Hostýnská magistrála

Author: Karolína Machů

Don't know where to go cycling? Why not try the Hostýnská Magistrála? It is a collection of popular trails along the ridges of the Hostýnské Mountains. However, this route is no longer for children or rollerbladers, but rather for cyclists and hikers. In winter, the trails are used by cross-country skiers. Thanks to the summits, you will have to overcome significant elevation gains, and the route is quite challenging. The main trail is 19 kilometers long. It runs from Hostýn to Lázy. Seven other trails connect to it, which you can descend. The total length of the trails is 52 kilometers, but you can choose only the sections you like best. The views along the ridges will surely enchant you.

The start is at Svatý Hostýn – Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (49.3766667N, 17.7002778E). You can regain strength, for example, at the Ovčárna hotel and restaurant (49.3767892N, 17.6969814E). It would be a shame not to also visit the fifteen-meter-high lookout tower (49.3801556N, 17.7018261E).

The route then leads through Slaný, Klapínov, Holý vrch, U tř í kamenů, Solisko, U Češků, and Troják (49.3504822N, 17.8067444E). Troják is one of the favorite places visited both in winter and summer. The place offers you quality refreshments or also fun in the bowling bar, where you can play the popular game of bowling or have a drink. The bar offers popular cocktails like mojito or cuba libre.

The trail continues through Bludný, Čečetkov, Háje, and ends at Lazy. If this route is too short for you, you can, for example, turn onto a path that begins at U tř í kamenů (49.3567631N, 17.7578525E), which is approximately halfway along the main trail and leads to Řík. The name U Tří kamenů for this junction comes from three boundary stones from the late 18th century, about which many legends are told. The trail is eight kilometers long, and along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings of the Hostýnské Hills.

Another cycle path you can visit runs from Machova studánka to Rosošné (49.3638000N, 17.7691994E). Machova studánka is a beautiful place for a moment of relaxation, or for a small refreshment and replenishment of fluids. The sculptural design of the spring is the work of Josef Antek, an academic sculptor.