Soláň: A Trip to a Beskydy Ridge with Views and a Gallery

Soláň is a broad Beskydy ridge between Karolinka and Velké Karlovice, drawing visitors with its far-reaching views and the artistic tradition of Wallachian painters. From Anděl penzion in Rožnov you can reach it by car in 20 to 25 minutes. A gallery, a lookout tower and relaxed walks along the ridge await you. Here is what to see on Soláň and when best to go.

How do you get to Soláň from Rožnov?

From Anděl penzion it takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car to reach Soláň, heading towards Velké Karlovice and Karolinka. The drive itself is worth it, following the Bečva valley between the hills and setting the mood for the ridges above.

• By car you can park right at the Soláň saddle, a short walk from the Zvonice gallery.
• Without a car take the bus to Karolinka or Velké Karlovice and continue on foot following the trail markers up.
• At the weekend day-trippers head here for the views, so it is best to arrive in the morning for some peace and a parking spot.

If you set off from the penzion right after breakfast, you will reach the ridge just as the sun starts warming the meadows and before the biggest crowds arrive.

What will you see on Soláň?

Soláň is not a single spot but a whole ridge with several stops along the way. Whether you have an hour or a whole afternoon, there is always something to choose from.

What you’ll find on Soláň	What to expect
The Zvonice gallery	a wooden bell tower with works by Wallachian painters and sculptors
The lookout tower on Soláň	far-reaching views over the Beskydy, the Javorníky and the valley below
Ridge meadows and clearings	easy walks, full of colour in autumn
The Soláň saddle	parking, a trail junction and inns for a rest

It is worth checking the Zvonice gallery’s admission fee and opening hours in advance, as outside the main season it tends to be open only on a limited basis.

Why is Soláň associated with painters?

Soláň has a reputation as a “painters’ hill”. Wallachian artists have come here for inspiration since the first half of the 20th century, and that tradition lives on to this day.

• The Zvonice gallery, housed in a distinctive wooden building, recalls the work of local painters and sculptors.
• In the surrounding area you will come across statues, sculptures and corners linked to the artists’ colony.
• The atmosphere here is slow-paced and a little dreamy, perfect for an unhurried day off.

“You do not come to Soláň in a hurry. Take it slow, stop by the bell tower and let your eyes wander all the way to the Javorníky ridges.”

What are the views and walks like on Soláň?

The main draw is the far-reaching views. From the ridge, on a clear day, you can look out over the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy, the Javorníky, and deep into the Bečva valley.

• Comfortable, easy trails run along the ridge with no steep climbs, so children can manage them too.
• From the lookout tower on Soláň, in good visibility, you can see a very long way in every direction.
• The meadows and clearings are beautiful all year round, and in autumn they glow with colour.

Soláň can be nicely combined into a longer loop with a walk to Velké Karlovice or a hike up one of the neighbouring peaks. If you enjoy lookout towers, you will like our overview of the finest lookout towers in the Beskydy, where Soláň certainly has its place.

When is the best time to visit Soláň?

You will enjoy Soláň most in clear weather, when the views come into their own, that is the main reason people come here. In fog or under low cloud it loses some of its charm, so check the forecast before you set off.

• Summer is ideal for long walks across the meadows and a stop at one of the inns.
• Autumn is magical here, the forests and clearings turn gold and red.
• Winter and spring have their charms too, just be prepared for changeable weather on the ridge and dress warmly.

After your walk you can stop at one of the local inns and let the trip wind down slowly before heading back to the valley.

How to combine a trip to Soláň with a stay in Rožnov

Soláň and the surrounding Beskydy ridges are within easy reach of Anděl penzion, so your trip does not have to turn into a day-long expedition. Once you are back, you can stay with us in our quiet rooms, enjoy specialty coffee and a homemade cake at the café, open daily from 11:00 to 20:00, or warm up in the private sauna.

In the morning a hearty breakfast awaits you, parking at the penzion is free, and you will set off refreshed for your next trip. It is no coincidence that we are among the best-rated penzions in Rožnov, with 4.8/5 from 461 reviews on Google.

Planning a trip to Soláň and looking for a base in Rožnov? Take a look at availability and prices under reservations or give us a call at +420 602 541 112, we are happy to advise where to go and where the finest views are. For more trip ideas, see our tips for day trips around Rožnov.