Lukov U Zlína: Hotel between castle, nature and educational trails

Lukov U Zlína combines a multifaceted castle history with natural monuments, springs, rock formations and several educational trails. The most prominent historical reference is Lukov Castle: its origins date back to the first third of the 13th century. The gradual restoration in line with heritage conservation principles began in 1987, and in 2016 Lukov Castle was named Czech Monument of the Year.

Culture and history

The village itself and its local cultural history also feature distinctive sites. Construction of Kostel sv. Josefa began in 1810. The interior displays simple Empire architecture with elements inspired by the Baroque style in their structure. The altarpiece depicting the death of Saint Joseph was painted by the Viennese artist A. Schilling.

Boží muka is a Baroque wayside shrine in Lukov at the crossroads of the roads to Lešná and Fryšták. A sandstone statue of the Madonna stands on a brick pillar. Boží muka was erected in 1660 by Jan Fridrich Minkvic z Minkvicburku, heir to Lukov Castle. Stará Lesovna provides another historical connection: at the end of the 19th century, it was the residence of the wife of the composer Bedřich Smetana.

Three educational trails have been established for visitors on the grounds of Lukov Castle. Educational programmes are also held there, aimed particularly at children and young people. The West Palace houses an interactive exhibition about the conquest of the castle in the 15th century, aimed especially at children.

Nature

The landscape around Lukov is characterised by protected rocks, forests and water. The Králky natural monument lies in the cadastral area of Lukov u Zlína, approximately 1 km northeast of Lukov. It protects distinctive rocks composed of Magura Flysch formations. In the past, the rock formations also served as an advanced fortification of Lukov Castle. At Králky, there are seats carved into the rocks and a stone table, which are associated with a reported meeting of young members of the Seilern count family from Lukov-Lešná and the Magnis family from Strážnice at the beginning of the 19th century.

Bezedník is a natural monument and also a stop on the educational trail through the Lukovský polesí forest. During the First Republic, Bezedník was a forest swimming area with a buffet, seating and boats. Nearby stands Borovice u Bezedníku, a Scots pine approximately 100 to 150 years old that rises above the surrounding woodland with its height of more than 35 m.

The Chladná dolina natural monument lies in the cadastral area of Lukov u Zlína and protects forest-associated calcareous tuff springs and a species-rich beech forest. The Vela natural monument preserves one of the last remnants of natural beech forests in the Hostýnské vrchy hills. Studánka Rybárka is a fissure spring emerging from a sandstone massif and is one of the most abundant springs in the wider surrounding area.

The Bělovodské rybníky ponds were restored in 1962 for recreation and fishing. Today, they particularly invite nature lovers to swim and relax.

Routes and educational trails

Several signposted routes are available for different time budgets. The “Lukov Castle” educational trail passes through the upper castle grounds and explains the history and architectural development of the castle. It is approximately 500 m long on average and takes about 60 minutes.

The Lukov educational trail is laid out either as an 8 km basic circular route or as a 10.5 km route with detours. Along the trail, eight information boards provide information about numerous natural features. The Lukov educational trail begins at Hájenka pod Růžovou. Marked in green, it passes through a rock crevice from the Brzová natural monument area to Lukov Castle; Králky is suitable as a starting point for hikes and for exploring the surrounding area.

The “From Legend to Legend” circular trail is approximately 3 km long and leads to ten stops featuring selected legends from Lukov. Another connection is provided by the section of the Cyril and Methodius Trail from Lukov to Zlín: it begins in Lukov and ends in Zlín.

Other places

In addition, the following destinations lead to further possibilities in the surrounding area of the wider travel region: Kašava, Šanov, Horní Lhota, Spytihněv, Otrokovice, Bohuslavice U Zlína, Zlin, Dešná.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Zlín District.