the third stage of hiking
Skalica - Strážnice
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Basic information about the trail
Embark on a delightful hiking adventure connecting the charming towns of Skalica (Slovakia) and Strážnice (Czech Republic) along the historic Cyril and Methodius Route. This easy, flat trail follows the picturesque Baťa Canal, offering stunning views of the surrounding Moravian and Slovakian countryside. Perfect for hikers of all levels, this route allows you to explore two culturally rich destinations filled with historical attractions and natural beauty. Discover the serene landscapes, enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides, and experience the unique blend of history and nature along this cross-border trail.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Skalica (SK)
Ending point: Strážnice
Distance: 15,1 km
Estimated travel time: 3:55 hours
Difficulty: light
Altitude: ascent 28 m, descent 40 m
Surface: paved road surface, partly forest and dirt roads
Critical points: The border crossing Rohatec/Skalice is closed due to the construction of a new lock at the existing weir. The closure is planned until the end of 2025. Therefore it was necessary to modify the trail to Sudoměřice. Please take this into consideration when planning your itinerary.
Our tip:
You will pass through a total of four ports of the Bata Canal. Ideal opportunity to rent a small boat and try sailing.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Tourist Information Office
- Námestie slobody 145/10, 90901 Skalica, Slovensko
- www.tikskalica.sk
- tik@mesto.skalica.sk
- +421 34 664 53 41
Port of Skalica
- Prístav na Baťovom kanáli, 909 01 Skalica
- prvaplavebna.sk
- pristav@prvaplavebna.sk
- +421 908 776 127
Skalica harbour: relaxing by the canal bank and a picturesque view of the Bata Canal
Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the Port of Skalica, a perfect spot for relaxation and scenic enjoyment directly on the Baťa Canal. This 100-meter harbor edge isn't just a gateway for boat adventures; it's a destination in itself. Rent a motorboat or traditional boat to explore the canal, or join a relaxing cruise to Sudoměřice Výklopník. Right at the port, you can enjoy stunning views of the canal and the surrounding landscape. The port area features a modern lookout tower, offering panoramic vistas of the waterway and the picturesque countryside.
Relax on the waterfront with picnic areas available, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canal’s edge. The port also offers convenient amenities, including cafes and refreshment stands, allowing visitors to enjoy a pleasant day by the water. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a starting point for canal adventures, the Port of Skalica provides a delightful experience for all.
Technical monument and harbour Výklopník
- Sudoměřice 345, 69 666 Sudoměřice
- www.vyklopnik.cz
- pujcovnalodi.sudomerice@seznam.cz
- +420 732 14 16 14
Sudoměřice Výklopník: A Technical Monument & Historic Harbor on the Baťa Canal
Explore the Sudoměřice Výklopník, a fascinating technical monument and historic harbor along the scenic Baťa Canal. This unique site showcases a preserved coal unloading mechanism, offering a glimpse into the canal's industrial past. As a key point on the Baťa Canal, the Výklopník features a functional harbor, providing docking for boats and cruises.
Visitors can witness the restored machinery, learn about the canal’s history, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The Výklopník serves as a popular destination for boaters and tourists, offering a blend of historical education and scenic beauty. Enjoy leisurely walks along the canal, take photographs of the unique structure, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this historical site.
Wine cellars of Plze
- Petrov 465, 69665 Petrov
- www.obec-petrov.cz/plze
- podatelna@obec-petrov.cz
- +420 518 335 620
Wine Cellars of Plže in Petrov: A Historic Labyrinth of Painted Wine Heritage
Discover the unique Wine Cellars of Plže in Petrov, a fascinating historical site showcasing traditional wine culture in South Moravia. Since the 15th century, local winemakers have built about 80 ornately painted wine cellars, forming a charming street development with two small squares. This picturesque setting, declared a conservation area since 1983, offers a glimpse into centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Visitors can explore the labyrinthine, sand-carved cellars, learn about the local winemaking process, and sample regional wines. The ornately painted facades add a magical touch, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers alike. Enjoy leisurely strolls, wine tastings, discover local folklore, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this extraordinary site.
Port of Petrov
- Petrov 525, 696 65 Petrov
- www.batuvkanalpetrov.cz
- info@batuvkanalpetrov.cz
- +420 774 408 943
Port of Petrov: Gateway to Moravian Wine Country & Riverside Charm
Welcome to the Port of Petrov, a picturesque harbor nestled in the heart of South Moravia's renowned wine region. This charming port serves as a delightful starting point for exploring the scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area. Located on the banks of the Baťa Canal, the Port of Petrov offers visitors a unique blend of relaxation, recreation, and exploration. Step aboard a rental boat or join a leisurely canal cruise to experience the tranquil waters and lush landscapes that define this region. The port's well-maintained docks provide easy access for boaters, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned sailors and casual visitors.
