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15 Best Things to Do in Olomouc (Czech Republic)

Think of Olomouc as Moravia’s own version of Prague . It’s of the Czech Republic’s best places to visit for architecture, culture and religious heritage and there’s a historic preservation zone here that is surpassed only by the Czech capital for size and wealth of buildings.

Olomouc goes all the way back to Roman times and has a host of monuments that have stood the test of time through hundreds of years of turmoil and war. What’s great for you and me is that this university town doesn’t attract a great deal of tourism despite having two World Heritage Sites and being the capital of Moravia right up to the 1600s. Let’s explore the best things to do in Olomouc !

1. Holy Trinity Column

Central Europe has many plague columns that were built to commemorate outbreaks and credit God for stopping them, but the Holy trinity Column is surely the most splendid you can find.

It’s a World Heritage monument, was built in the early-1700s, and the people who know at UNESCO say that it’s unmatched in its baroque design.

One of the things that makes it special is that every stonemason, artists and master craftsman who worked on the column was local to Olomouc. Within the column is a small chapel with highly-detailed stone reliefs depicting events from the bible, including the crucifixion.

2. St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral

To give you an idea of scale, this gigantic cathedral, at more than 100-metres in height, is the fourth-tallest building in the Czech Republic. It’s second only to the equivalent cathedral in Prague when it comes to size, and is the largest cathedral in Moravia.

Originally the building had a romanesque design, having been founded right back in the 1100s. 19th-century restorations gave the building its intricate neo-gothic appearance, but the interior layout has remained unchanged since medieval times.

In the 20th century both Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II visited St Wenceslas’.

3. Hradisko Monastery

It is advisable to book a tour to see the interior of this grand building, but many will be happy just to get a picture of its spires, towers and ornate gateways from the outside.

It started out as a Benedictine Monastery in the 1000s, and when the Benedictine Order was expelled from the city in the 1200s they were replaced by the Premonstratensians, who remained until the monastery was closed in the 1700s. After that it became a Napoleonic prison camp and then a hospital, which it has remained since.

If you do manage to join a tour you’ll see some wonderful sculptures, reliefs, chandeliers and ceiling frescoes.

4. Olomouc Town Hall

With its white stucco facade and towering black spires, this is gothic structure is easily the most cherished secular building in the city.

For six centuries it has dominated economic and political life in Olomouc, and still houses the city council and offices. As it’s a working building access can be restricted, but you can join a guided tour in the summer to see the various chambers and the gothic chapel that is connected to the building.

Every working day at 11:00 and 15:00 you can also scale the town hall’s 76-metre tower to look out over the city.

5. Astronomical Clock

On the north side of the Town Hall, Olomouc’s astronomical clock was first built in the 1400s, but after picking up damage in the Second World War it underwent a few interesting changes. Communism had just arrived in Olomouc, so the clock was redesigned in the social realist style. Now, instead of saints there are depictions of workers and engineers, while the dial displays the birthdays of Lenin and Stalin, as well as the International Day of the Worker. Much of the communist paraphernalia around Olomouc disappeared after the Velvet revolution, so this clock represents an off-beat memorial to the city’s soviet years.

6. Baroque Fountains

Olomouc has a collection of six ostentatious fountains, dating to the late-1600s and early-1700s. They are a source of great civic pride here, and have survived so long thanks to the foresight of the city’s planners.

After Olomouc’s buildings where piped up to the water supply, these fountains would have been obsolete, but were retained as emergency reservoirs to fight fires. The fountains have a Roman theme, five depicting mythological figures and one devoted to Gaius Julius Caesar on horseback, who, legend has it, founded Olomouc 2000 years ago.

The historic fountains are joined by modern additions, like the Arion fountain in the main square, which recounts the legend of a poet thrown overboard from a boat and rescued by a dolphin.

7. Kroměříž Castle and Gardens

Easily reached to the south of Olomouc, Kroměříž is a typical Moravian town, with a fine collection of historic buildings. The most prestigious is Kroměříž Castle, which is where successions of the Archbishops of Olomouc lived from 1770 onwards, and where scenes from the 1984 movie Amadeus were shot.

After a previous version of the building had been wrecked  by the Swedes the influential Liechtenstein family commissioned the Italian-Swiss architect Filiberto Lucchese to build a new palace in the Baroque style, complete with pleasure gardens.

Today the building is a UNESCO site, as the baroque garden, with its neat, formal hedgerows, has hardly been altered since it was first laid out.

8. Church of St. Moritz

The battle-ready tower of this church, which goes right back to the 14th century, looks like it belongs to a fortress, with its square, crenellated walls. Inside there’s lots that makes the church special.

The big story is the church’s Engler organ because you won’t find many larger in Europe. Every autumn there’s an international organ music festival in the city and naturally this piece, which was installed in 1745 and has more than 10,000 pipes, is at the centre of the event.

Other than to admire the church’s preserved architecture, the other reason to visit St. Moritz is for the fine panorama of old Olomouc from the top of that castle-like tower.

9. Helfštýn Castle

These commanding ruins are right at the top of the list for daytrips from Olomouc. Helfštýn is a fortress on a scale that is almost unmatched in Central Europe. Helfštýn, which saw off the Swedes, Danes and Turks in its time, is only 35 kilometres east of Olomouc and stands at the summit of a hill next to the River Bečva.

The castle goes right back to the early-1300s and blends gothic elements with a more refined renaissance style.

Head inside for exhibitions on medieval metal-based crafts like blacksmithing and minting, while the castle’s long ramparts make fantastic viewing platforms today, as they did centuries ago.

10. Svatý Kopeček

At 400 metres this hill, a few kilometres from the centre of Olomouc, means many things to many people. For the religious it’s been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years.

At the top there’s a monastery with a magnificent baroque Basilica of the Visitation, which welcomed Pope John Paul II in the 90s. Alternatively you could simply visit Svatý Kopeček for the exercise, wandering through the forest around the hillsides.

Olomouc Zoo is also here, and it has made great use of this natural setting, housing everything from giraffes to lions in spacious enclosures, while in the aquarium you can see sharks on the prowl.

11. Archdiocesan Museum

This is Olomouc’s essential museum. It integrates parts of Olomouc Castle, as well as the former Bishop’s Palace which has some precious romanesque stonework.

These are the oldest pieces of architecture in the city, with elements such as windows and archways that date way back to the 12th century. The museum is the place to learn about Olomouc’s history as a spiritual centre.

Over three floors you’ll be able to browse hundreds of religious artefacts, artworks and sculptures that have been collected since the 1600s.

12. The Moravian Theatre

Easily spotted on Horní náměstí, this venue has dominated Olomouc’s cultural scene since the 1920s. It is home to the Moravian Philharmonic, which is the region’s premier orchestra.

The Philharmonic takes part in the many events on the city’s social calendar, such as the International Organ Festival and Dvořak’s Olomouc, which is a series of concerts devoted to the famous Czech composer in May and June.

When you visit the city, check the listings to see what’s on at the Moravian Theatre – there’s a lively schedule of of ballets, operas, musicals and plays.

13. Ice Hockey

Next to football Ice Hockey is a Czech national sport. If you’re from western Europe then there’s a good chance you won’t have seen Ice Hockey supported with the kind of intensity you’ll find in Olomouc.

So get down to the stadium in Hynaisova, where Hockey Club Olomouc battles it out against rivals from across the Czech Republic. After a long spell in the 2nd division Olomouc won promotion to the country’s top league in 2015, so is back in the big time.

