Velký Javorník and Its Lookout Tower: A Trip Above Frenštát

Velký Javorník is one of those peaks you head to when you want to gather a good view in half a day without extreme effort. It rises above Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, with a wooden lookout tower and a lodge at the top, and from our penzion it is just a stone’s throw away. Here is how to do it.

How do you get to Velký Javorník from Rožnov?

From Anděl penzion in Rožnov it is roughly 25–30 minutes by car to the starting points in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. Most people set off directly from Frenštát or from the Horečka lodge on the edge of town.

• By car to Frenštát along the road through Trojanovice — a comfortable 20 km or so.
• You can park in Frenštát or at the trailheads; in season, arrive in the morning.
• Without a car: take the train or bus to Frenštát and continue on foot following the markers.

What is the route up like?

The climb is a classic Beskydy hike along forest tracks — no technical sections, just a steady ascent. From Frenštát allow roughly 1.5–2 hours one way, depending on your pace and chosen route.

• The elevation gain is noticeable, but the path is well signposted and mostly shaded by forest.
• Ordinary hiking boots are enough; you will appreciate poles more on the way down.
• The route can be shortened if you drive higher up and leave only the final climb on foot.

Along the way you will come across signposts that also point to neighbouring ridges — Velký Javorník can be nicely linked into a longer loop.

What will you see from the summit and the tower?

At the summit (918 m) stand a wooden lookout tower and, right beside it, a mountain lodge. In good visibility, the gallery opens up to a panoramic view:

• of the massif of Radhošť and Pustevny towards Rožnov,
• of Lysá hora, the highest peak in the Beskydy,
• and down into the Frenštát valley and the Moravian Gate.

You can sit down and get refreshments at the lodge — an ideal stop before heading back down. Check the opening hours and menu in advance, as they can be limited in winter and out of season.

Who is the trip suitable for?

Velký Javorník is manageable even for less fit hikers and older children who can walk a few kilometres uphill. With the youngest in a pram it is not ideal — the terrain is forest track and bumpy in places. It works perfectly as a half-day trip, after which you return to Rožnov just in time for coffee and cake.

Combine the trip with comfortable facilities in Rožnov

We have Velký Javorník and the surrounding peaks practically on our doorstep. After your hike you can stay with us in our quiet rooms, drop by for a fresh cake at the café or ease your tired legs in the private sauna.

Planning a weekend in the Beskydy with a climb up Velký Javorník? Take a look at reservations — we are happy to advise on routes and times. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach us via the contact page.