Štramberk: The picturesque Bethlehem of Moravia and its sweet legends

Deep in the northeast of the Czech Republic, nestled in the gentle hills of the Beskids, lies a town that could have come straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale: Štramberk (Stramberg). Known for its unique log houses and distinctive castle tower, the place attracts visitors primarily through one scent – ​​the scent of cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

The cityscape: A labyrinth made of wood

What makes Štramberk so special is its architecture. Well-preserved buildings nestle around the castle hill. Wallachian log houses from the 18th and 19th centuries line the steep streets. These dark wooden houses with their white window frames give the town its nickname “Moravian Bethlehem”.

  • The marketplace: A steep, paved square, lined with baroque townhouses, inviting you to linger.
  • The Trúba: The city’s landmark is the round tower of the former Štramberk Castle. Those who climb the wooden stairs are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view over the city’s rooftops and the foothills of the Beskid Mountains.

The “Stramberg Ears” (Štramberské uši)

You can’t visit Štramberk without trying the local specialty. It’s the first Czech food product to be registered by the EU as a protected geographical indication. The pastry is a type of spiced honey cake rolled into an ear shape. But behind the sweet taste lies a dark legend:

In 1241, the Tatars invaded Moravia. The inhabitants of Štramberk hid on Kotouč Hill. During a severe storm, the defenders managed to breach the dam of a nearby pond and flood the Tatar camp. When the water receded, the locals found sacks full of severed earswhich the Tatars had collected to send to their Khan as proof of their cruelty. Today, sweet pastries are baked to commemorate this victory.

Nature & Wellness on site

  • Jeskyně Šipka (Shipka Cave): Just a short walk away lies this famous cave where the remains of a Neanderthal child were discovered in 1880. A must-see for history buffs!
  • Beer wellness: Štramberk is also known for its brewery. At the “Městský pivovar” (town brewery), you can not only taste the local beer but also relax in beer baths.

📍 My tip for connoisseurs

Don’t buy the “ears” in the supermarket, but directly from one of the small shops. Bakeries in the old town. They’re often sold warm there, and you can watch them being rolled by hand. Some shops also offer them filled with cream or ice cream – a modern twist on the classic!

Last but not least: Štramberk is a place for the senses. The combination of the fragrant forest air, the aroma of baked goods, and the tranquility of the wooden houses makes this mountain town one of the most romantic destinations in the entire Czech Republic.