Beyond the water, the Port of Petrov is a gateway to the famed Wine Cellars of Plže. Just a short stroll from the harbor, you’ll find a labyrinth of historic, sand-carved cellars, many adorned with vibrant, traditional paintings. This UNESCO-listed site showcases the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions, offering wine tastings and cultural experiences that are not to be missed.
The port area itself is designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the canal, or relax at one of the port’s charming cafes. The port provides modern amenities, including restrooms, parking, and visitor information, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit.
For those seeking adventure, the Port of Petrov is a hub for cycling and hiking trails that wind through the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Discover hidden gems, explore local villages, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of South Moravia. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, the Port of Petrov offers an unforgettable experience.
The Gates of Strážnice
- Strážnice 696 62
- www.straznice-mesto.cz
- infocentrum@straznice-mesto.cz
- +420 518 325 721
The Gates of Strážnice: A Legacy of 16th-Century Fortifications and Defense
Delve into the storied past of Strážnice with a visit to the remnants of its 16th-century fortifications, a testament to the town's strategic importance during a period of heightened Turkish threat. In a time when Moravia faced potential invasion, Jan III of Žerotín, the region's chief military commander, undertook the vital task of fortifying Strážnice. The result was a comprehensive defense system that included the Veselská Gate and the Skalická (Skalice) Gate, strategically positioned to safeguard the town's vital approaches.
The existing watchtower, a key element in the town’s defense, underwent a significant transformation. It was not only thoroughly rebuilt, but also raised in height, providing an enhanced vantage point for monitoring the surrounding landscape. The town itself was enveloped by a robust rampart, complemented by a deep moat, creating a formidable barrier against potential invaders.
The most critical aspect of the fortification efforts was the protection of the main thoroughfares leading into Strážnice, particularly the road from Skalice to Veselí. To this end, two imposing gates were constructed, each equipped with towering structures and flanking bastions. These gates, aptly named after their respective destinations, served as formidable entry points, controlling access to the town.
While the gates themselves have long since disappeared, the side bastions of both the Veselská and Skalická Gates remain as tangible reminders of this pivotal period in Strážnice’s history. These preserved bastions offer a unique opportunity to visualize the defensive measures taken during a time of great peril, and stand as a poignant historical landmark, inviting visitors to reflect on the town’s resilience and strategic significance.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- Piaristické náměstí 520, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.straznice.farnost.cz
- fastraznice-sma@sdo.cz
- +420 518 334 386
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Strážnice: A Baroque Gem with Italian Roots
Discover the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Strážnice, a stunning Baroque complex dating back to the mid-18th century, which also includes a former convent and gymnasium. Built on the site of a 16th-century fraternal complex, this church is a testament to the town's rich history and cultural exchange. The church's story is deeply intertwined with the Italian Magnis family, who acquired the Strážnice estate and invited the Piarist order to the town in 1633. For over a century, the original church served the community while funds were collected for a grander structure. The present Baroque church, likely designed by Italian builder Ignazio Cyrani, began construction in 1745.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a magnificent main altar dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, adorned with statues of St. Thomas, St. Augustine, St. Vojtěch, and St. Charles Borromeo. The retable, depicting the Holy Trinity, is the work of Brno Baroque painter Josef Tadeáš Rotter, who also created the side altars. The altar’s significance is further emphasized by a Marian crown and the Magnis family emblem, marking their former burial space beneath.
Other interior highlights include a beautiful baptistery, four blocks of Baroque pews, the reliquary of St. Joseph of Calasanz, and, since 2013, the reliquary of St. John Paul II. The choir features an impressive organ with a pedal organ and a rich pipe set. The church was consecrated on October 18, 1750, by Bishop Karl Count of Scherffenberg.
Church of St. Martin
- Petrov 525, 696 65 Petrov
- www.straznice.farnost.cz
- fastraznice-sma@ado.cz
- +420 518 334 386
Church of St. Martin, Strážnice: A Blend of Gothic Origins and Baroque Splendor
Explore the Church of St. Martin in Strážnice, a historical landmark dating back to the 15th century. Dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, the church boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles and historical narratives. The main altar features a painting by Jan Zapletal of Kroměříž, created in 1833, depicting the church's patron saint. Originally constructed in the Gothic style, the church still retains elements of its past, including two walled-up Gothic side entrances, pillars, and windows, all discovered during a 1943 restoration. The exterior façade also showcases the coat of arms of Jiří of Kravaře, the church's founder and then-owner of the Strážnice estate.
In the late 15th century, the estate passed to the Žerotín family, who added a rectory, Latin school, and cemetery to the church complex. The church is also linked to a legend about the “Žerotín” tombstone of Bernart Hanno of Žerotín, who died prematurely in 1568. Despite attempts to move his tombstone, it mysteriously returned to its original place.
Like much of Strážnice, the church has endured numerous fires and subsequent Baroque restorations. Beneath the church lies a walled-up crypt, the final resting place of the lords of Kravaře and Žerotín.
