Reviving History: Join the Traditional Pilgrimage to Honor St. Ondřej at Hukvaldy Castle

St. Andrew’s Pilgrimage is an event that features two key elements: one that is religious and another that is secular. To enjoy both parts, it’s best to take a seat. At 8:30 a.m., participants, known as pilgrims, will begin their journey, aided by a live brass band, to the Castle Chapel of St. Andrew. Here, at 9:00, Mariusz Andrzej Roszewski, the parish priest from the Roman Catholic church in Čeladná, will start the Mass. Following the service, you can freely enjoy secular activities that will last until the afternoon. Throughout the event, you’ll find refreshment stands offering snacks. To help keep you warm, tea, mulled wine, and mead will be available. There will also be delicious hot sausages and other classic fair treats for those looking to satisfy their hunger. The castle ruins will be accessible on this day until 2:30 p.m..

Hukvaldy – the largest castle ruin in Moravia

You can’t miss Hukvaldy Castle, as it stands proudly on an elongated hill overlooking the village of the same name. This village is notably recognized as the birthplace of the acclaimed musical composer Leoš Janáček.

From the castle tower, there is a gorgeous view of the surrounding Beskydy Mountains, as well as the towns of Kopřivnice, Příbor, and extending through Fryčovice to Ostrava. Besides the castle and its nearby preserve, which hosts both fallow deer and mouflon, you should also visit the Chapel of St. Andrew from the late 17th century. This chapel is the best-preserved building in the castle and is dedicated to the patron saint of the area, St. Andrew. It has remarkable acoustics, making it a popular venue for various concerts and performances. Since 1994, Hukvaldy Castle has hosted the International Music Festival Janáček Hukvaldy at the start of the summer.

A visit to Leoš Janáček

Hukvaldy takes great pride in its renowned native and honors his memory. To explore the places where the Composer spent many of his years, look for house number 79. This location has now been transformed into a museum that showcases beautifully preserved authentic interiors from Janáček’s life. A guide will share insights about the composer’s life, showing you where he worked, relaxed, and dined. The display also reveals a lot about Janáček’s connection to his homeland. If you’re interested in experiencing his music, the audiovisual room features top-notch recordings of his works and several films related to his life and achievements. Please note that from November to March, the Leoš Janáček Memorial is available only by making an appointment by phone.

Aquapark Olešná: year-round swimming in all weather conditions

If you enjoy physical activity but find the autumn weather uninviting, consider visiting Aquapark Olešná in Frýdek-Místek. It happens to be one of the most modern water parks in the country, and it’s just a short distance from Hukvaldy.

Inside, you’ll discover a lively indoor water world with a winding river along with whirlpools, water and air massage benches, and a thrilling water slide. If you’re in the mood to relax, restore, and recharge your energy, don’t miss out on Sauna World. It offers a Finnish sauna, a cozy salty Roman bath, and a soothing Turkish steam sauna. After enjoying the sauna, you can refresh yourself by taking a dip in the cooling pool or using the refreshing cooling showers.