The Czech Extraliga season runs throughout the winter and these fast-paced, full-contact matches are a fine way to see how many of Olomouc’s locals get their kicks on the weekends.

14. Olomouc’s Parks

If you check a map you’ll see that Olomouc’s parks encircle the city where the fortified walls used to be. In Bezrucovy Sady a large fragment of the old walls is still standing and you can climb up to the ramparts to walk between a couple of the towers.

This park is also decorated with statues, the oldest of which are four baroque sculptures of Hercules from 1757.

Smetana is a more formal park, with a long and elegant avenue flanked by tall and perfectly-trimmed hedges. You can track down the stately pavilion here for a cup of coffee at the cafe, or potter around the botanical greenhouses belonging to Palacky University.

15. Bouzov Castle

This is a classic fairytale castle, around 30 kilometres northwest of Olomouc. There’s been a fortress here on a knoll overlooking deep forest since the 1300s.

For centuries it belonged to the Teutonic Order, but during this time gradually fell into disrepair. So in the 1800s it was restored by a Bavarian architect to match an idealised vision of medieval courtly life, and this is what makes Bouzov Castle a useful shooting location for Czech and German movies.

All the elements of a romantic castle are here, with a moat, crenellated walls, drawbridges, bastions, and a watchtower eight storeys high that you can climb for panoramic countryside views.

15 Best Things to Do in Olomouc (Czech Republic):

• Holy Trinity Column
• St. Wenceslas' Cathedral
• Hradisko Monastery
• Olomouc Town Hall
• Astronomical Clock
• Baroque Fountains
• Kroměříž Castle and Gardens
• Church of St. Moritz
• Helfštýn Castle
• Svatý Kopeček
• Archdiocesan Museum
• The Moravian Theatre
• Olomouc's Parks
• Bouzov Castle

Getty Images

Olomouc is a sleeper. Practically unknown outside the Czech Republic and underappreciated at home, the city is surprisingly majestic. The main square is among the country’s nicest, surrounded by historic buildings and blessed with a Unesco-protected trinity column. The evocative central streets are dotted with beautiful churches, testament to the city’s long history as a bastion of the Catholic church. Explore the foundations of ancient Olomouc Castle at the must-see Archdiocesan Museum, then head for one of the city’s many pubs or microbreweries, fuelled by the thousands of students who attend university here. Don’t forget to try the cheese, Olomoucký sýr or tvarůžky, reputedly the smelliest in the Czech Republic.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Archdiocesan Museum

The impressive holdings of the Archdiocesan Museum trace the history of Olomouc back 1000 years. The thoughtful layout, with helpful English signage,…

Holy Trinity Column

The town's pride and joy is this 35m-high baroque sculpture that dominates Horní náměstí and is a popular meeting spot for local residents. The trinity…

St Moritz Cathedral

This vast Gothic cathedral is Olomouc's original parish church, built between 1412 and 1540. The western tower is a remnant of its 13th-century…

St Wenceslas Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral, the seat of the Olomouc Archbishop, was originally a Romanesque basilica that was first consecrated way back in 1131. It was…

St Michael's Church

This beautiful church on Žerotínovo náměstí dates from the 13th century, and was given the current baroque makeover from 1676 to 1703. The church is…

Museum of Modern Art

There's always something exciting happening at the region's most important art museum. Rotating exhibitions, scattered over two floors, draw from the…

Civil Defence Shelter

Olomouc is all about centuries-old history, but this more recent relic of the Cold War is also worth exploring on a guided tour. The shelter was built…

Olomouc's Town Hall dates from the 14th century and is home to one of the quirkier sights in town: an astronomical clock from the 1950s, with a face in…

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Nov 14, 2014 • 5 min read

A nice-to-have dilemma for visitors to the Czech Republic is where to go after Prague. There are loads of worthy candidates (Český Krumlov and Karlovy…

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12 Best Things To Do in Olomouc: A One-Day Itinerary

Published on November 6, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Though it is certainly not the first stop many put on their Czech Republic itineraries, there are plenty of things to do in Olomouc that make it a great place to visit if you’re after a charming old town with few crowds.

Located in the Moravia region in the east of the country, Olomouc isn’t necessarily on the radar of many visitors to the Czech Republic, with many sticking solely to Prague and other Bohemian towns like Cesky Krumlov .

However, if you’re looking to get a little bit off the beaten path in the Czechia and want to visit one of the country’s most beautiful cities, then make sure to plan to spend a day or two exploring Olomouc. This beautiful city is worth the trip.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Olomouc?

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Olomouc, you’re not alone. Though it is certainly increasing in popularity amongst international visitors, it doesn’t get nearly the same amount of attention that other cities and towns get and, therefore, it can be tough to know how long to spend here in order to do it justice.

Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of time in order to get a good feel for the city and you can check off most of the best things to do within the confines of one day in Olomouc.

The city is very compact with the majority of the top sites and attractions not more than a fifteen to twenty-minute walk away from each other.

Getting To & Around Olomouc

Olomouc is located a 2.5-hour train ride east of Prague. You can reach Olomouc by bus, as well, however, it is a longer journey and the price difference in negligible. It is also well-connected to other cities in the Czech Republic such as Brno, which is only 1-1.5 hours away by bus and train. 

Olomouc can also be a logical stop from other nearby countries such as Poland , Bratislava or Vienna . Keep in mind that you may have to switch trains or buses in Brno rather than there being a direct route to the city. You can check schedules here.

Olomouc train station is located about a 25-minute walk away from the city centre. If you don’t feel like walking then you can take a tram to the centre.

Tram tickets can be purchased from the machines at the station and then need to be validated on the tram. You can also purchase tickets from newsstands and tobacco shops.

Once in the centre, Olomouc is a very walkable city and there isn’t a great need to use public transport.

12 Best Things To Do in Olomouc

Breakfast at cafe la fee.

A Parisian-style cafe in the heart of Olomouc, Cafe La Fee is perfect for your morning coffee accompanied by a light crepe, a delicious cake or a filling bagel. They also have an extensive lunch menu and are also a popular spot for an evening cocktail.

This is an excellent stop to fuel up for a packed day of sightseeing!

Upper Square (Horní Náměstí)

Now that you’ve had a great breakfast, it’s time to begin your tour of Olomouc. And there is no better place to do that than in Horni Namesti – Olomouc’s main square.

The most striking feature of Horni Namesti is arguably the 35-metre-tall Holy Trinity Column. Originally built in the early 18th century as a plague monument, the Baroque-style column is a popular meeting spot and hanging out location for locals. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Right next to the column, is the Olomouc Town Hall with its very own Astronomical Clock. The clock is not as big or impressive as its counterpart in the Prague Old Town, however, it gathers far fewer crowds. You can see it go off every day at noon.

Aside from the historical monuments that can be found in the squares, you can also find a number of cultural and modern events throughout the year. Whether it’s farmers’ markets, Christmas stalls or a beach volleyball tournament (as was happening on a visit in June 2018!), there is always something going on in Horni Namesti!

Church of St Maurice

Like most Central European cities, after taking in the main square, it’s time to visit a historic and impressive church. And the first you’ll visit today is the lovely Church of St Maurice.

Also referred to as the St Moritz Church, it was consecrated at the end of the 14th century though it’s unknown exactly when it was built. It can be found just behind Horni Namesti.

