Beskydy

Beskydy, or the Beskydy Mountains, is a mountain range in the eastern part of the Czech Republic that also extends into Slovakia along the Czech–Slovak border. It forms a prominent ridge in the eastern Carpathians, running roughly northeast to southwest and separating Moravia and Silesia from neighboring highlands. The crest reaches heights above 1,300 meters, with Lysá hora at 1,324 meters as the highest point.

Geology and geography: The Beskydy are part of the Western Carpathians and feature varied geology, with flysch and crystalline rock formations. The range includes several notable summits, among them Radhošť at 1,129 meters, and is cut by deep valleys and forested plateaus. The area is drained by streams and rivers that feed into larger watershed systems, shaping a landscape of ridges, hollows, and broad valleys.

Protection and ecology: In the Czech Republic the Beskydy Mountains are protected as the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Beskydy), established in 1973 and later expanded. The landscape supports mixed forests, primarily beech and spruce, and hosts diverse flora and fauna. The region has faced changes in forest management and seeks to balance conservation with outdoor recreation and tourism, including hiking, cycling, and winter sports.

Human use and culture: The Beskydy lie within historic Moravia and Czech Silesia and are home to towns such as Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, and Frýdek-Místek. The area is associated with Wallachian culture and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Notable sites include Radhošť Mountain, with the Radegast statue, and the Pustevny wooden lodge complex, as well as the nearby Rožnov Open-Air Museum, one of Europe’s oldest ethnographic museums.