Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WallacHia
The mountainous region of Wallachia (vah-LAH-chee-ah)—
where Slovakia and Poland meet the eastern edge of the Czech
Republic—is ideal for an escape into nature, where you can enjoy
both the ruggedness of the mountains and the easy tourist facili-
ties of an accessible recreational area.
Wallachia (Valašsko) is made up of three east-west ridges
separating three long valleys. The Beskydy Mountains—the
westernmost part of the Carpathian mountain range—make an
impressive backdrop.
Wallachia has a sparse but proud population, the Wallachians
(Valaši). They were originally Romanian shepherds who, following
their sheep, drifted west along the pristine meadows and rugged
canyons of the hauntingly beautiful Carpathians. In exchange for
guarding the border, these shepherds received many privileges—
most importantly, exemption from taxes.
Today, the Wallachians have their own tongue-in-cheek,
tax-free “kingdom.” In local restaurants and hotels, you can buy
Wallachian “passports,” which come with a brochure explaining
in English why you should emigrate. The 90 Kč is a small price
to pay for a passport when you consider that it frees you from the
far-reaching clutches of the IRS.
Getting Around Wallachia
This region is best with a car. It's difficult, though doable, by public
transportation.
Olomouc
is the nearest big city. To reach
Rožnov
pod Radhoštěm by train or bus from Olomouc you'll need to
transfer in Valašské Meziříčí (7 trains/day, allow 2 hrs total; hourly
bus, 1.75-2.5 hrs). From
Rožnov
there is a direct bus to
Prostřední
Bečva/Pustevny
(4/day, 45 min).
