Soláň

Soláň is a modest but much-loved summit in the Vsetín Hills, part of the Outer Western Carpathians in Moravia, right in the heart of Moravian Wallachia. Rising to 861 metres above sea level, it has long served as the region's favourite viewpoint and a year-round holiday hub near Hutisko-Solanec and Velké Karlovice.

Where is Soláň and how high does it rise?

The summit sits on the border between the Vsetín Hills and the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, a short drive southeast of Vsetín. At 861 metres, it isn't the tallest peak around, but its gentle, open dome, ringed by wide meadows and pastures, is what made it famous. A road leads almost to the top, so Soláň works as an easy day-trip destination in both summer and winter.

Why is Soláň called the "Wallachian Olympus"?

The open hillside pastures and ridge have drawn painters and artists for generations, which is how Soláň earned its nickname, the "Wallachian Olympus" or the "Artists' Ridge." The mix of grazing meadows, scattered trees and far-reaching views turned the hill into a symbol of the Wallachia region long before organised tourism arrived.

What's worth seeing at the summit?

The landmark on top is a small bell tower, opened in 2006, which today doubles as an information point and art gallery. From here, an educational trail runs along the ridge for about 6 kilometres, with ten themed stops covering local nature, the history of shepherding, and the Wallachian landscape.

What views does Soláň offer?

On a clear day, the ridge gives a sweeping view across the Moravian-Silesian Beskids: the Radhošť massif, Smrk, Kněhyně and Lysá hora, plus the Javorníky ridge. When visibility is exceptional, the horizon stretches even further, taking in the Jeseníky mountains and Slovak ranges such as Malá Fatra, the Súľov Rocks and Martinské hole. That panorama, reachable without any real climbing, is the main reason people keep coming back to Soláň all year round.

Skiing and hiking on Soláň

In winter, Soláň runs one of the largest ski resorts in the Vsetín district, with nearly 4 kilometres of slopes between 700 and 861 metres, backed by snowmaking and grooming equipment. Skiing here dates back to the 1960s, with the biggest expansion of facilities coming in the 1980s. In summer the same slopes and ridgeline turn into hiking and cycling routes, including a red-marked trail that follows the edge of the forest and pastures all the way to the top.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Soláň? The summit reaches 861 metres above sea level.

Can you drive up to the top? Yes, a road leads almost all the way to the summit, making Soláň an easily accessible viewpoint.

What is the tower at the top? It's a bell tower built in 2006 that now houses an information centre and an art gallery.

Is there a ski resort nearby? Yes, Soláň's ski area is one of the largest in the Vsetín region, operating since the 1960s.

Why is Soláň nicknamed the "Wallachian Olympus"? Because of its long-standing popularity with painters and artists drawn to its open pastures and panoramic views of Moravian Wallachia.