Karolinka (until 1951 Karolinina Huť; ) is a town in Vsetín District in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 2,400 inhabitants.

Etymology

The name is a Czech diminutive form of woman name Caroline. It was derived from given name of stepmother of its founder, Jewish entrepreneur Salomon Reich. Until 1951, its name was Karolinina Huť, meaning "Karolina's glassworks".

Geography

Karolinka is located about 17 km east of Vsetín and 38 km northwest of Žilina in Slovakia. It borders Slovakia in the south. It lies on the border between the Hostýn-Vsetín Mountains and Maple Mountains. The highest point is the Malý Javorník mountain at 1019 m above sea level, which top is on the Czech-Slovak border. The town proper is situated in the valley of the Vsetínská Bečva river. A notable body of water is the Karolinka Reservoir. The whole territory of Karolinka lies in the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area.

History

The settlement grew up around a glass factory established on the territory of Nový Hrozenkov municipality in 1861. Karolinina Huť was separated as a municipality of its own from Nový Hrozenkov in 1949. In 1951, it was renamed Karolinka.

Demographics

Transport

Karolinka is located on the railway line Vsetín–Velké Karlovice.

Sights

The main landmark of Karolinka is the Church of Our Lady of Carmel. It is a modern church built in 1994–1997.

Twin towns – sister cities

Karolinka is twinned with: