“The Mansfeld Troops Are Coming! Come and Defend the Fort” – A Family Adventure with History
On 20 June 2026, the Great Šance will host an exciting new event – an innovative combination of hiking, history, and education designed for families, school groups, and all lovers of adventure and local heritage.

This historical and educational trail takes participants back to the dramatic year 1626, during the Danish phase of the Thirty Years’ War, when the Jablunkov Pass and its fortifications faced an attack by troops under the command of Count Ernst von Mansfeld. To defend the region, as many as 380 Wallachian men from nearby mountain villages were called to arms.
Along the route, participants will relive these historical moments through interactive experiences. They will meet reenactors representing soldiers and civilians, witness a simulated enemy attack, and symbolically “enlist” in the defense of the Šance.
The individual hiking route starts at the Wooden House at Fojtství, continues through the “Na tunelu” site (where the enemy attack will be staged), and leads past Hostinec u Jakuba all the way to the Great Šance.
The event offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun, storytelling, and history — an unforgettable day for families, hikers, and anyone curious about the region’s past. This unique historical walk also serves as a prelude to the main Šancefest, helping to bring the Great Šance to life and promote its rich 400-year heritage.