Guard White Tower
- Kostelní 1330, Strážnice 696 62
- muzeum-straznice.webnode.cz
- ivo.vratislavsky@wo.cz
- +420 518 334 155
The White Guard Tower of Strážnice: A Renaissance Sentinel with Panoramic Views
Discover the White Guard Tower of Strážnice, a late Renaissance gem built between 1615 and 1620, which once formed an integral part of the town's defensive system. Along with ramparts, palisades, and moats, this tower served as a vital lookout point. Originally, the tower was one story taller, featuring an open wooden gallery for patrolling. However, a devastating fire in 1652 destroyed the gallery, and it was never rebuilt, reducing the tower to its current height of 34 meters. Its slender, Italian-style campanile design, adorned with Renaissance sgraffito ornaments, suggests the work of Italian builders.
Restored in 2013, the tower’s interior is now open to the public, showcasing a rare clock mechanism from 1900 and a decorated bell, “St. Joseph,” cast in 1719, which miraculously survived both World Wars. From a height of nearly 20 meters, visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of Strážnice, the surrounding plains of the Morava River, and the distant White Carpathian Mountains.
Open Air Museum in Strážnice
- Bzenecká 1510, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.skanzenstraznice.cz
- skanzen@nulk.cz
- +420 518 332 173
Open-Air Museum Strážnice: Step into Living History
Experience the charm of bygone eras at the Open-Air Museum in Strážnice, where history comes alive. Wander through traditional thatched-roof cottages and artisan workshops, and immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and harmony. Early efforts to establish an ethnographic open-air museum in Southeast Moravia began in the early 20th century, but it wasn't until 1973 that construction began in Strážnice. Since 1981, visitors have been able to explore the areas of Moravian Kopanice, Luhačovice Zálesí, Horňácko, technical water structures, a vineyard area, and a meadow farming area. The museum features over 64 structures set in a landscape artificially modeled to resemble the original environment.
Exhibitions within the buildings showcase the lifestyle and housing of people from both the mountainous regions of Slovácko and the fertile Pomoraví plains. The vineyard exhibition, unique in the Czech Republic, displays viticultural structures and equipment, tracing wine cultivation from ancient times to the present.
The National Institute of Folk Culture organizes over 12 themed events annually, featuring folk customs and craft techniques. The museum also hosts programs for the International Folklore Festival Strážnice every last weekend in June. The museum is operated by the National Institute of Folk Culture in Strážnice.
Strážnice Castle
- Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.nulk.cz
- info@nulk.cz
- +420 518 306 611
Strážnice Castle: A Journey Through Centuries of History and Beauty
Discover Strážnice Castle, a jewel of the town, surrounded by an expansive park. This castle offers a fascinating glimpse into history with its permanent tour, including a historical library and the newly opened castle chapel featuring a highly valuable altar. Strážnice Castle stands on the site of an original royal castle, likely built in the second half of the 13th century, which was owned by the lords of Kravaře from the early 14th century. Jiří of Kravaře carried out a major Gothic reconstruction in 1453. In 1486, the estate was mortgaged to the lords of Žerotín, who eventually purchased it after her death in 1500. Under the Žerotíns, the town and castle flourished, and the castle was transformed into a Renaissance residence in the mid-16th century.
During the Thirty Years’ War, the last Žerotín owner, Jan Jetřich II, had to leave due to his Protestant faith, and the estate was acquired by Imperial Colonel František Magnis. In 1854, Filip Magnis gave the castle its current picturesque Neo-Renaissance appearance. The Magnis family owned the castle until 1945, after which it was nationalized.
Since 1956, the castle has been the seat of the National Institute of Folk Culture. The accessible part of the castle includes a historical library, castle chapel, and exhibition spaces featuring folk costumes, musical instruments, photography, and historical puppets.
Visitors can also admire the 52-tree plane tree avenue, the largest collection of plane trees in the Czech Republic, and a protected 200-year-old acacia tree. The castle park is also the venue for the International Folklore Festival Strážnice, one of the oldest and largest folk festivals in the world.
Tourist Information Centre Strážnicko
- Vinohradská 35 696 62 Strážnice
- http://www.straznice-mesto.cz/
- infocentrum@straznice-mesto.cz
- +420 518 325 721
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Camp Strážnice
- Bzenecká 1533, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.camp-straznice.cz
- info@camp-straznice.cz
- +420 518 332 037
Hotel Strážnice
- Předměstí 3, 696 62 Strážnice
- hotelstraznice.cz
- info@hotelstraznice.cz
- +420 518 332 444
Hotel Under the Tower
- Kostelní 471, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.restaurace-podvezi.cz
- recepce@hotel-podvezi.cz
- +420 735 755 745
Brewery Skanzen
- Bzenecká 671, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.pivovarskanzen.cz
- restaurace@pivovarskanzen.cz
- +420 608 742 527
At the Wet Bandits
- Bzenecká, 696 62 Strážnice
- www.facebook.com/umokrejchbanditu
- umokrejchbanditu@gmail.com
- +420 774 084 010
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Photogallery
Photos from hiking.
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide