alternatively, take the chairlift from Trojanovice near Frenštát pod Radhoštěm to Pustevny for mountain views without the climb. The Beskydy Mountains have trails for different fitness levels, from gentle walks to challenging hikes.
Seasonal Activities and Local Culture
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm has activities year-round. In summer, you can attend the annual Rožnovské slavnosti, an international folklore festival celebrating local traditions. During winter, you'll find several ski slopes of varying difficulty levels nearby. The Skiareal Na Bučiskách has four ski jumps, including a middle jump of K 70 category. The town's climate, protected by surrounding hills and freshened by Carpathian winds, makes outdoor activities comfortable throughout the year. Visit the local Tourist Information Center for up-to-date information on seasonal events and activities.
Getting to Rožnov pod Radhoštěm
Located about 200 miles east of Prague, you can reach Rožnov pod Radhoštěm by various means. If you're traveling from Prague by train, the journey takes about 4.5 hours with a transfer in Valašské Meziříčí. By car, the trip from Prague takes approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes via the D1 highway and E50. The nearest airports are in Ostrava (about 35 minutes by car) and Krakow, Poland (about 2 hours and 40 minutes). In town, you can walk to many attractions or use local public transportation.