The church houses a magnificent organ, boasts gorgeous Gothic architecture and visitors can climb the bell tower for fantastic, panoramic views of the city centre.

St Wenceslas Cathedral

After working up a sweat climbing the bell tower of the Church of St Maurice, it’s time to walk about fifteen minutes to Olomouc’s historic cathedral – housed on top of Wenceslas Hill within the Olomouc Castle complex.

St. Wenceslas Cathedral is a thousand-year-old cathedral which is the second tallest in the Czech Republic. Its imposing Neo-Gothic architecture and chilling subterranean crypts make it worth the walk from Horni Namesti.

You can book guided tours of the cathedral throughout the months of July and August if this is something that interests you. Otherwise, you can enter the church on your own and explore the creepy crypts that lie below ground.

Archbishop’s Palace

If you want to see a stunning example of gorgeous early Baroque architecture in the heart of Olomouc, then venture about five minutes from the cathedral before finding yourself at the Archbishop’s Palace.

This gorgeous palace is worth a visit if you’re interested in this era of history and love seeing opulently decorated noble homes.

There are guided tours available of the palace where you can get a lot of context to the building and learn about its history, residents and famous visitors.

Tours last 45 minutes and are available in English, however, make sure to check the opening and operating hours depending on the season you’re visiting, as availability can vary.

Bezruče Park (Bezručovy Sady)

Now that you’ve taken in a good amount of history, it’s time to enjoy a gorgeous green space!

Bezruce Park is a lovely area to relax in that sits just below the city walls. It’s a popular hangout for students and you won’t have to look too hard to encounter some street art. You can also visit the lovely Botanical Gardens that house hundreds of different floral species.

Crown Fortress (Korunní Pevnůstka)

Located within Bezruce Park is the Crown Fortress, an old fortification that used to protect the historic city of Olomouc. Today the fortress area is used as an event space for various markets or concerts, but there are also a couple of museums to check out if that interests you.

There is the Museum of the Olomouc Fortress where you can learn about the history of this bastion and what it has been used for over the centuries. There is also an interactive science museum (which includes a planetarium) that can be a good option to visit if you are travelling with children.

Church of St Michael

After exploring the sites in the beautiful city park, it’s time to wander back into the old town and visit another historic church,

St Michael’s Church is characterised by its three domes visible throughout parts of Olomouc – the domes are meant to symbolise the Holy Trinity. The Baroque-style church was built in the early 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful in the region and an important landmark in Olomouc.

If you tour the interior of the church, make sure to take in its gorgeous organ, which is the original from 1706. Nearby to this church, you can also visit the Chapel of St John Sarkander, another beautiful historic church in the Olomouc Old Town.

If you’re after a traditional Czech lunch then consider heading to Hanacka Hospoda  which is has a range of hearty meals and delicious Czech beer.

Unwind at a Tea House

I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but somehow Turkish tea house culture is extremely prevalent throughout Olomouc. There are a number of tea houses that are a perfect place to pop in for a relaxing cup of tea and shisha.

One of my favourites and most popular tea houses in Olomouc is  Dobrá Čajovna . This is an excellent place to unwind after a busy morning and afternoon of sightseeing!

They have an extensive tea menu featuring drinks from all regions of the world. There are also plenty of comfortable couches and cushions that are perfect for a relaxing afternoon! Their sections are divided into shisha smoking and non-smoking.

Lower Square (Dolní Náměstí)

Now it’s time to wind your way back into the main city centre and find yourself visiting Dolni Namesti, otherwise known as the Lower Square. Situated just south of Horni Namesti, this is a smaller and quieter city square, but it still retains all of the charm of its larger counterpart.

Here you can take in sites like the Jupiter Fountain – dedicated to the Roman God – and the Marian Column. This baroque column was erected in the early 18th Century as a memorial to the victims who parished from the Pague and is adorned with patron saints made to protect from a plague once more.

In general, this is just a lovely square to find a bench and chill out a little bit – just simply to kick back and watch the people of Olomouc stroll by.

Wander the Old Town

One of the joys of visiting this city and why I have now returned three times is that it’s simply a lovely city to walk around in and get lost.

You can see the sites in a day or two but the beauty and magic of the city can only be discovered by taking the time to people-watch in the squares, walk down random streets and through hidden tunnels (make sure to check out the Lomená Gallery on Denisova for some great street art!) or pop into one of the many great cafes, bars or restaurants in the city.

There is also plenty of gorgeous Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture to enjoy – it is truly a beautiful and ornate city. It’s for these very reasons that I will keep returning to this wonderful city.

Czech Beer and Dinner at Moritz Brewery

No visit to a Czech city is complete without having a few beers. And while you can’t go wrong with knocking back a perfectly chilled Pilsner Urquell, it can be a great idea to check out (mind the pun) some of the local microbrews.

It might be a controversial statement but Moritz Microbrewery might just have the best beer in all of Olomouc! Their own microbrew can be enjoyed in the lovely garden and also accompanied by all your favourite Czech dishes.

Where to Stay in Olomouc

Hotel Palác – This 3-star hotel has a great location within a stone’s throw of the Wenceslas Cathedral. They have several cosy rooms to choose from, a fab breakfast and parking available, as well.

Miss Sophie’s Olomouc – A boutique hotel located only a few minutes from the main square, this 4-star hotel is perfect for an upmarket stay. They have several rooms, an on-site bar and breakfast available each morning.

Long Story S h ort – A boutique hostel with a unique design, they also offer a range of dorms and private rooms. They have a lovely garden, parking available and an on-site cafe that sometimes hosts live music.

There are lots of great things to do in this gorgeous Czech city and it should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit Olomouc.

Are you thinking of heading to Olomouc? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Day Czech Republic Itinerary

The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Prague Itinerary

Prague or Krakow or Budapest: Which City to Visit?

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

Hi Michael, thanks for your lovely article about Olomouc. I live near Olomouc, I studied there and I am in love with this city all my life. Even I travel quite a lot, I am always happy to go to Olomouc, to sit on the square and watch people passing by. I love its architecture, beautiful streets and its atmosphere. I hope also the others will find the magic of this place :-).

Enjoy your stays in Olomouc.

Thanks for your comment Alena! I can totally relate to your love of Olomouc – I’ve visited three times now and can’t wait to return again! I’m sure other travellers will fall in love with the city as well! 🙂

Hi, I’d like to add that Olomouc is a great place to visit with kids, too. Many restaurants offer indoor playing areas, and very often pubs have playgrounds (this seems to be quite common around here, I’ve never seen it before moving to the Czech Republic). The big park around the city center is also a nice place to chill and watch the kids run about. For school kids there’s a “science fortress” (pevnost poznání), which sounds fun (our kids are too young to properly enjoy it). There are numerous bike trails around the city and bikes for rent, so you can go to nearby places like Svatý Kopeček (basilica, zoo and hiking trails) or Litovelské Pomoraví (nature reserve along the Morava rover). There’s also a small ski area nearby in Hlubočky, we haven’t tried it yet, though. Public transportation is good, so it’s no problem to visit close-by castles, either.

