A Proud Region

The joy of travelling always brings with it the need to plan and choose, because seldom do all the places you would like to see fit into a single travel itinerary. This can be quite a confounding task when it comes to the Moravian-Silesian Region, as its list of attractions is extremely long, thanks to its bountiful history. For example, if you like the atmosphere of noble historical residences, you can choose from dozens of castles and chateaux – from the ostentatious red and white chateaux in Hradec nad Moravicí to the rather mysterious castle Hukvaldy or the uniquely fortified Sovinec castle.

Just as wide of an offer can be found in city and village architecture. Fantastic places await you like the monument reserve in Nový Jičín with townhouses around the Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí), Štramberk with its remarkable Trúba (Tower) and Heřmanovice featuring a distinctive group of folk structures. Wooden structures of many styles dot the landscape across the entire region. In Havířov there is the preserved and remarkable Kotul wooden Cottage (Kotulova dřevěnka), and some of the spa buildings in Karlova Studánka are also timbered. The lovliest example of wooden architecture are the myriad of traditionally unique churches found primaly in the Beskydy Mountains and their foothills.

The natural western border of the Moravian-Silesian Region is formed by the Jeseníky mountains. The Beskydy mountains, part of the Western Carpathians, are situated in the southeast of the region. The Moravian Gate, which gradually transforms into the Ostrava Basin, separates the area between the Bohemian Massif and the Carpathians. The most important river in the region is the Odra (Oder). The landscape around its meanders forms the Poodří protected-landscape area. The highest peaks of the Jeseníky mountains (Praděd – 1,491 m) and the Beskydy mountains (Lysá hora – 1,323 m), picturesque foothills, floodplain forests, pond networks and fertile lowlands make up the natural diversity of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

The Region offers many opportunities for active relaxation. The winter and summer resorts in the Jeseníky and Beskydy Mountains offer a number of attractions, including kilometres of the highest quality ski slopes, tracks for cross-country skiing, skating, tobogganing and mountain hiking. The mountains here are renowned for the quality of the recreational and sports facilities. But if you don’t want to travel up into the hills, it doesn’t matter. There are also many exceptional sports venues throughout the region. In the mood for golf, cycling, swimming or parachuting? No problem! The Moravian-Silesian Region is available for everything.

And if you need to relax after your active programme, do not hesitate to visit our spas, which also have a long tradition in the region. In the Jeseníky Mountains you will be healed by fresh air in Karlova Studánka and the unique underground Iodine-bromine mineral spring water, called brine, cures clients in Darkov Spa in Karviná. You will find spas of all sizes, wellness centres, saunas, massage centres, solariums and cryotherapy which are all accompanied by the smiles of our pleasant staff. Wrap yourself in mud and bathe in beer – let yourself be pampered and spoilt.

Ostrava City, with its industrial heritage, is also known for its important technical monuments, including coal mine 'Michal', the Mining Museum at Landek park and the area of Dolní Vítkovice, also known as DOV and when visiting Kopřivnice, make sure that you take a tour of the Tatra Museum. Enjoy an unfogettable ride along the Osoblaha narrow-gauge railway. Don’t miss the military fortification complexes in Darkovičky and Milostovice Fort, the Second World War Monument in Hrabyně, which testifies to the difficult times prior to WWII. Discover our 'TECHNOTRASA' (Technical Trail), a virtual route connecting 14 technical buildings. The buildings are related through the traditions of mining, metallurgy, rail transport, the automotive industry, fire-fighting, brewing, military and agricultural history. You will see that the regional tourism treasure chest is rich in themes and is nearly inexhaustible.

• Moravian-Silesian Region Official Travel Guide

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