A Proud Region

Planning a trip always involves choices, because it is rarely possible to fit everything you would like to see into a single itinerary. This is particularly true of the Moravian-Silesian Region, whose list of attractions is exceptionally long, reflecting its rich history. If you like the atmosphere of noble historical residences, you can choose from dozens of castles and chateaux – from the striking red and white château at Hradec nad Moravicí to the atmospheric ruins of Hukvaldy Castle or the uniquely fortified Sovinec Castle.

There is an equally wide range of architectural interest in towns and villages across the region. Highlights include the conservation area of Nový Jičín, with its townhouses surrounding Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí), Štramberk with its remarkable Trúba Tower, and Heřmanovice with its distinctive collection of vernacular structures. Wooden structures of many styles dot the landscape across the entire region. In Havířov, the Kotula Wooden Cottage (Kotulova dřevěnka) is a well-preserved example, and some of the spa buildings in Karlova Studánka are also timber-framed. The finest examples of wooden architecture are the many traditionally distinctive churches found primarily 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, lie in the southeast of the region. Between them, the Moravian Gate gradually opens into the Ostrava Basin, separating the Bohemian Massif from the Carpathians. The most important river in the region is the Odra (Oder). Its meandering course 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), combined with picturesque foothills, floodplain forests, pond networks and fertile lowlands, make up the remarkable natural diversity of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

The Region offers many opportunities for active recreation. 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 are renowned for the quality of their recreational and sports facilities. But there is plenty to do in the lowlands too. There are also many exceptional sports venues throughout the region. In the mood for golf, cycling, swimming or parachuting? No problem! Whatever you are looking for, the Moravian-Silesian Region has something for you.

After an active day, the region’s spas provide a long-established tradition of rest and recuperation. In the Jeseníky Mountains the fresh mountain air in Karlova Studánka is itself therapeutic, while the unique underground iodine-bromine mineral spring water, known as brine, is the basis of treatment at the Darkov Spa in Karviná. The region offers spas of all sizes, wellness centres, saunas, massage centres, solariums and cryotherapy, all delivered with a warm welcome. Wrap yourself in mud and bathe in beer – let yourself be pampered and spoilt.

Ostrava, with its industrial heritage, is home to a number of significant technical monuments, including the 'Michal' colliery, the Mining Museum at Landek Park and the area of Dolní Vítkovice (DOV). In Kopřivnice, make sure that you take a tour of the Tatra Museum. An unforgettable experience awaits on the Osoblaha narrow-gauge railway. The military fortification complexes at Darkovičky and Milostovice Fort and the Second World War memorial at Hrabyně bear witness to the turbulent history of the region. Discover the TECHNOTRASA (Technical Trail), a virtual route connecting 14 technical buildings. These are linked by traditions of mining, metallurgy, rail transport, the automotive industry, fire-fighting, brewing, military and agricultural history. You will see that the regional tourism is rich in themes and is almost inexhaustible.

• Moravian-Silesian Region Official Travel Guide

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