That’s great to know Eva! As we don’t have kids it’s obviously not something we pay attention to! Great to know it’s also a family friendly destination – even more reasons to visit Olomouc 🙂

Hi, Olomouc is one of my favourite cities in the world. There are 3 hostels though… One which opened just this summer. It’s called Long Story Short and has a Facebook page. The other is UBYTOVNA MARIE. I agree about Hanacka but recommend Ponorka as a fantastic Czech pub 🙂

Thanks for your comment Kirsty! Definitely seems that more tourists are coming to Olomouc now with the new hostels opening – will have to check out Ponorka next time! 🙂

Hahaha, I loved reading about Olomouc as Im Czech and heading there for the first time in my life this weekend hahaa. Thanks <3

Always great to explore your own backyard! Have a wonderful trip! 🙂

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Take in the aroma and the Baroque beauty of Olomouc!

Treasures of the past, in search of mysticism and wealth on the trail of a thousand years of history, where else to set out for.

A rest from the ostentation of the buildings in Olomouc is provided by the beautiful countryside of the Jeseníky Mountains . This picturesque mountain range is the ideal destination for an active holiday. Another historical gem to be found in Moravia is the city of Kroměříž , which thanks to its chateau and gardens has found its way onto the UNESCO list.

Olomouc fountains

Events nearby.

The Slav Epic at the Moravský Krumlov Château

JazzFest Brno

The Wine Salon of the Czech Republic at Valtice Chateau

Easter festival of sacred music

Flora Olomouc

Zlín Design Week

Opening of the Springs Luhačovice

Valtice Wine Market

Opening of the spa season in Jeseník

Asparagus and Wine Festival Ivančice

Open House Brno

Ride of the Kings Vlčnov

World Cup in mountain bikes in Vysočina

Golden Spike Ostrava

International Film Festival for Children and Youths

Leoš Janáček International Music Festival

Starobrno – Ignis Brunensis Brno

Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon

Strážnice International Folklore Festival

Beats for Love

Boskovice – Festival for the Jewish Town - Unijazz

Masters of Rock Vizovice

Znojmo Music Festival

Colours of Ostrava

Summer Film School in Uherské Hradiště

Cucumber Festival Znojmo

Moravian Castles Music Festival

Pojez Fest in Karlova Studánka

Barum Czech Rally Zlín

Historical celebrations of Zacharias of Hradec and Katherine von Wallenstein Telč

St. Wenceslas Music Festival Ostrava

Pálavské Vintage Mikulov

National Wine Competition of Mikulov Wine Subregion

Moravian Slovakia Festival of Wine and Open Monuments of Uherské Hradiště

Pojez Fest in Ostravice

Slovácko Wine Festival and Open-access Monuments

Trofeo Niké Jeseníky

Znojmo Historic Vintage

Lednice - Valtice music festival

Bzenec costumed vintage

Goose Festival Boskovice

Vintage Valtice

National Wine Competition of Velkopavlovice wine sub-region

Autumn Exhibition Floria Kroměříž

Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival

Janáček Brno

St. Martin’s degustation Brno

Austerlitz – Commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz

Nearby accommodation and restaurants.

Moravská restaurant (Moravian restaurant)

Café Kafec in Villa Primavesi Olomouc

Hanácká hospoda restaurant

Svatováclavský pivovar

Long Story Short Eatery & Bakery

Ibis Olomouc Centre

Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc

Švejk Restaurant, Olomouc

Entrée Restaurant Olomouc

Craft Brewery Twinberg

Tvarg: Olomouc cheese production, microbrewery and restaurant

Archa Restaurant

Hotel Golf Resort Olomouc

Hotel Horse Riding with Equestrian Area Hostinův Důl Tršice

Hotel Akademie Hrubá Voda

LH Hotel Jana Přerov

Restaurace Fontána

Tvarůžky pastry shop in Loštice

Café Galerie U lišky Bystroušky in Loštice

Černý orel Brewery

Scéna Restaurant and Cafe

Octárna Restaurant and Hotel

Tacl Restaurant

Selský dvůr

Boskovice Western Park

Hotel Pod Zámkem

Bunč Forest Guesthouse

Hotel U Ševce

Hotel Baltaci Atrium

Napajedla Chateau

Interhotel Zlín

Wellness Hotel Diana

Sladovna Černá Hora

The television tower on Praděd Mountain

Gallus Restaurant

Panská Lícha Restaurant

Na Vyhlídce aneb U Černé báby

EkoFarm Sádky

Noem Arch Restaurant & Design Hotel

The Bukovanský Mill Complex

Bukovanský mlýn

Music Club Fléda

Hotel Slovan - restaurace Bugatti

Zeman Café - Pavillon Restaurant

You’re invited to the Jeseníky Mts and Haná Region

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Visit the historic centres of Olomouc, Šternberk, and Prostějov. The castles, chateaus, and caves near Litovel and Hranice. Wherever you go, you can choose from a wide selection of social and cultural events.

The Jeseníky Mts offer all you can ask from a proper vacation. Beautiful nature, clean fresh air, groomed footpaths and cycling routes, countless number of accommodation possibilities of various types, and pleasant relaxation in aquaparks and thermal spas.

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28 Best Things to Do in Olomouc, Czech Republic

My favourite places to travel to are the places that I know nothing about before I visit. In fact, I didn’t even know how to pronounce Olomouc before I went there (if you’re curious, it’s Oh-la-mootz ), which made me all the more excited to go and see what this city had to offer. As it turns out, Olomouc may well be the Czech Republic’s best kept secret, and in the words of Lonely Planet, Olomouc is ‘the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic!’ After my recent trip there, I decided to create this huge travel guide to Olomouc, which will not only cover the best things to do in Olomouc, but also the best foods to eat, places to discover, beers to drink and much more! If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic and want the real Czech experience, free of mass tourism and stag do’s (Prague, I’m lookin’ at you), Olomouc may well be the place for you. Keep reading to discover the what to do in Olomouc, Czech Republic’s most underrated city.

Table of Contents

28 Best Things to Do in Olomouc, Czech Republic’s Best-Kept Secret

Olomouc at a glance.

The former capital of Moravia (before passing the title onto Brno), Olomouc is a historical city that goes all the way back to Roman times, when it was founded by Julius Caesar. Home to an abundance of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, magnificent churches, and its own UNESCO World Heritage site, not to mention great cafes, a lively bar scene and tonnes of hearty local grub, Olomouc really does have it all. Although Olomouc is a relatively small city (population 100,000), 25% of its inhabitants are students, which gives the city a really cool buzz. Of course, as a student town, Olomouc is also full of cheap eateries, pubs and coffee shops that make it more than just another historical city.

Before we begin

Most articles about the best things to do in Olomouc have included every single church, statue and government building in minute detail. I have not done that here. As much as I love architecture, I am not going to put you through a list of 500 churches and explain the significance of every single one of them. I wanted this Olomouc guide to offer something more, something a bit different. After all, you can visit a chapel anywhere in Europe, but you can’t always bathe in beer, sit on a turtle and look at a clock dedicated to Stalin and Lenin, y’know? Therefore, I have included the most important and interesting (in my opinion) Olomouc attractions in this article, but I have also strived to include the more quirky and unusual activities that you won’t find on every other travel blog out there. If that’s okay with you, then let’s get into it 😉

28 Things to Do in Olomouc, Czech Republic

Admire the town hall.

Olomouc Town Hall, or Olomoucká radnice , is located in the main market square, which is called Upper Square or Horní náměstí . It is a magnificent building and has served as a city hall for over 600 years, showing just how economically and politically important Olomouc has been throughout the years. To this day, Olomouc Town Hall is still a functioning government building so you can’t go inside all of the rooms, but what you can do is climb the 144 steps to the 75-metre tower for panoramic views of the city. You can also visit the Chapel of St. Jerome in the east wing, with stunning stained glass windows, 15th and 16th century frescoes and a Danubian Gothic rib vault, which is the oldest of its kind in the country. Fun fact: The 4 turrets on the Town Hall tower indicate that Olomouc had the town ‘privilege’ of capital punishment and therefore its own executioner!

