Velky Javornik

Our first full weekend ahead with a sunny weather forecast and no real plans. So what do you do? Test a new dog backpack!

We are not strangers to hiking with dogs, we have successfully done a few climbs with them – like a very windy Mt. Snowdon but since the fur kids are not getting any younger and with Abbie’s heart murmur, we wanted to test Matt’s form of lugging 13 kg of pure cuteness on his back… and oh boy was it fun! She certainly has not looked impressed at first but I think she has secretly enjoyed the views.

The best times to visit this trail are April through November but it is also frequented during the milder winter month. We have started Marencina Studanka near Horecky – relatively secluded but free parking area available.

Velký Javorník (918 m) is a mountain in the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains, the highest point of the Veřovické Hills. The mountain is a famous tourist spot with a view of the surrounding area, on the top there is a tourist cottage from 1935, which is open all year round (except Mondays). From Velký Javorník (on a clear day) you can admire the views of the Beskydy peaks. At the top, there is a wooden lookout tower, which is almost 26 meters high. The lookout tower is freely accessible all year round. Another interesting thing about the Velky Javornik, (apart from a huge number of hikers/ doggos and kids, this place is also used for paragling or hang gliding).

There are few different routes to get you to the top. We have taken a slightly longer circular route. During the walk you have views towards Stramberk or Radhost and Pustevny but also views on Velky Javornik. However, the most demanding section of the route is a climb with steep slopes and serpentine.

To the top of Velký Javorník is from Frenštát pod Radhoštěm along the green tourist trail (approximately 4.5 km) or along the blue trail from Rožnov to the Kamenárka crossroads and from there along the red trail to the top of Javorník (approximately 11 km).

The most demanding section of the route from After about 400 meters, we reach a place where the sign starts to climb a steep slope with serpentine. At 500 meters, we overcome an elevation of 130 meters. In winter, I definitely recommend using snowshoes here, as the surface can be icy and slippery. Stick to the marked route throughout this section, as there are steep cliffs nearby, some of which are several tens of meters high.

So yes, your dog will be thrilled, covered in mud, and probably try to ‘share’ a hiker’s discarded sandwich. You’ll be tired, but you’ll have earned the view. Worth it. Every time.