Discover the Beauty of the Moravian-Silesian Region and Surrounding Destinations.
Summer Travel Tips for Expats
Hey Expats!
It’s finally summer! The perfect time to explore new places and have unforgettable adventures. As an expat living in Ostrava, you have a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the Moravian-Silesian region and nearby international destinations. This blog will provide detailed travel tips for the region, trips around the Czech Republic, and low-cost travel abroad. We’ll also include advice for parents with children and inspiration for solo travelers. And if you’re looking for truly budget-friendly options, we’ll share experiences with home exchanges.
Traveling Around the Moravian-Silesian Region
Great Tips for Trips to the Beskydy Mountains
The Beskydy Mountains are a classic! Ideal for day trips by train. In just an hour’s journey from Ostrava, you’ll find yourself in beautiful nature with stunning views, mountain huts offering traditional Cz
Czech cuisine, and even fine dining experiences.
Ostravice
Ostravice is a great starting point for hikes to Lysá hora and Smrk. The surrounding nature is beautiful, and you’ll find great trails.
Lysá hora:
- Route: One of the most popular routes leads from Ostravice via Butořanka. Check it out on mapy.cz. The total length is 8.5 km with an elevation gain of 800 meters. It’s a challenging hike, but the views are worth it!
- How to get there: From Ostrava, take a train to Ostravice station (direct train from Ostrava-Svinov, the journey takes about 1 hour). From there, it’s approximately a 3-hour walk to the summit.
Smrk:
- Route: The route leads from Ostravice. You can find it on mapy.cz. The total length is about 10 km with an elevation gain of 900 meters. It’s a more challenging hike, but the beautiful forest sections and views will surely delight you. There’s no pub at the summit, so bring enough water and food. It’s a great way to encounter fewer people than on Lysá hora.
- How to get there: From Ostrava, take a train to Ostravice station (direct train from Ostrava-Svinov, the journey takes about 1 hour). From there, it’s approximately a 3-hour walk to the summit.
After your hike, reward yourself at Hotel Freud or Pepe Bakery Coffee.
Čeladná
Čeladná is a picturesque village with a golf course and a spa center. Take a walk in the surrounding nature on the bear trail and don’t forget to visit great local cafes such asKovárna or Zelenkava. It’
s a great way to spend the day. If you want to cool off, we have a secret tip for the weir in the Čeladenka river.
Transportation Getting to Ostravice and Čeladná from Ostrava is easy by train. Trains run regularly from the Main Station, Stodolní, or Ostrava Střed, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
More Hikes If you’re looking for more great hikes, check out the history of Expat Centre Hiking Trips. You’ll find guides with routes and transportation links.
Enjoy your trips to the Beskydy Mountains and discover the beauty of our nature!
Great Tips for Family Trips in the Moravian-Silesian Region
Tarzanie Rope Park
If you love challenges and want to enjoy a day full of fun, be sure to visit the Tarzanie in Trojanovice. There are various routes for children and adults where you can test your skills and courage.
Olešná Aquapark 
For water lovers, there’s Olešná Aquapark in Frýdek-Místek. It offers outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, and a wellness zone, making it an ideal place for a family trip. If you’re not into swimming, you can cycle or skate around the Olešná Reservoir. It’s a beautiful 5 km long bike path with great views.
Bobsleigh Track in Mosty u Jablunkova
For some adrenaline, head to the bobsleigh track in Mosty u Jablunkova. This modern bobsleigh track offers great fun for the whole family. In addition to the bobsleigh track, there’s also a rope park and other attractions.
Paddleboards at Žermanice Reservoir
If you enjoy water sports, try paddleboarding at Žermanice Reservoir. You can rent a paddleboard on-site and enjoy the calm waters of the reservoir.
These destinations offer great fun and adventure for the whole family. Enjoy the summer days in the Moravian-Silesian region and discover new experiences with your loved ones!
Polish Beskydy Mountains
If you haven’t yet visited the Polish Beskydy Mountains yet, definitely consider it for a summer trip. It’s just a short distance away, the Poles offer great services, and you’ll find plenty of cable cars if you don’t feel like hiking for the views.
Szczyrk:
- What to visit: Tourist trails with beautiful views, the Szczyrk Mountain Resort, which is ideal for hiking and cycling in the summer.
- How to get there: From Ostrava by car (about 1 hour drive) or by train to Bielsko-Biała, then by bus to Szczyrk.
- Accommodation: Willa Cztery Pory Roku in Szczyrk offers affordable and comfortable accommodation. Or explore more options on Booking.com.
Jeseníky Mountains
The Jeseníky Mountains are another great destination for trips from Ostrava. These mountains offer a different landscape and atmosphere compared to the Beskydy, they are higher and more extensive, but equally beautiful and worth visiting.
