Velké Karlovice

Velké Karlovice is a typical Wallachian village in the heart of the Beskydy Mountains, which has preserved its traditional folk character and traditions to this day. Many of the original timbered buildings have been preserved here, you will find pastures with small flocks of sheep, and see mountain cottages that are still farmed today. There are old trees, chapels and crosses that tell of the joys and sorrows of the people who lived here.

In Velké Karlovice many buildings of original timbered architecture have been preserved. Among the most important are the timbered church of Our Lady of the Snows from 1754 and the merchant's house in the folk baroque style built in 1813, which now houses the Velké Karlovice Museum. You should not miss the wooden Mayor's farmstead from 1793. Take a stroll around the whole of the Podťaté part of Karlovice, which is a village conservation area.

Village of folk artists and craftsmen

Velké Karlovice is known as a village of folk artists and traditional craftsmen. The local craftsmen produce the renowned split-wood doves, various wooden sculptures, musical instruments, traditional leather shoes, belts and mother-of-pearl brooches. If you have the opportunity, don't miss a performance by the local women's folk choir. The special feature of their repertoire is traditional songs sung with open vocal cords. Their origin dates back to the 18th century.

Traditional Wallachian delicacies

A renowned event far beyond Wallachia is the annual Velké Karlovice Gastrofestival in October - a feast for all gourmets and lovers of Wallachian cuisine. It includes a frgál (traditional Wallachian pie) competition or a frgál manufactory, tastings of Wallachian specialities, a farmers' market, cookery shows and wine tastings.

Natural rarities, sports and relaxation in the heart of the Beskydy Mountains

Velké Karlovice is located in the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area, whose ridges and slopes are perfect for hiking or cycling in summer, while in winter skiers will appreciate the range of groomed downhill trails and countless kilometres of marked cross-country skiing. Mountain bike enthusiasts in particular will appreciate the Bike Resort Wallachia - a system of off-road trails with sections of singletrack. In the valley of Pluskovka, bikers can also enjoy the Kyčerka Bike Park.

In spring, rare plant species, even orchids, bloom in the meadows around Velké Karlovice. The Karlovice lake is also shrouded in legends and myths. According to the most famous one, dragons were even born here.

You can relax in the thermal pools of the Valachy Resort and enjoy traditional delicacies in the stylish Wallachian pub Kyčerka.