Karviná attractions. Palace, Czech Pisa and Iron Bicycle Trail

Karvina (Karvina) is a city located in the Czech Republic, in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia, in the valley of the Olza River, right on the border with Poland, in the Moravian-Silesian Region. It is an important element of the Iron Bicycle Trail, which attracts cyclists on the Polish-Czech border. It is the birthplace of champion javelin thrower Dana Zátopková, tennis player Radek Štěpánek and top model Petra Němcová. Known for its spa flourishing in the shadow of the mining industry. This is where a warped church called "Czech Pisa" stands. Explore the most beautiful attractions of this border town!

Karvina attractions, what is worth seeing?

Thanks to its rich and long history, Karvina's attractions are diverse and date back even to the Middle Ages. A beautiful main square, unique temples, a magnificent palace, a recognized spa, green parks and a popular cycling trail are only part of the tourist offer. Check out Karvina's top attractions!

Town Square in Karviná - Masaryk Square Karviná

Masaryk Square is the main square of the city. Named after Tomáš Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, who played a key role in the creation of an independent Czech-Slovak state after World War I. He is referred to as the "father of independent Czechoslovakia" and the "liberator president".

The dominant feature of the historic market square is undoubtedly the town hall with a Renaissance tower. It was originally built as a bourgeois house in 1504, and after a fire it was rebuilt in 1520. The town hall tower is a characteristic element of the panorama of the market square, and the building itself is the seat of the city authorities and a symbol of the historical center. It looks beautiful when you look at it from behind the historic cast-iron fountain standing in the middle of the square. The market square is surrounded by historic tenement houses with valuable stuccoes and decorations of the fronts. At the northern entrance to the square, it is impossible not to notice the extensive Fryštát Palace, and right next to it stands the oldest church in Karviná. The city market is a meeting place for residents and tourists. There are atmospheric cafes, and there are often city events and fairs around. We tasted here coffee and good cake in Bistro Bok of Ka (Masarykovo nám. 34/17).

Fryštát Castle - currently Fryštát Palace and Palace Park in Karvina

Fryštát Castle is currently a historic palace in Fryštát, located within the city of Karviná, at the Fryštát market, which is the historical center of the city. It is a unique monument in a region with a long history. Today, it partially represents the empire style from the 18th century and classicism from the 19th century. But already in the fourteenth century there was a wooden, Gothic castle built by the Cieszyn Piasts. It was their second, after Cieszyn, ancestral seat and at the same time a stronghold on the border of Silesia and Moravia. When it burned down in 1511, Prince Casimir II rebuilt it in the Early Renaissance style of stone and brick.

The empire style appeared here in the 18th century, when Count Jan Larisch von Mönnich completely rebuilt it and added a new wing, the so-called Lottyhaus. This is how the city palace in the shape of the letter "U" was created, forming one of the frontages of the market square. In the 19th century, the Larisches created an extensive English-style park behind the castle, and they built a family tomb next to the church. There were also laundries and baths as well as a Swiss-style summer house. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was visited by several distinguished guests, including Archduke Franz Ferdinand, German Emperor William II and Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand I of Coburg. After the war, the mine was located here, but after a thorough renovation, the palace was opened to visitors in 1997 and in 2003 it was also made available to visitors by the Lottyhaus. Inside, there is a museum presenting a rich collection related to the development of local mining, the fate of the aristocracy and the everyday life of former residents. In addition, there is the Municipal Information Centre and the Gallery.
Address: Masarykovo nám. 1/1

Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in Karvina

The Church of the Exaltation of the Cross standing in the shadow of the palace is the oldest monument of the city, still from the Gothic period. Its appearance and shape changed after the Moravian chapel was added in 1611. You will see Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist elements in the interior. Interestingly, during the reconstruction of the castle in the empire style, it was connected to the church with a brick corridor, which today creates a romantic entrance to the pleasant English-style palace park.
Address: Pivovarská 11/1a

We also recommend the beautiful Czech Olomouc

Church of St. Peter of Alcantara, the so-called "Czech Pisa" in Karvina

The church of St. Peter of Alcantara in Karviná is a unique, tilted baroque temple from the 18th century, in the Karviná-Doly district. It gained fame due to the steeply inclined tower. This is a consequence of mining damage. Today, this church called Czech Pisa is one of the symbols of the city. It is the most strongly inclined church in the Czech Republic and is entered in the Czech Book of Records! It is open to visitors in high season.
Address: Ostravska Street, Karwina - Doły