Praděd: 
- Route: We recommend the route from Karlova Studánka via Ovčárna. The route is available on mapy.cz. The total length is 9 km with an elevation gain of 650 meters.
- How to get there: From Ostrava, take a train to Bruntál (the journey takes about 2 hours), then by bus to Karlova Studánka (about 30 minutes).
- Accommodation: Penzion Praděd in Malá Morávka offers affordable accommodation close to hiking trails.
Jeseník:
- What to visit: Priessnitz Spa with a beautiful spa park, Na Pomezí Caves, and Balneopark, which offers natural therapies.
- How to get there: From Ostrava, take a train to Jeseník (direct train from Ostrava-Svinov, the journey takes about 3 hours).
Family Activities:
- Kouty nad Desnou: An amusement park with a summer bobsleigh track, playground, and other attractions. More information can be found on their official website.
- How to get there: From Ostrava, take a train to Šumperk (the journey takes about 2.5 hours), then by bus to Kouty nad Desnou (about 30 minutes).
- Accommodation: Penzion Trombly in Kouty nad Desnou offers cozy and affordable accommodation.
Looking for International Travel? Here are Great Tips for Solo Trips, Couples, and Families!
Are you the type of person who likes to travel abroad? If so, I have some great tips for trips that you can enjoy solo, as a couple, or with the whole family. Each of these places offers something unique and is sure to delight you!
Where to go? Krakow, Vienna, and Malá Fatra are ideal destinations for short trips full of adventures. Krakow will charm you with its history and atmosphere, Vienna offers a rich cultural scene and beautiful architecture, and Malá Fatra is a paradise for nature and hiking lovers.
Accommodation Whether you prefer hostels, hotels, or private apartments, you can easily book your accommodation through popular platforms:
- Hostelworld: Great for solo travelers or young couples looking for affordable accommodation and the chance to meet other travelers.
- Booking.com: Offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, ideal for all types of travelers.
- Airbnb: Perfect for those looking for unique and cozy accommodations with a homey atmosphere.
Transportation The easiest way to get to your destination is by train or bus. You can easily plan your journey and buy tickets on:
- IDOS: A great search engine for planning train or bus trips across Europe.
If you prefer a more flexible way of traveling or are looking for a carpool, try:
- BlaBlaCar: A popular platform for carpooling, where you can find cheap and convenient rides. (Our team member Tereza found her husband there😊)
Krakow
Krakow is a fantastic place, whether you plan a day trip or a weekend getaway. This historic city is full of charm and will draw you into its atmosphere.
What to visit:
- Wawel: A royal castle with stunning views of the entire city. A walk along the ramparts is simply magical!
- Historical Center: Stroll through the Rynek Główny square, have a coffee in one of the many cafes, and soak up the city’s atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the local markets!
- Schindler’s Factory: A fascinating museum that offers a different perspective on the World War II history.
- Kazimierz: A former Jewish quarter full of narrow streets, hipster cafes, and unique bars. A great place for an evening stroll and a drink.
How to get there:
- Train: Direct train from Ostrava to Krakow takes approximately 2.5 hours. Tickets can be easily purchased on RegioJet or PolskiBus.
Accommodation:
- Greg & Tom Hostel: A great and affordable hostel right in the center of Krakow. If you’re looking for more options, check out Booking.com.
Vienna
Vienna is a city full of history and culture. An ideal place for a weekend trip where you’ll never get bored.
What to visit:
- Schönbrunn: A royal palace with beautiful gardens where you can spend the whole day. In summer, it’s simply magical!
- Hofburg: A former imperial residence, now a museum and cultural center. A great way to learn about Austrian history.
- Stephansdom: An impressive Gothic cathedral in the heart of Vienna. Be sure to climb the tower for amazing views!
- Naschmarkt: A large market with food and restaurants where you can taste local and exotic dishes.
How to get there:
- Train: Direct train from Ostrava to Vienna takes approximately 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased on RegioJet or ÖBB.
Secret tip: Visit Phil. It’s a combination of a cafe and a bookstore where you can sit among books and enjoy great coffee or homemade cakes.
Accommodation:
- Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna: Great and affordable accommodation in the center of Vienna. If you want more options, check out Booking.com.
Malá Fatra and Tatra Mountains
If you love nature and mountains, the Malá Fatra and Tatras are the perfect choice for you. You’ll find beautiful scenery and great hiking trails.
What to visit:
- High Tatras: Stunning mountains with numerous hiking trails for everyone. Take a walk and discover the beauty of Slovakia!
- Štrbské Pleso: A beautiful mountain lake and popular recreational resort. An ideal place for relaxation.
