Each June, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm bursts into life with Rožnovská Ανthopole, a traditional folk festival that invites visitors into the beating heart of Czech heritage. The festival centers around the open-air Wallachian Village Museum, where handcrafted wooden cottages and bustling workshops form a living canvas of regional folk culture. Here, music, dance, and vibrant costumes paint a vivid picture of life in the Beskids foothills—from spirited cimbalom tunes to energetic dances that dare you to join.

The festival is more than just a celebration—it’s an invitation to move through history on foot and footpaths that wind through the surrounding Beskid mountains. The terrain is varied: expect moderate forest trails with gentle elevation gains around 300 meters if you choose to hike from the town center to outlying festival spots. The forest has a voice that changes with the rhythm of the wind, as birch and spruce trees sway and the nearby Bečva River murmurs over stones, daring visitors to listen closer.

Planning your visit means balancing immersion with practicality. Arrive early to navigate the lively market stalls stocked with hand-painted ceramics, woven textiles, and fresh-smoked cheeses—fuel for both your senses and your hike. Comfortable footwear is a must for traversing uneven paths that can be slippery after rain. Summer months bring warm days and cooler evenings, so layering your clothing helps maintain comfort from morning to night.

Local guides often recommend combining the festival experience with a hike up Radhošť Mountain. The route is about 10 kilometers round-trip, with well-marked trails that offer sweeping views of Rožnov and the Beskid ridges beyond. The mountain’s forests are fiercely themselves—thickets of spruce that seem to shuffle the wind’s whispers, and wildflowers that nod in persistent bloom. On clear days, the summit points to Poland’s distant peaks, rewarding the climb with crisp, panoramic vistas.

For those planning ahead, hydration is critical. Water fountains are scarce along trails, so bringing at least two liters per person is wise, especially under summer’s steady sun. Timing your hike to avoid midday heat offers a more comfortable pace and greater chance to catch traditional performances outdoors.

Rožnovská Ανthopole is a chance to walk where tradition and nature coexist with equal strength. It’s a cultural trek—one where the trail doesn’t just lead through landscape, but through the living story of a people fiercely tied to their land and customs. Respecting the environment and local heritage is key, making this festival experience as much about connection as celebration.