Planning Your Pustevny and Radhošť Hike

The trail between Pustevny and Radhošť is mostly flat and wide. It follows a scenic ridge that stays around 1,000 meters in elevation. Most hikers find this route very manageable. The total walking distance is about 8 to 10 kilometers round trip. You should allow at least three to four hours for the full experience. This includes time for photos and a local meal.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking. Summer brings lush greenery but can be quite crowded on weekends. Winter transforms the ridge into a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing. Always check the weather forecast before leaving Olomouc. Mountain conditions can change rapidly even in summer. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a light jacket.

Food options are plentiful at both ends of the trail. You will find traditional mountain huts serving hearty Czech soup. Look for "Kyselice," a local cabbage soup that provides great energy. Hydration is important, though there are several spots to buy drinks. If you prefer peace, try to start your hike before 9:00 AM. This helps you avoid the largest tour groups.

10 Highlights of the Pustevny and Radhošť Hike

This list includes the must-see spots along the ridge and nearby. Each item offers a unique look at Wallachian culture. Use these picks to plan your itinerary from Olomouc.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Libušín and Maměnka
• Best for families: Stezka Valaška
• Best view: Radhošť Summit
• Best free sight: Radegast Statue

1. Name: Libušín and Maměnka Type: Sight Why go: These are iconic wooden mountain huts designed by Dušan Jurkovič. They feature vibrant colors and traditional folk motifs. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Pustevny plateau. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view; meal prices vary. Getting there: Located right at the top of the Pustevny chairlift. Tip: Book a table in advance if you want to eat inside the restored Libušín.
2. Name: Radegast Statue Type: Sight Why go: This massive statue depicts the pagan god of hospitality and sun. It is the most famous symbol of the Beskydy Mountains. Best for: Iconic photos and local mythology. Where: Midway between Pustevny and Radhošť. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 1.5 km walk from Pustevny on the blue trail. Tip: There is a small refreshment stand nearby serving Radegast beer.
3. Name: Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius Type: Experience Why go: This is the highest wooden chapel in the Czech Republic. It marks the summit of Mount Radhošť. Best for: History buffs and spiritual seekers. Where: Summit of Radhošť. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Usually free (donations welcome). Getting there: Follow the ridge trail 4 km from Pustevny. Tip: Look for the statues of the saints right in front of the chapel.
4. Name: Stezka Valaška (Treetop Walk) Type: Experience Why go: A modern skywalk that takes you above the forest canopy. It includes a glass viewing platform and a suspension bridge. Best for: Families and thrill-seekers. Where: Near the Pustevny bus station. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee (approx. 300 CZK). Getting there: Short walk from the Pustevny chairlift. Tip: Visit on a clear day for views that reach as far as the Jeseníky Mountains.
5. Name: Trojanovice-Pustevny Chairlift Type: Activity Why go: This lift saves you a steep climb. It offers a relaxing ride with great views of the valley below. Best for: Saving time and energy. Where: Base station in Trojanovice. Time: 15-minute ride. Cost: Small fee for a one-way or return ticket. Getting there: Take a bus from Frenštát pod Radhoštěm to the Ráztoka stop. Tip: Buy a return ticket to save money if you don't plan to hike down.
6. Name: Radhošť Summit Cross Type: Viewpoint Why go: This large cross stands near the chapel. It offers 360-degree views of the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy. Best for: Panoramic scenery. Where: Mount Radhošť summit. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Final point of the main ridge hike. Tip: On very clear days, you can see the peaks of the Slovak Tatra Mountains.
7. Name: Wallachian Open Air Museum Type: Day trip Why go: Located in nearby Rožnov, this is the largest museum of its kind in Central Europe. It shows how people lived in the mountains centuries ago. Best for: Culture and history. Where: Rožnov pod Radhoštěm (15 min drive from trail base). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Bus or train from Frenštát or direct from Olomouc. Tip: Try the "frgál," a traditional large sweet tart sold in the museum.
8. Name: Tarzanie Mountain Rope Park Type: Activity Why go: This is one of the largest rope parks in the country. It is located right at the start of the hike's base area. Best for: Active families and teenagers. Where: Trojanovice (Ráztoka). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry based on circuit difficulty. Getting there: Next to the chairlift base station. Tip: Check height requirements for children before booking.
9. Name: Kněhyně-Čertův mlýn Reserve Type: Nature Why go: For those wanting a wilder experience, this nearby peak offers rugged trails and rock formations. It is much quieter than the main ridge. Best for: Experienced hikers. Where: East of Pustevny. Time: 3-4 hours extra. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the red trail from Pustevny. Tip: This area is a protected wilderness, so stay strictly on the marked paths.
10. Name: Frenštát pod Radhoštěm Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: A charming town square with historic townhouses and a fountain. It is the gateway to the mountains. Best for: A relaxing coffee after the hike. Where: Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main train and bus hub for the area. Tip: Visit the local museum to learn about the history of ski jumping in the region.

How to Reach the Beskydy from Olomouc

Getting to the Pustevny and Radhošť hike from Olomouc is straightforward. If you are driving, the trip takes about one hour. Follow the main road toward Valašské Meziříčí and then Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. Park your car at the Ráztoka parking lot in Trojanovice. This lot is located right next to the chairlift station. Arrive early as it fills up fast on sunny days.

Public transport is also a great option. Many people enjoy train trips from Olomouc to this region. You will usually need to change trains in Valašské Meziříčí. From Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, local buses run frequently to the Ráztoka stop. The total journey time by train and bus is about two hours.

For those who prefer a guided experience, check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal tours. Sometimes special buses run directly to Pustevny during the summer months. This saves you the transfer time in Frenštát. Always verify the latest schedules on the IDOS website or app. This is the standard tool for all Czech transport planning.

More Outdoor Adventures Near Olomouc

If you love the Beskydy, you might also enjoy the Jeseniky Mountains. These peaks are located north of Olomouc and offer a more alpine feel. They are perfect for those seeking longer, more challenging trails. Praděd is the highest point there and features a unique TV tower. Both mountain ranges are excellent for weekend trips from Olomouc.

Families often look for family weekend getaways that combine nature with fun. The Beskydy area is ideal because of the chairlifts and skywalks. It minimizes the "boring" parts of hiking for children. You can also visit the Visit Czechia website for more regional ideas. Moravia is full of hidden gems waiting for discovery.