Kristýna Kotásková is a native of Hodonín. In the past she played table tennis, and in her free time she goes running [2]. In 2025 she walked a route of more than a thousand kilometres across the Czech Republic, from its westernmost to its easternmost point [2]. At the beginning of 2026 she made a 4,100-kilometre journey by train across Europe [2].
The journey to Rome
On 2 July 2026 Kotásková set out on foot from Hodonín to Rome [1][2]. The route was about 2,200 kilometres long and led through Austria, with a stop in Germany, then again through Austria to Slovenia and Italy [2]. By her own account she covered 33 to 38 kilometres a day on average, and at most more than 41 kilometres in a day [2]. She covered half of the route from Hodonín accompanied, but their paths parted in Slovenia [2]. She spent most nights in a tent or in the open, in meadows, at forest edges or near fields [1][2]. She called the crossing of the Alps in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and Italy the most beautiful part of the journey, especially Hohe Tauern National Park and the view of the Grossglockner [1][2]. In Slovenia she was struck by the Soča river [2]. During the journey she experienced a thunderstorm, in which a passing Italian offered her a lift, which she declined, but she accepted an umbrella from him [1]. She reached her destination, Rome, on Wednesday 30 September 2026 [1]. After arriving she planned to spend two to three days in Rome and visit the Colosseum and the Vatican, possibly also travelling with her parents to Venice [1]. On the way she also visited the Vatican and San Marino [2].
Support for the shelter
She undertook the journey in support of the Pet Heroes shelter in Lanškroun, which she came across by chance [2]. The shelter has operated for twenty years and was created from a former farm building [2]. According to the shelter's manager Renata Kristková, insulation is missing, the doors have large gaps, and the electrical wiring, windows and suspended ceilings need replacing [2]. Kristková estimated the cost of the reconstruction at roughly five million crowns [2]. The shelter is home to 41 animals [2]. Kristková said of Kotásková and her companion that they are "absolutely wonderful, enthusiastic young people" [2]. During the journey Kotásková posted photographs and information on Instagram and asked for help for the shelter [1].
Earlier journeys
Kotásková said that she undertook the journey to Rome about a year after her school-leaving exam and that she had earned the money for it by working beforehand [2]. She described it as "fulfilling a dream" while also trying to help the shelter [2].
Chronology
- — Twenty-year-old Kristýna Kotásková of Hodonín completed a walk of more than 2,200 kilometres from Hodonín to Rome, which she undertook in support of an animal shelter. → Blesk.cz Novinky.cz
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Sources
- Blesk.cz — 7 October 2026
- Novinky.cz — 7 October 2026