Need to know:

You can climb the tower year-round between 11:00am – 3:00pm, weather permitting. You can borrow a free audio guide from the Olomouc Information Centre, which is located in the Town Hall’s archway. There are also guided tours to the tower, which you can enquire about in the Information Centre.

A Communist Astronomical Clock

You might be familiar with Prague’s astronomical clock, but did you know that there is also one in Olomouc? The Olomoucký orloj is even more interesting than Prague’s due to how unusual it is. You see, although it was first made in the 1400’s, it was badly damaged during the Second World War, and redesigned in the 1950’s, during the Soviet era. As a result, the clock has a socialist realism design, which in means that the religious figures were done away with and replaced with more ‘communist-friendly’ ones. This curious memorial to Olomouc’s Soviet years is controversial in the community, but if you’re looking for one of the most unique things to see in Olomouc, get there just before midday to see its daily 7-minute show, where the workmen come out from the little windows, unlike the saints who appear in Prague. The dial on the clock also displays the birthdays of Lenin and Stalin, as well as the International Day of the Worker. If you’re interested in the astronomical clock and its history, the second floor of the Town Hall has an exhibition of this unique time machine. Fun fact: the Olomouc astronomical clock show is run without electricity, meaning that a man physically has to do it every single day at noon!

Eat stinky cheese

Affectionately known as ‘stinky cheese,’  Tvarůžky  is native to the Czech Republic, specifically Olomouc! Since 2010 it has been registered as a Protected Geographical Indication by the European Union, and you will find countless dishes featuring this cheese in the bars and restaurants of Olomouc. Made from a fat-free, sour curd, this cheese is also known as a ‘diet cheese,’ and it is extremely high in protein. Tvarůžky is most commonly eaten with bread and beer (or  Slivovice ), but you can also enjoy Tvarůžky soup ( Hanácká Syrnica ), Tvarůžky-stuffed potato pancakes, and even Tvarůžky  ice cream ! You can get hold of this cheese everywhere in Olomouc, but there is a specialised shop selling it in the Upper Square opposite the Astronomical Clock.

Olomouc Beer Spa

If you’ve ever been to Prague, you can’t have failed to notice the ‘beer spas’ on every street corner. These spas, where you can bathe in beer while enjoying a cold glass of the stuff, are incredibly popular, and sure enough, Olomouc has its very own beer spa. Despite most people believing that beer spas are purely a tourist attraction, they actually date back hundreds of years, and the first beer bath recorded was in the year 921, when King Wenceslas had his servants prepare him cold baths made from wort . For many years, people have believed that hops and barley, the main ingredients in beer, can decrease the appearance of wrinkles, moisturise the skin and nourish the hair, along with many other health benefits. The Olomouc beer spa is called St. Wenceslas Microbrewery ( SVATOVÁCLAVSKÝ PIVOVAR ) and it’s right in the centre of town. For a fixed price, you get a beer bath, two glasses of beer, a foot massage, and time in a salt sauna. You can find out more on their website.

Hunt for fountains

There are 7 fountains in the centre of Olomouc – Caesar, Mercury, Hercules, Neptune, Jupiter, Triton and Arion’s fountain. All except Arion’s fountain are Baroque, and are important for various reasons. For example, Caesar’s fountain is the biggest and most artistically skilled of all the Olomouc fountains. It of course depicts the legendary founder of the city, Gaius Julius Caesar. All of the fountains are wonderful in their attention to detail, but my favourite of all the fountains is Arion’s fountain, which is the newest of them all, dating from just 2002. You can find Arion’s fountain in the main square, and it depicts the legend of Greek poet Arion, who was thrown overboard from from a boat before being rescued by a dolphin.

Take a picture with a turtle

No, not a real one, silly. Just next to Arion’s fountain is a small statue of a turtle, and whether you’re 6 or 60, you’ll be tempted to climb on top of it and have your picture taken. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to sit on the turtle, but there’s nothing stopping you from doing so 😉

Holy Trinity Column

This 32-metre tall monument contains 52 different sculptures and has been on the UNESCO Heritage List since 2000! Built between 1716 – 1754 entirely by citizens of Olomouc, the Holy Trinity Column is the one of the most exceptional Baroque sculptures in Central Europe, and it is so big that there is actually a chapel in the bottom! The reason for the column being built was to thank God for ending the 2 plagues that devastated Moravia in the 18th century. When you’re passing through the main square, make sure to stop and admire the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc. Fun fact: The Holy Trinity Column is the largest group of Baroque statues within a single sculptural monument in Central Europe (18 sculptures of saints, 12 light-bearer figures and 12 relief busts of the apostles).

Ride a beer bike

Ološlap is a company that provides the classic ‘beer bike’ tours that you see in Prague. My fellow bloggers and I was supposed to have one of the ‘all you can drink’ beer tours, but unfortunately there was a misunderstanding with the organisers of our trip and we ended up with a beer bike tour sans beer. Despite being a little disappointed, it was still fun (if not a little mortifying) peddling through Olomouc on this – uh – contraption , and our friendly guide showed us all the main things to see in Olomouc, and blared cheesy 90’s pop music while doing so. You can book an actual beer bike tour on their website.

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

St. Wenceslas Cathedral, or Katedrála svatého Václava , is the second tallest church in the Czech Republic, towering at over 100-metres high. With 3 majestic Neo-Gothic towers, St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and despite its original Romanesque design, is now a supreme example of Gothic architecture. Unlike many other cathedrals in Europe, St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral is free to enter, so make sure you do. Fun fact: The bells of St. Wenceslas Cathedral chime noon at 11am! Legend has it that this is because Bishop Jan Zelezny saved the city from being plundered from the Hussite army when he let the bells chime before noon, knowing that the Hussites had announced that they would invade the city before the midday bells! Since then, the 12:00pm bells chime at 11.

Indulge in a wine & chocolate pairing

One of the more unusual things to do in Olomouc, and a highlight of my visit, was a wine and chocolate pairing at U Zlatého beránka wine cellar. This charming wine shop and bar, hidden down a side street in the centre of Olomouc, buy their wine from a family who have been making wine for hundreds of years, and we were lucky enough to try 4 local wines, paired with a variety of Czech chocolates. The philosophy at U Zlatého beránka is that if the chocolate is of a high percentage and the wine is good quality, they form a divine combination and can even protect against certain diseases! Our host was a lovely woman who is clearly passionate about what she does, and despite not being much of a red wine drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. If you want to try it for yourself, you’ll receive a tasting of 8 different wines, chocolate and some dried fruits. You must book in advance, and specify whether you want the experience to be in English, Spanish, Russian or Czech. The cost is 290 CZK, or about 12 EUR. You can visit their website , but it hasn’t been updated since 2019, so I recommend popping in to try and reserve a tasting. The address is: Univerzitní 2, 779 00 and their telephone number is +420 776 747 625.

