We started the hike at the final stop at the restaurant Chata Visalaje. Buses 318 from Frýdek-Místek and 392 from Orlová end here. You can also eat at Chata Visalaje - it is still the only open restaurant in the area at the end of April.

Description of the hike

From the final bus stop in Visalaje, follow the blue tourist trail towards the Ježánky crossroads. From the crossroads we continue along the blue trail Czech Trail. The path leads along wide forest paths. About halfway along the blue trail there is a spring.

A short distance behind the White Cross is the experimental ecological workplace Bílý Kříž. It is a workplace that monitors energy and substance flows, studies physiological processes (photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration) for a long time.

From Bílý Kříž we follow the state border with Slovakia to the peak Sulov 943 m above sea level. At the top of Bílý Kříž we will have a snack in the Sulov refreshment centre. They have a limited selection of food, mostly fried, but you can eat here. We return to Visalay the same way as above.

Difficulty

It is a completely undemanding mountain hiking, which can be easily handled even by small children from 4 years old (tested, see photo gallery). The path leads along wide forest and field paths. The ascent is very gradual, no steep slopes or exposed places. The route is also suitable for sports buggies.

Water availability

Generally in the Beskydy Mountains there is a small spring on almost every hike. Similarly, on this shorter trail there is a well with drinking water about halfway along the blue hiking trail towards Bílý Kříž. Otherwise, in April you can buy refreshments either in Visalaje at the bus terminus, where there is a restaurant, or in Bílý Kříž, where a small Sulov refreshment shop is open in spring.

Mountain peaks

On this trek we climbed only one peak Sulov 943 m above sea level in Slovakia. A little further south is the smaller peak Sulov 903 m above sea level. From Bílý Kříž you can see the Little Fatra Mountains to the east in good weather. For identifying peaks in all over the world I recommend the fantastic Peakfinder app - for about 200 CZK one-time purchase you get a great helper for the mountains.

Danger

There is no dangerous place on the route. It is on wide roads, without difficult sections. The only danger may be the weather or the animals that may be present - bears, wolves or lynx. However, this danger is rather theoretical. All of the aforementioned carnivores are highly shy and encounters with them are very rare.

Food

It is a short trip - even with small children and sitting on the White Cross we managed it in about 4 hours. So just a small snack for the kids is enough. About 0,5 liters of water is enough for everyone. Moreover, both at the White Cross and at the boarding point in Visalay there is a possibility to eat.

Attractions

Karlovice, the original settlement, was renamed Bílý Kříž after an event that happened after 1830. At that time, a tragic event took place here, when eighteen tobacco smugglers from Hungarian Slovakia were stopped on their way by one of the financiers, a member of the border police. The smugglers feared beatings and heavy fines more than being killed, so they brutally murdered the border guard and buried him at the scene.

A wooden cross made of freshly worked spruce wood was erected on top of the grave. The entire surrounding area was treeless at the time, so the cross glowed white from afar. The current cross has been restored several times and to live up to its name, it has been painted white.