- Hiking Trails: Countless options for hikes of all difficulties. From easy walks to challenging ascents, there’s something for everyone.
- Jánošíkové diery: A system of gorges and canyons in Malá Fatra, featuring wooden walkways, ladders, and waterfalls. A great experience for the whole family.
How to get there:
- Train: From Ostrava to Žilina, then transfer to local train services (the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours). Tickets can be purchased on RegioJet or ZSSK.
Secret tip: Take the less-known trail to Kľak in Malá Fatra, where you’ll enjoy stunning views and fewer tourists.
Accommodation:
- Chata Plesnivec: Cozy and affordable accommodation in the Tatras. More options can be found on Booking.com.
Flight Options from Ostrava, Katowice, and Krakow
Planning a summer trip abroad and looking for the best flight options? Here’s an overview of the three nearest airports and where you can find great flight deals.
Ostrava Airport (Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava)
Ostrava’s Leoš Janáček Airport offers direct flights to several European cities. It’s a great choice if you want to travel quickly and comfortably. You can get here from Ostrava by train or bus.
Destinations:
- Prague: A short flight ideal for quick connections to the capital.
- London: Explore the British metropolis full of history and modern life.
- Paris: Romantic Paris is always a great choice for a vacation.
- Other European cities: The airport also offers flights to other European destinations, perfect for your summer adventures.
Katowice Airport
Katowice Airport is another great option if you’re looking for more destinations and cheap flights. It’s located near Ostrava and offers a wide range of flights across Europe. The airport is easily accessible by Flixbus. By car, it’s a 50-minute drive and Parking Lot No. 2 has very reasonable prices.
Destinations:
- All of Europe: Katowice Airport offers flights to many European cities, so you’ll surely find a suitable destination.
- Low-cost carriers: Ryanair and Wizz Air offer cheap flights, ideal for travelers on a budget.
Krakow Airport (John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice)
Krakow Airport is one of the largest in the region and offers flights to destinations worldwide. It’s a great choice for long-haul flights or exotic vacations. It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Ostrava, or you can take Flixbus.
Destinations:
- Europe, Asia, North America: Krakow Airport offers a wide range of destinations, so you can choose according to your travel dreams.
Travel Tips:
- Book Early: Flight prices are usually lower if you book well in advance. Search for flights on Kiwi.com, Skyscanner, Momondo, CheapOair, Expedia, Kayak, but ALWAYS book directly with the airline!
- Watch for Deals: Flight search engines often offer special deals and discounts that can save you money. Get great tips from Cestuj Levně, Zaleť si, or Honzovy letenky.
Wherever you decide to go, we wish you a safe journey and unforgettable experiences! 🌍✈️
SECRET TIP: Home Exchange
If you’re looking for truly budget-friendly travel options, we have a great tip from our Tereza – Home Exchange. For example, Tereza is flying to Calgary in July, where she’ll be staying in a local’s home while they come to her place in Vendryně. And to top it off, they’re even swapping cars! This way of traveling allows you to save on accommodation and experience new destinations from a local’s perspective.
How It Works
Platforms like HomeExchange allow you to swap your home with other families worldwide. Simply register, create a profile of your house or apartment, and start looking for exchange offers.
Benefits of Home Exchange
- Saving Money: You’ll save on accommodation, which is often the most expensive part of traveling. The money you would have spent on a hotel can be invested in experiences and activities.
- Authentic Experience: Staying in local homes gives you an authentic insight into life in the destination. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local culture, meet neighbors, and discover hidden gems that you might miss as a tourist.
- Comfort and Convenience: A home environment is often more comfortable than a hotel room. You can use a fully equipped kitchen, garden, or terrace and feel at home.
- Wide Range of Destinations: HomeExchange offers homes and apartments worldwide, so you can choose from many interesting locations.
How to Start
- Register: Sign up on the HomeExchange platform and create a profile. Describe your home and add photos.
- Search for Exchanges: Browse offers and find homes that interest you. You can search by destination, date, or specific requirements.
- Contact and Arrange: Contact the homeowners you are interested in and arrange the terms of the exchange. Communication is the key to ensuring a smooth exchange. You can have a simultaneous exchange, at different times, or “pay” with Guest Points (which you “earn” by hosting someone from, for example, France and then use them stay in, say, Switzerland).
- Prepare for Exchange: Before you leave, prepare your home for guests. Make sure it’s clean and ready for their arrival. Also, leave instructions for using the amenities and tips on local attractions.
This way of traveling is ideal for families, couples, and individuals who want to discover new places, save money, and experience something unique. So why not give it a try? Embark on an adventure with home exchange and explore the world from the comfort of someone else’s home! 🌍🏡✈️
