A walk through the Příluky landscape

This easy walk takes us to scenic views of the surrounding countryside, past a service tree, to a small pond with a water sprite, and to a charming chapel. Our starting point is a viewpoint above Štákovy paseky, about 7 km from the centre of Zlín. You can park conveniently in the spacious car park, where a beautiful view of the gently rolling landscape opens up before you as soon as you step out of the car. From here, we set off to the left along a forest path beside a field. Right at the start we encounter the first point of interest – a service tree, a majestic solitary tree standing here like a silent guardian of the landscape. It measures an impressive 15.5 metres in height and is estimated to be around 150 years old.

It originally stood on a grassy boundary strip, which was completely ploughed over during the previous regime. Fortunately, the tree itself was preserved because of its rarity and beauty. Today, it is protected by a fence, and in autumn it bears small apple-like fruits rich in antioxidants, which can be eaten in many ways once they have mellowed.

The path then leads us deeper into the forest until we reach a junction, where we turn right and continue towards a clearing. After about 470 metres, we reach Příluky pond – one of the most picturesque natural spots in the Zlín area. The pond lies hidden in the valley of the Příluky stream and in summer is often shaded by dense willow growth, enhancing its calm and somewhat mysterious atmosphere. Watching over the peaceful water surface is a statute of a water sprite, which is especially popular with children. It is an ideal place for a short rest, a snack or simply quiet observation of nature. You may spot green and brown frogs here and, if you are lucky, the freshwater pearl mussel – our largest mussel and a critically endangered species – may even be hiding beneath the surface.

Once we have enjoyed the tranquillity of the water, we continue across a meadow and past fields back towards the Štákovy paseky. After roughly 700 metres, we join an asphalt road and turn left. After less than half a kilometre, we reach the modest yet charming Chapel of the Virgin Mary with a statue of St Anthony, located in the Horní Dědina area. The chapel was built by local native František Krumpolc as an expression of gratitude for his recovery from a wartime injury. It was consecrated in 1938 and since then has not only offered a place for spiritual reflection, but also beautiful views of Zlín and the surrounding hills.

Next to the chapel grows another significant tree – a small-leaved linden, about 15 metres tall with a trunk circumference of over 2.5 metres. This approximately 100- to 120-year-old tree is protected as a natural monument and, with its imposing presence, enhances the tranquil atmosphere of the place.

We linger here for a while – with a camera, in quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying the moment – and then return along the same route back to the car. However, if you feel like enjoying one more view, you can head from the chapel towards the nearby transmitter – it is just a few minutes' walk away and offers another beautiful panorama of the surrounding landscape.