Pustevny
Moravskoslezský kraj
Pustevny is a mountain saddle in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids in the Czech Republic, at about 1,018 metres above sea level, near Radhošť in the municipality of Prostřední Bečva. Its name derives from the Czech word for a hermit, reflecting the hermits who lived here until 1874. Today it is best known for its distinctive wooden buildings in traditional folk style, designed at the end of the 19th century by architect Dušan Jurkovič. The most famous are the richly decorated log buildings Libušín and Maměnka, created in 1898 thanks to the efforts of the tourist club Pohorská jednota Radhošť. Libušín in particular became a landmark of the area, though it was heavily damaged by fire on March 3, 2014. Another notable Jurkovič design on the saddle is the bell tower, restored to match the character of the surrounding architecture. Pustevny is also a popular starting point for a ridge footpath leading toward the peak of Radhošť. Along this route are religious and cultural landmarks including a chapel (1898) and a sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1905). Partway from Pustevny to Radhošť stands a statue of the pagan Slavic god Radegast (1931), adding a mythic note to the hike. In winter, the area functions as a ski resort with multiple lifts, and access to the saddle is possible by chairlift from Ráztoka.
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Tip: For the classic experience, combine the folk-architecture buildings on the saddle with the ridge walk toward Radhošť, where you can also see the chapel and the Cyril and Methodius sculpture. If you want to include the Radegast statue, plan to stop at it on the way between Pustevny and Radhošť. In winter, check current lift operations for the Pustevny ski area and consider using the chairlift from Ráztoka to reach the saddle.
Interesting facts
- •Pustevny lies at about 1,018 metres above sea level in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids.
- •The saddle’s name is linked to hermits who lived there until 1874.
- •Libušín and Maměnka-two richly decorated log buildings-were built in 1898 with support from the tourist club Pohorská jednota Radhošť.
- •Architect Dušan Jurkovič designed key folk-style wooden buildings on Pustevny in the late 19th century.
- •Libušín was heavily damaged by fire on March 3, 2014.
- •A ridge footpath from Pustevny toward Radhošť passes a chapel (1898), a sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1905), and the Radegast statue (1931).
History
Pustevny was named after the Czech word for a hermit, and hermits lived in the area until 1874.
In 1898, the tourist club Pohorská jednota Radhošť supported the construction of the landmark log buildings Libušín and Maměnka.
The same period also brought other key features along the ridge route, including a chapel built in 1898.
In the early 20th century, additional monuments appeared nearby, such as the sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1905) and the Radegast statue (1931).
On March 3, 2014, Libušín was heavily damaged by a fire.
Place Guide
Libušín1898
A richly decorated log building in a traditional folk style associated with the Valašsko region and broader Slavic architectural motifs. Built in 1898, it is one of Pustevny’s signature landmarks, though it was heavily damaged by fire in 2014.
Maměnka1898
A celebrated companion to Libušín: a richly ornamented log building completed in 1898, emblematic of Pustevny’s late-19th-century folk-architecture character.
Bell tower on Pustevny
A bell tower designed by Dušan Jurkovič. Although the original paintings did not survive, it has been restored in keeping with the style of the other wooden buildings on the saddle.
Ridge footpath toward Radhošť
A popular walking route leading along the ridge from Pustevny toward the peak of Radhošť, linking the saddle with several notable monuments and viewpoints along the way.
Chapel on the route to Radhošť1898
A chapel built along the ridge route from Pustevny toward Radhošť, forming part of the area’s late-19th-century pilgrimage and hiking landscape.
Sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius1905
A sculpture encountered on the ridge route toward Radhošť, commemorating Saints Cyril and Methodius-key figures in Slavic Christian tradition.
Statue of Radegast1931
A statue of the pagan Slavic god Radegast, positioned about halfway between Pustevny and Radhošť, and one of the route’s most distinctive photo stops.
