Happy TravellerWelcome to Třinec, a city located in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. With a population of about 34,000 inhabitants, Třinec is the least populated statutory city in the country. Despite its small size, Třinec is an important cultural center of the Polish minority in Trans-Olza, which makes up 12.1% of the population. The city is also notable for the Třinec Iron and Steel Works steel plant, the largest in the country, which still has a major impact on the city’s character, demographics, and air quality.
Třinec is located about 22 kilometers east of Frýdek-Místek and 30 kilometers southeast of Ostrava. It lies in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia, on the border with Poland and also near the border with Slovakia. The Olza River runs through the city, and the elevation of the built-up area is approximately 300 meters above sea level. The northern part of the municipal territory is located in the Moravian-Silesian Foothills, while the southern, sparsely populated part is located in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids mountain range, which also belongs to the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area.
The first written mention of Třinec is from 1444, but the village was probably founded already in the second half of the 14th century. The area was rich in iron ore deposits and had sufficient water energy and a high supply of wood, which were the main reasons to establish an iron works there. The iron mill began operation in 1839, becoming the largest in the entire Cieszyn Silesia, and became a major milestone in the history of the village, which reoriented itself to industry. After the construction of the Košice–Bohumín Railway line in 1871, rapid development of the town took place.
Today, Třinec is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The years biggest event is the Hutnický den (Metallurgy Day), which features numerous live performances from bands and artists from all over the country and abroad. It takes place every year in May, but was not held in 2020 and 2021. From 1993 to 2012, one of the oldest and most famous rock festivals in the Czech Republic, Noc plná hvězd (star-studded night), was held here every year.
Třinec is also a great destination for sports enthusiasts. The city is represented by the successful ice hockey team HC Oceláři Třinec, which has been playing in the Czech Extraliga since 1995 and has won four times. The city’s football team, FK Třinec, plays in the Czech National Football League, while the floorball club FBC Intevo Třinec plays in the third tier of the men’s competition and in the second tier of the women’s competition. Třinec also has an athletics club, founded in 1951. Sports that have a tradition in Třinec include orienteering, weightlifting, Greco-Roman wrestling, road cycling, and chess.
While Třinec is poor in monuments, the city does have a few notable landmarks. The main historic landmark is the Church of Saint Albert, built in the 1880s. A notable building is the wooden Church of Corpus Cristi in Guty. The original church from the 16th century was destroyed by a deliberate fire in 2017. In 2021, a replica was completed on its site. Třinec Iron and Steel Works also opened a company museum in 1969, which has been jointly operated with the city as the museum of both the company and the city since 1992.
Overall, Třinec is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, sports, or just want to experience the charm of a small Czech city, Třinec has something for everyone. So why not add it to your travel bucket list today?
