An attempt to revive forgotten crafts and folk art as well as recreate traditional life in the Wallach area was behind the creation of the largest and oldest open-air museum in central Europe. The complex contains hundreds of timber structures from the Wallach area. Explore them inside and out and be transported back in time as you go. Here you can even sample local food and try your hand at some old forgotten trades.
The Rožnov pod Radhoštěm open-air museum enjoys an active cultural programme all year round. A large number of events inspired by local folklore, old trades and traditional handicrafts take place here. Every year you can bring the kids to enjoy countless events, including dance and singing performances. Four large international festivals also take place here, including the so-called ‘Valašské folkrockování’ and the One World film festival. But the most popular event is the traditional Rožnov Celebrations.
The most beautiful houses from the surrounding area
The oldest part of the museum is the Timber Town, which consists of houses transported from the town’s main square and an attractive church from a nearby village. If you go inside the cottages you can experience how the locals used to live many years ago. There’s lots of rural technology in the Mill Valley where most of the exhibits are powered by water. You can take a peek inside an original smithy, a sawmill and an oil press. Another structure on show at the museum is a German-type windmill, the perfect place to see milling technology in action. Despite centuries of change, this reconstituted Wallach town has kept its identity very much intact.
A new type of spa
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is synonymous with the preservation of our heritage, crafts and lapsed professions. After a day out at the museum, you deserve to unwind. This can be arranged at the Rožnov beer spa, which marries elements of alternative ancient therapy used by the Egyptians with more common spa and physiotherapy procedures.