TVARG brewery tour

About 8km away from Olomouc is a tiny little town called Velká Bystřice and in it is a tiny little brewery called TVARG. On my Olomouc trip, I went on a tour of the brewery and I’ve got to say, it was the best brewery tour I’ve ever been on. We got to venture into the brewery and learn about the beer making process, whilst sampling the beers we were learning about at the same time (we tried a local lager and a pumpkin spice ale, which was delicious). We then sat down in the bar area where we enjoyed more beer and some local snacks (including a Tvarůžky cheese and garlic dip, which was…interesting). Next we were introduced to brewmaster and creator of all the recipes, David Kapsia, and taught to pour beer in the Czech way, before pairing a glass of stout with Jameson’s Whiskey (TVARG is partnered with the Jameson’s Whiskey distillery in Dublin ). What I enjoyed most about this tour was the fact that we didn’t spend hours looking at steel tanks or being lectured about hops. The tour was fast-paced, entertaining and of course, we got to drink a decent amount of beer! For English-speaking groups, the tour that we did only costs just less than 10 euros, so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for some more alternative things to do in Olomouc. Visit their website here.

Admire Palacky University

Dating back to 1573, Palacky University is the second oldest university in the Czech Republic and it dominates the city of Olomouc, with some of the buildings having real historical and cultural importance. One place worth checking out is the Central Library, and you can actually venture inside the complex and admire the hidden green courtyards before stopping for a coffee and a spinach cake at the popular Coffee Library .

Horse-drawn carriage ride

A short drive from Olomouc, in the village of Horka nad Moravou, you will find the Lovecká cháta guesthouse and farm. Visit Lovecká cháta for the afternoon and enjoy a tranquil horse and carriage ride through beautiful forests and meadows, snacking on cheese and bread and sipping Slivovice or beer. We went on a 1h ride with 2 horses named Amar and Gallop, but usually experiences last for 3 hours or more. You can find out more and contact them via their website.

Buy lavender souvenirs

Lavender is big business in the Czech Republic, and the Bezděkov Lavender Farm near Olomouc is the reason why you can buy so many lavender products in Olomouc. One place worth checking out is Levandulove Bistro, the lavender shop and café on the main square. Here you can sip a lavender cappuccino, sample lavender liqueur, or have a refreshing glass of lavender lemonade. There is an onsite shop where you can choose from an array of lavender products including soap, syrup, cider, cosmetics and more.

St. Moritz Church

Olomouc is the religious capital of Moravia and it shows through the staggering number of churches it has! St. Moritz (or ‘Maurice’) Church is a late Gothic church from the beginning of the 15th century that has since been styled in the Baroque fashion (a fire damaged the interior in 1709 so it had to be renovated), and it is home to one of the largest organs in Europe, that has over 10,000 pipes! St. Moritz Church also has a unique double-spiralled staircase that you are able to climb up to enjoy the tower views of Olomouc. Other Olomouc churches of note include the Church of the Virgin Mary of Snow, which is the university church, and St. Michael’s Church, which has a fairly dull exterior but its interior is one of the most stunning Baroque works in the city.

Drink pineapple beer

Remember how I mentioned the beer spa earlier? Well they also have a beer house (or pivovar ) and restaurant upstairs, with tonnes of hearty Czech dishes (think garlic soup, stodgy dumplings, beef goulash and duck with red cabbage) and craft beers which change frequently. When I visited, their daily special was a pineapple ale, which was so good. Pay them a visit at lunch or dinner and you won’t be disappointed. You can see the full menu on their website.

Soak up the café culture

Any student hub is going to have a tonne of bustling coffee shops and cafes and Olomouc is no different. In addition to Coffee Library (mentioned above), Café La Fée is a French-themed with a delightful garden, homemade cakes and great coffee. Sophie’s Café is another popular spot, specialising in cakes, coffees and breakfasts, with a cosy interior.

Marian Plague Column

Marian Plague Column, or Mariánský sloup , was built to commemorate the plague that struck Olomouc between 1713 and 1715 and the victims that it took. It is located on the Lower Square and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the lower part of it is decorated with statues of 8 saints, which are patrons against plagues.

Bezrucovy Sady Park

The centre of Olomouc is surrounded by parks and a lovely one to stroll through is the English-style Bezrucovy Sady Park. Here, you will find numerous statues and water features, and you can also see the fragments of the old city walls. If you feel inclined, you can climb up the ramparts to walk between the towers.

Discover Olomouc’s street art

There isn’t a tonne of street art in Olomouc, but there are certainly some interesting pieces if you keep your eyes open. My personal favourite was a large mural of King Edward VII posing with a selfie stick next to Marie Curie holding a jar of uranium!

Eating and Drinking in Olomouc

Drink in masné krámy.

Once a meat market, Masné krámy is now a narrow passage full of student pubs and it’s a great place to go for food and beer, especially on a weekend night. Do bear in mind that most (if not all) of these bars are cash only, so go prepared!

Entree Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in the Czech Republic and certainly the best restaurant in Olomouc is Entrée. Owned by Premek Forejt , Czech celebrity chef and judge on the Czech MasterChef, Entrée produces ultra high end gastronomy, exquisitely presented and inspired by nature. To get the most out of your experience, I recommend the daily tasting menu with wine pairing. It’s expensive, but worth it. Find out more on their website.

Long Story Short Eatery & Bakery

On the site of an old military bakery, and bakery boarding school, Long Story Short Eatery & Bakery is a delightful restaurant offering a creative twist on many classic dishes, with locally-sourced products and a menu that changes every 1-2 weeks. I ordered the beef tartare followed by chicken supreme with polenta and it was gorgeous. Reservations here are essential. You can reserve a place on their website .

Bistro Helen

Bistro Helen is the perfect spot for brunch or a late lunch and is a very Instagrammable place with a menu that changes daily. Here you will find good veggie options, and a very international menu. I ordered the ‘plated broth’ with beef rib, pumpkin, sesame, noodles and spring onions which was similar to ramen, and enjoyed it very much. They also serve beers from the nearby TVARG brewery I mentioned earlier, which I was a fan of. Check out their website here .

Bistro Paulus

In a modern glass office building, the canteen-style Bistro Paulus is not somewhere you’d stumble upon by accident, which makes it even better. Roman Paulus, who has been awarded a Michelin Star six (!) times for Prague’s Alcron, and has worked in multiple Michelin restaurants around the world, is the owner, head chef and guarantor of Bistro Paulus, making the highest quality food accessible for all. Paulus’ smiling face is the first you see when you enter the restaurant, as he is front and centre of the open kitchen, taking orders and preparing meals, and in my opinion this is what makes his bistro extra special (as well as the food of course). The menu changes daily, but I opted for fried mushrooms with new potatoes and tartar sauce (6.50 EUR). They also have a great cake selection. Learn more on their website.

OpenWine Latino Bar

We stumbled on OpenWine Latino Bar quite by accident, after realising that many bars around Olomouc are cash-only. Fortunately, OpenWine Latino Bar told us they accept card, and as it was raining, we ducked inside and got settled. This sophisticated bar with knowledgeable staff and a huge wine collection is a lovely place to spend an evening, and their tapas menu, with individual dishes paired with the wines, is not bad either. Check out their website here .

The Kathmandu Nepali Restaurant

In the Lower Square of Olomouc above Masné krámy is The Kathmandu Nepali Restaurant, a family business that prepares their food daily using fresh ingredients. If you’re on a budget, consider the fixed price lunch buffet (5.50 EUR for all you can eat), or order from the main menu like I did, choosing lamb Rogan Josh (9 EUR) with Saffron rice (2 EUR). This restaurant, serving a mixture of Nepali and Indian classics, not only has fantastic food, but the service we received was top notch as well. Visit their website here.

