From Baťa’s Modern Dream to the Wooden Villages of Wallachia: The Ultimate Zlín Region Road Trip

When people think about the Czech Republic, they usually imagine Prague, medieval castles or spa towns. Yet in the east of the country lies a region unlike any other. The Zlín Region combines visionary industrial architecture, ancient pilgrimage sites, wooden mountain villages, dramatic sandstone cliffs and a culture that proudly preserves its traditions.

This circular road trip begins and ends in Zlín and follows a logical route through the heart of

Moravian Wallachia and eastern Moravia.

Zlín – The City Built Around an Idea

Begin your journey in Zlín, one of the most unusual cities in the Czech Republic.

Unlike medieval towns that grew slowly over centuries, Zlín was shaped by a vision. Entrepreneur

Tomáš Baťa transformed a small town into a model industrial city where factories, housing, schools and public buildings were designed as one coherent whole.

The famous Baťa Skyscraper, once the tallest building in Czechoslovakia, still dominates the skyline.

Even more fascinating is the former workers' district, where rows of red-brick houses reveal Baťa's ambition to provide quality living conditions for employees.

Before leaving the city, visit Zlín Zoo, often regarded as the most popular zoo in the Czech Republic.

Unlike traditional zoos, many exhibits allow visitors to feel remarkably close to animals from Africa, Asia and South America.

Leave Zlín heading east toward the forests and hills of Wallachia.

Vizovice and the Devil's Rocks

A short drive brings you to Vizovice.

Most Czechs immediately associate the town with slivovice, the famous plum brandy that has become a symbol of Moravian hospitality. Yet Vizovice offers more than distilleries. The elegant château surrounded by landscaped gardens provides a surprising contrast to the surrounding countryside.

From here continue to the nearby Čertovy skály.

According to local legends, the Devil himself tried to build a massive stone wall overnight. Before he could finish, the first rooster crowed and he vanished, leaving behind the spectacular sandstone formations visitors see today.

Luhačovice – Beauty, Architecture and Healing Springs

Continue south toward Luhačovice, the largest spa town in Moravia.

Unlike many European spa resorts, Luhačovice has a distinctive architectural style inspired by folk traditions. Colourful buildings designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.

Take a slow walk through the spa parks, taste the mineral waters and enjoy the peaceful rhythm that has attracted visitors for generations.

From Luhačovice, head west toward one of Moravia's most important spiritual centres.

Velehrad and Modrá – Where History Comes Alive

Velehrad Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic.

Tradition connects the area with Saints Cyril and Methodius, whose mission helped shape Slavic culture more than a thousand years ago. The basilica remains a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Just a few minutes away lies Archaeological Open-Air Museum Modrá.

Rather than displaying history behind glass, the site recreates a Great Moravian settlement where visitors can imagine everyday life during the early Middle Ages. Wooden houses, workshops and traditional crafts bring history to life in a remarkably engaging way.

Kunovice – Aviation in the Heart of Moravia

Nearby, aviation enthusiasts should not miss Kunovice Aviation Museum.

The museum preserves dozens of aircraft that tell the story of Czech aviation. Visitors can stand beside transport planes, military aircraft and legendary machines that once connected Czechoslovakia with the wider world.

From here, follow the roads north toward the Buchlov Hills.

Buchlov and Buchlovice – Castles, Legends and Aristocratic Elegance

High above the forests stands Buchlov Castle, one of the most impressive medieval castles in Moravia.

The castle guarded important trade routes for centuries and still offers spectacular views across the surrounding landscape. Legends speak of mysterious curses, hidden treasures and tragic love stories connected to its history.

At the foot of the hills lies Buchlovice Chateau.

Its elegant baroque architecture and beautifully maintained gardens create an atmosphere more reminiscent of Italy than central Europe.

Continue northwest toward one of the region's greatest treasures.

Kroměříž – The Garden of Moravia

Kroměříž is often called one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic.

The Archbishop's Château dominates the historic centre, while the famous gardens belong among the finest examples of landscape architecture in Europe.

The Flower Garden and Castle Garden are so exceptional that they have earned UNESCO recognition.

Walking among their avenues, fountains and carefully designed vistas feels like stepping into a living work of art.

Now begin the journey east toward the mountains.

Rožnov, Pustevny and the Beskydy Mountains

As the landscape becomes hillier, you enter the world of Wallachia.

Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is home to one of the largest open-air museums in Central Europe.

Traditional wooden houses, mills and farm buildings preserve the way of life that shaped the region for centuries.

Nearby lie the famous Pustevny. Designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, the colourful wooden buildings have become icons of the Beskydy Mountains.

The surrounding trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, mountain meadows and some of the most beautiful landscapes in eastern Czechia.

Velké Karlovice – The Taste of Wallachia

Continue deeper into the mountains to Velké Karlovice.

Here, traditional wooden architecture still shapes the landscape. Meadows, forests and scattered cottages create a scene that feels unchanged by time.

No visit to Wallachia would be complete without tasting a traditional valašský frgál. This large round pastry has become one of the region's most beloved culinary symbols and perfectly reflects the local culture: simple, generous and authentic.

As evening approaches, follow the roads back toward Zlín.

By the end of this journey, you will discover that the Zlín Region is not defined by a single attraction.

It is a fascinating combination of innovation, tradition, spirituality, mountains and living folklore — one of the Czech Republic's most rewarding regions to explore.