Hlučín

150,000 years ago, prehistoric people took advantage of the gently rolling landscape here as they migrated from the inhospitable regions of the north to more pleasant climates in the south. This is evidenced by flint findings discovered near Vrch Landek Hill. And it was from the Landek estate, with its castle that guarded the Amber Trail, that Hlučín was governed. Although the foundation charter did not survive, historians claim the city was founded by Ottokar II of Bohemia in the mid-13^th century. After coal was discovered at Landek, in 1848  the entire estate was bought by the Rothschilds.

Following the losses in the Silesian wars, the people of Hlučínsko became citizens of Prussia. The turning point came in 1920, when Hlučínsko was incorporated into Czechoslovakia, only to once again became a part of Germany following the Munich Agreement. It even had higher status than Sudetenland, so the people of Hlučínsko automatically became German citizens, meaning its men were unfortunately drafted directly into the Wehrmacht, and thus participated in the worst battles of World War II.

This is why people living in this area today are still called "Prajzové," or more often the slightly derogatory "Prajzáci," or Prussians. Locals have preserved their dialect, traditions, and customs. One prominent native is baroque composer Pavel Josef Vejvanovský, who worked in many places around Moravia, and is considered one of the greatest Bohemian composers of the 17^th century.

Hlučín is a popular recreational area for the residents of Ostrava, who enjoy coming here to take advantage of the wonderful network of cycling routes. They can relax at the lake created from a former gravel pit. Those who would like to learn more about the history of Hlučínsko can visit the museum at the chateau and absorb the atmosphere at the historical town square. The area also boasts well-known bunkers that made up part of the fortifications of Czechoslovakia before World War II.