Konvikt Bistro & Bar

Another one for the ‘gram, Konvict is a coffee shop, bar and bistro all in one, located in a 17th century Jesuit dormitory. They have an eclectic daily menu to match their interior, and they also cater to vegans as well as vegetarians, which can be unusual in this part of Europe! I only had a coffee here so I can’t vouch for the food, but my tour guide told me that it’s really good. Konvict is open from 8:30 – 10:00pm weekdays. Read more about them and check out the menu on their website.

Best time to visit Olomouc

Usually I’d say that the best time to visit somewhere with a climate like Olomouc (wet) would be in the summertime, but due to Olomouc’s huge student population, I advise visiting during the school year. This is because, when the students aren’t around, many of the bars won’t remain open and the city will lose its heartbeat. I visited in mid-September, and while I personally didn’t have great luck with the weather, the weeks before and after my arrival were sunny and lush! I recommend visiting Olomouc in either September/October or April/May.

Where to stay in Olomouc

There are plenty of lovely hotels in Olomouc, and even a couple of hostels! We stayed at the 4-star HERBARIUM Boutique Hotel , about a 10 minute walk from Upper Square, and I can’t fault it. With flowers and fauna everywhere you look and every room taking on the theme of a particular plant (I got fern!), this hotel is super photogenic and super comfortable (I’m still dreaming of that king size bed and Smart TV!). The breakfast spread is varied and delicious, and the lovely receptionist, Lida, made me a wonderful cappuccino every morning (remembering how many sugars I take and what type of milk!). From the aesthetic to the service, and of course the wonderful rooms, I highly recommend HERBARIUM Boutique Hotel.

Another one of the best hotels in Olomouc is Sophie’s Boutique Hotel , located in a medieval building right in the centre of town above Sophie’s Café that I mentioned before. The charming rooms have wooden beams, floors and comfy armchairs where you can drink your morning coffee.

Forget any ideas you have of hostels – Long Story Short Hostel (yes, the same Long Story Short that owns the restaurant!) will blow them out of the park. I had a quick tour of this place during my trip to Olomouc, and let me tell you that the dorm rooms at Long Story Short are like nothing I’ve ever seen before (and I’ve stayed in over a hundred hostels!). With full size single beds (no bunk beds here!) in the dorm rooms and a private room that looks more like an executive suite at a fancy hotel, Long Story Short is simply stunning.

Getting to Olomouc

The Czech Republic is a small country with a great public transport system, so getting to Olomouc is easy. You can take the bus or the train (I took the bus from nearby Brno), or alternatively you can hire a car and drive. Here’s how you get to Olomouc from all the major nearby cities.

Prague to Olomouc

If you’re coming to Olomouc from the Czech Capital of Prague, you can take a direct train. The distance is about 250km, and it will take you around 2.5 hours on the train, while the bus can take anywhere from 3 – 5 hours. You can buy and compare bus and train tickets on Omio .

Brno to Olomouc

Brno is much closer to Olomouc than Prague, and so you can get there a lot faster. The best way to get from Brno to Olomouc is by bus (the train is infrequent and takes much longer). You can check the times and buy your ticket on Omio .

Ostrava to Olomouc

The best way to get from the city of Ostrava to Olomouc is by train, which takes around 1 hour. You can take the bus if you prefer, but the bus takes 2 hours. Compare them both on Omio .

Olomouc FAQ

Olomouc is situated in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, on the River Morava. It is part of Central Moravia, and the administrative centre of the Olomouc Region.

The centre itself is very small, and you can walk from one side to the other in about 20 minutes. However, if you struggle walking, you may have some difficulties getting around due to the cobbled pavements and several small hills in the centre. With that being said, taxis are cheap and plentiful and can drop you off anywhere in the city centre.

Olomouc was named the ‘most beautiful city in the Czech Republic’ by Lonely Planet, and is the former capital of the Moravia region.

The language spoken in the Czech Republic is Czech. English is widely spoken amongst the younger generation in Olomouc, but you might need to get your translator out for the menus!

The currency used in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna.

The Czech Republic is both EU and Schengen.

Things to Do in Olomouc | Final thoughts

For the 4 days that I was in Olomouc, I couldn’t stop thinking about what a great city break this charming city makes. With tonnes of things to do and see, a thriving gastronomical scene and buzzing nightlife, you really can’t go wrong with Olomouc, especially as it’s so budget-friendly! If you want to discover a true European hidden gem and explore the real Czech Republic, Olomouc should be at the top of your list. That’s about all for now, but as always, if you have any questions about what to do in Olomouc, please let me know in the comments section below and I will get back to you! If you’re planning a trip to the area, you may also enjoy my mega list of 39 things to do in nearby Brno ! Until next time, XOXO

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Disclaimer: I visited Olomouc as a guest of the Czech tourism board. My hotel, restaurant meals and excursions were gifted to me but my opinion is 100% my own. Travelling Jezebel also uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase on a recommended site, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Olomouc is a major city in Moravia and the capital of the administrative region of the same name . It is the sixth largest city in the country and the most important city in the Haná region of Moravia (also known in English as Hanakia or Hanácko in Czech). Until the mid-17th century, Olomouc could be considered one of Moravia’s capital cities (together with Brno ).

Its well preserved Old Town belongs to the most beautiful ones in Czechia and boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts many domestic and foreign tourists, but the city still seems somewhat underrated. If you like visiting charming historic cities and don’t like the kind of crowds that you’ll see e.g. in Prague , then Olomouc may be a perfect destination for you.

Things to See in Olomouc

The list of tourist attractions and interesting sights in Olomouc is quite long. Below are some of the most amazing places in the city.

The Old Town can be easily explored on foot. Its central point is the impressive Upper Square ( Horní náměstí ). This is where you’ll find several of the city’s most important landmarks:

The Holy Trinity Column ( Sloup Nejsvětější Trojice ) is located in the northwestern corner of the main square -  Horní náměstí . It is a Baroque religious monument, completed in 1754, after 38 years of work. The column is 35 m (115 ft) tall and expresses gratitude for surviving the plague outbreak that struck Moravia in the early 18th century. Inside the column, there is a small chapel. Quite many towns across Czechia have plague columns, but the one in Olomouc is definitely the most impressive of them all. All artists and craftsmen involved in its creation were from Olomouc, so the monument was and still is a source of pride for the city. The Holy Trinity Column was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000, as the tenth Czech site.

In the center of Horní náměstí , you’ll find the Town Hall of Olomouc. It was built in the 15th century and remodeled in the following centuries. The Olomouc Town Hall is an interesting combination of Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Like the town hall in Prague, it also boasts an astronomical clock, in Czech called orloj . However, the original orloj was firstly remodeled in 1898 and secondly damaged during World War II. It was afterwards replaced by a socialist realist reconstruction. Socialist realism is not everyone’s cup of tea, some people will like the clock, others will hate it. Nevertheless, its uniqueness cannot be denied.

The Town Hall’s Information Centre organizes tours of the town hall's tower during which it can be climbed. More information can be found here .