Darków Spa, Spa Park and Sokolov Heroes Bridge in Darków

You will enter the historic zone of the Darkov Spa via the Sokołów Heroes Bridge in Karvina-Dareków. It is a historic, reinforced concrete road bridge crossed by the Olza River in 1922-25. It is 56 meters long. The arch bridge has been recognized as a valuable monument of engineering and one of the most characteristic points of the Darkov district. Cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Behind it begins the historic spa development set in a beautiful spa park. The Community House built in the style of Viennese Art Nouveau, which is the center of the cultural life of the spa, comes to the fore. Darkov is a renowned health resort that offers a wide range of therapeutic treatments, while the surrounding park offers extensive walking and recreational areas. There are walking paths, picnic areas, ponds, educational paths and bicycle paths.
Address: Lázeňská Street

Karviná Sea, or the Karviná Sea

The Karviná Sea, also commonly known as the Dark Sea, is an artificial water reservoir created as a result of flooding the excavation of a hard coal mine. Karvinské Moře is a popular place among locals and tourists, an interestingly developed recreational area, offering swimming, sunbathing or walks. You can also sail or rent pedal boats here.
Address: Darków district, south of the spa park

Lipina Golf Course

Golf Resort Lipiny is a golf course in Karwin, located at Ostravska Street. It is a modern sports complex offering an eighteen-hole golf course, driving range and a golf school. Interestingly, there is a shaft tower here, from which there is a view of the surrounding area. It is an unusual and very ingenious use of the industrial character of the city and an excellent option for active recreation.
Address: Address: Ostravska Street

Iron Bicycle Trail

The Iron Bicycle Trail is a very well prepared trail for cyclists, in the form of a 43 km long loop. The route runs on the Polish-Czech border, including through Karvina, but also Jastrzębie-Zdrój and Godów.

Interesting facts about Karvina

Karvina is the oldest iodine-bromine spa in the Czech Republic
Here you will find the most inclined church in the Czech Republic
Unique carriage rides are possible in Karvina
The city is famous for its beautiful women, thanks to the famous beauty trio from Karvina: Miss Czech 2008 Zuzana Jandová, top model Petra Němcová, Vícemiss Czech Radka Kocurová
This is where multiple league handball champions come from

Karviná historia

Karvina's history dates back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the city was created as an important point on the trade routes between the Baltic Sea and Hungary. For a long time, this area was part of the Duchy of Silesia, under the rule of Polish princes. In the fourteenth century, it was incorporated into the Czech Crown. In the 18th century, the discovery of rich coal deposits attracted people from various parts of Europe, including the Polish-speaking community. After World War I and the creation of Czechoslovakia, Karviná found itself within the borders of this country, although with a strong influence of the Polish minority. The city also changed its affiliation during World War II, and eventually remained within the borders of the Czech Republic after the Red Army's liberation. The modern form of the city was created in 1948 by combining several separate towns, the oldest and central of which was the medieval town of Fryštát, founded in 1268. In the vicinity of the city, archaeological finds confirm the human presence in this place since the Stone Age. Karviná is mainly known as a center of hard coal mining, which has played a key role in its economic development, but at the same time the coexistence of the mining industry with the Darkov health resort for more than 150 years is a curiosity. This health resort attracted patients with its healing springs.

Historically, Karvina was known primarily as a mining town. However, it is worth visiting Karvina today to admire beautifully preserved monuments, take a ride in the castle park in a historical horse-drawn carriage, relax in specially equipped wellness centers or take part in one of many cultural events. Karviná is an ideal city for enthusiasts of various forms of sightseeing: from historic palaces and churches, through the unique "Czech Pisa", to open green areas and modern sports facilities.

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What's worth seeing in the area?

If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.

Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice Zdrój, distance: 31.1 km
Castle in Żywiec, distance: 50.7 km
Pławniowice Palace, distance: 59.2 km
Black Trout Adit in Tarnowskie Góry, distance: 66.4 km
Gródek Park in Jaworzno, distance: 69.1 km
Moszna Castle, distance: 85.4 km
Błędowska Desert, distance: 88.7 km
Krakowskie valleys, distance: 92.7 km
Eagle's Nest Trail, distance: 98.1 km
Ojców National Park, distance: 99.6 km