Bystřice pod Hostýnem: Castle, Crafts and Leisure

Bystřice pod Hostýnem combines cultural history with practical opportunities for outdoor activities. When looking for a hotel, the themes of your stay may help you decide: exhibitions range from ceramics and guilds to furniture and military history, while an educational trail and seasonal leisure activities add to the town’s appeal.

Castle, Crafts and History

Bystřice pod Hostýnem Castle is considered the town’s most important historic monument and dates from the first half of the 15th century. On the ground floor of the main building, the exhibition “Ceramics, Bystřice Guilds and the Study of František Táborský” displays ceramics from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its section on Bystřice’s guilds introduces craftspeople from the Podhostýnsko microregion. Historical objects and the history of local crafts are presented side by side.

Furniture making is another focus, and its tradition continues in the town to this day. An exhibition on historic bentwood furniture covers pieces by the Thonet, Kohn, Fischel and Mundus brands, dating from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. The villa offers a dedicated look at the history of Thonet: it was built between 1873 and 1877 as a residence for the manufacturer’s family. Today, it houses a modern showroom for the company TON, a. s. The company makes bentwood furniture and carries on the Thonet tradition. Here, a historic residence and a contemporary showroom share the same building.

The “Exhibition of Napoleonic Soldiers” adds a military history focus. It features a military hospital, uniforms worn by a surgeon and his assistant, replicas of firearms and edged weapons, and artillery and drummer equipment. Another cultural highlight is the vibrant folklore traditions of the border region between Valašsko and Záhoří. Every two years, they culminate in the international “Na rynku v Bystřici” festival. If the festival matters to your travel plans, check the specific event date in advance.

Educational Trail, Getting There and Leisure

Bystřice pod Hostýnem is considered a starting point for the Podhostýnsko recreational area. One specific destination along the way is the Chodník Masarykových educational trail: it starts at Bystřice pod Hostýnem Castle and ends at the Švajgrovka lodge in Chvalčov. The route is listed as 8.1 km long. Check the trail details again before setting out.

When planning your journey, you can also consider the Hostýnské vrchy bicycle bus service. It runs from Zlín via Troják and Tesák to Bystřice pod Hostýnem and back. As seasonal services and timetables may change, check the connection for your travel date.

Bystřice pod Hostýnem outdoor swimming pool is located in Zahájené City Park. It has an almost 50-metre-long swimming pool, two slides, a paddling pool and a beach volleyball court. It operates seasonally, and facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit. Another leisure option is an approximately 257 m long asphalt track with artificial waves and banked turns. Details about this facility may also change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Bařice-Velké Těšany, Zdounky, Kyselovice, Zlobice, Chomýž, Dřínov, Bezměrov, Přílepy.

For the broader travel guide: Kroměříž District.