In the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains, Frenštát pod Radhoštěm hosts an annual celebration that calls hikers of all stripes to test their stride and senses—the Frenštát Hiking Festival. Each year, this event transforms the quiet town into a hub of outdoor energy, blending purposeful adventure with the lively pulse of communal spirit. Here, trails unfold through thick forests that seem to lean in, whispering challenges while opening vistas across the rolling landscape. The festival caters to multiple trail lengths, from approachable 8 kilometers with a gentle 300-meter elevation gain, ideal for families and beginner hikers, to rigorous 25 kilometers featuring steep ascents topping 900 meters, drawing in seasoned trekkers craving a physical test.

Whether you're stepping onto dirt paths softened by pine needles or maneuvering rocky stretches that demand surefootedness, the terrain remains a vivid participant in the journey. Rivers edge close enough to prod hikers onward, their lively currents daring the bravest to pause and appreciate their untamed force. Points where open meadows break forest cover reward tireless legs with sweeping views of the Beskydy ridges, where clouds and light play hide-and-seek with peaks.

Preparation is key to fully engage with what these trails offer. Reliable hiking boots with good ankle support are essential, especially if you plan to tackle longer routes where footing can turn unpredictable. Carrying at least 1.5 liters of water per person keeps dehydration at bay; water sources exist but shouldn’t be fully relied upon. Early starts are highly recommended to avoid afternoon heat in summer and to give yourself ample daylight for longer routes.

The festival offers more than just trails: local guides provide maps and insight into the region’s natural history and cultural roots, enriching the trek experience. Post-hike, the town’s charming cafés and traditional eateries invite a well-earned pause, filling bodies and spirits alike with hearty regional fare.

Frenštát Hiking Festival is an inviting challenge, where nature remains fiercely itself and invites respect. This gathering is about more than distance covered; it’s a meeting with a living landscape that demands awareness and rewards with rare moments of clarity and vigor. For anyone ready to set foot on trails that balance beauty with tested effort, this festival charts a route worth following.