A very characteristic feature of the cityscape of Olomouc are fountains . There are at least 25 of them, of which 7 are lavishly decorated Baroque fountains. Three fountains are on the aforementioned Horní náměstí: Caesar’s Fountain ( Caesarova kašna ), Arion’s Fountain ( Ariónova kašna ) and Hercules’s Fountain ( Herkulova kašna ). Other notable fountains are: Neptune’s Fountain ( Neptunova kašna ) from 1683 – the oldest Baroque fountain in the city, and Jupiter’s Fountain ( Jupiterova kašna ) from 1707. They are both located on the Lower Square ( Dolní náměstí ).

Dolní náměstí borders Horní náměstí . It is somewhat less impressive than the large Horní náměstí , but it is a very pleasant sight, nevertheless. Interestingly, just like its grander neighbor, besides fountains, this square also boasts a Baroque plague column. The Marian Column on Dolní náměstí was completed in 1723, as thanks for surviving the plague epidemic a few years earlier.

The Church of St Maurice ( Kostel svatého Mořice ) is located just a short walk away from Horní náměstí . Its asymmetrical two towers are an easily recognizable element of the Olomouc skyline. The southern tower is a tourist attraction, because it can be climbed and offers possibly the best panoramic views of the city.

The Olomouc Castle complex, or rather what is left of it, is located on a small hill near Wenceslas Square ( Václavské náměstí ). The Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum is housed within the castle complex. The museum has several permanent exhibitions of visual arts, focusing on spiritual culture.

Local’s Guide to Things to do in Olomouc Czech Republic

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I’m not saying you should skip Prague ! Not at all. But once you take in all of Prague’s beauty, despite the crowds of tourists, you might be ready for a town of a comparable charm, yet full of locals rather than tourists.

Welcome to Olomouc, the 6 th largest city in the Czech Republic . With Olomouc population currently sitting at 100,000, it’ll feel quite empty as opposed to Prague.

I can almost hear you ask: Where is Olomouc Czech Republic? In fact, it lies in Moravia, in the East of the Czech Republic. It’s in the center of Moravia and in the heart of Haná region, a flat piece of land with a fun dialect and good people. I come from a city nearby called Přerov and used to visit Olomouc on a regular basis. In the end, I moved there! :)

If you decide to travel to Olomouc, you might find it surprising how this city doesn’t receive more attention given its charm and the variety of sights and activities. Olomouc definitely belongs to one of the most underrated cities in Europe. There are many things to do in Olomouc and we’ll cover them shortly in this comprehensive Olomouc travel guide.

One last thing to mention before we dive in – the pronunciation ! Olomouc should be pronounced Ol-oh-moats . You’re welcome :)

Getting to Olomouc

But first things first. How do you actually get to Olomouc?

There are a few options, but you’ll most likely use the train or bus. Or you could even fly:

• The first is the state-owned Czech Railways , the only train company, with which you should be careful when choosing a train. Opt for a Pendolino (marked “SC” as SuperCity) for the smoothest ride. Even James Bond took this one ;)
• Regiojet : The trains are old but perfectly renovated. Regiojet offers great service and comfortable seating and it’s one of my favorites!
• Leo Express : Sleek black trains which provide good comfort and awesome food. I personally take Leo Express at least once a month.
• Bus : The Olomouc bus station is located near the railway station. You’ll have to take an underpass under a road, but it’s less than 5 minutes away. Convenient, right? I would say the bus is much less comfortable, and the less time you spend on the main Czech Highway, D1, the better.
• Plane : While there is an “Olomouc Airport”, it’s not meant for civil flying. You could land there if you have a private jet. Do you? :) Otherwise the nearest airport to Olomouc is in Ostrava , but it’s serviced from 80% just from Prague. The nearest full-on international airport is in Vienna, Austria.
• Car rental : If you’d like to discover some more remote areas in the Czech Republic, renting a car is a good idea. 

Prague to Olomouc

If you don’t have much time to explore more of the country, you’ll want to take a direct train from Prague to Olomouc. You can travel by either of the three train companies mentioned above, but I recommend Regiojet or Leo Express, or Pendolino (SC) train by Czech Railways. They all provide wifi.

The distance from Prague to Olomouc is 250 km (156 miles). The train Prague Olomouc will arrive in 2.5 hours, while you’d be lucky if you could drive it in less than 3 hours. In comparison with the distance in, say, the US, 250 km is nothing, but here it actually entails going across the whole country. :)

The same applies for the train Olomouc to Prague, of course.

Brno to Olomouc

If you are coming from Brno then I’m so glad to hear you visited the Moravian capital as well! How did you like it? :) The Brno to Olomouc train is shorter, but there the journey is not direct. You’ll have to transfer in Břeclav and it’ll take about 2 hours.

However, for both Brno to Olomouc and Olomouc to Brno, you can take a bus. In this case, it’s much more convenient than the train and can take as little as 1 hour.

Btw. Here ’s a timetable of all trains and buses in the country. Use it to find your ideal connection and then go book it at the chosen provider’s website.

Ok, so you travelled from the biggest Czech cities to Olomouc and now you’re looking at where to go next? If you’re itching to check out one of the neighboring countries, there are many exciting cities which are very close!

Olomouc to Krakow (Poland)

The Olomouc to Krakow  train takes nearly 6 hours (a direct one). If you don’t mind taking buses, you can make use of Flixbus, which has direct connections and the trip takes just 4 hours.

Olomouc to Budapest (Hungary)

There is no direct connection between Olomouc and Budapest and your best bet is to take the train and transfer once, usually in Břeclav. The trip takes about 5 hours and you’ll have to take a Czech Railways train. That means there might be no wifi. Also, don’t expect top luxury :)

Olomouc to Vienna (Austria)

When travelling from Olomouc to Vienna, people usually take the Czech Railways train and transfer in Břeclav. Such a trip takes about 4.5 hours. But recently Leo Express has started running their bus service between the two cities, shortening the travel time to just 3 hours. Currently there’s only one bus per day, though.

To travel between Krakow-Budapest-Vienna-Prague, you can also check out this guide on European (night) train trips .

Getting around Olomouc

Olomouc is quite an easy town to navigate. There’s no metro, but the tram & bus systems work well.

The Olomouc tram system connects the main train station with the city center seamlessly. All of the 7 tram lines Olomouc operates, run from the train station. To get to the city center:

Take the tram 2, 3, 4 or 6 to the stop “U Sv. Mořice”. When you arrive, just turn left and you’ll be in the heart of the town.

Or, take the tram no. 1, 5, or 7 to the stop “Okresní soud”. From there, take the right and you’ll find yourself on the main square.

The tickets can be bought with coins at a vending machine right by the tram stop, or at any newsstand.

Or you can walk! It’s actually easy to get around just on foot. Even walking from/to the train/bus station is easy. It takes about 15-20 minutes.

Things to do in Olomouc : Sightseeing

For its size, Olomouc prides itself in a number of beautiful architectural masterpieces. Let me show Olomouc attractions to you one by one, so that you can get the Olomouc sightseeing right. :)

The Olomouc city center is charming and walkable. The main Square is called the Upper Square (Horní náměstí), even though it might appear low at the first sight. Many of the sights are centered here. The Upper Square connects towards its top with the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí).

Holy Trinity Column

Sloup nejsvětější trojice

The no. 1 of all things to see in Olomouc, the Holy Trinity Column will strike you as soon as you enter the Upper Square. It’s been on the Unesco World Heritage List since 2000. The sheer size of it is unlike any other columns you’ve seen. It’s so big that there’s a chapel on the bottom!

The baroque masterpiece features 18 sculptures of saints, 12 light-bearer figures and 12 relief busts of the apostles.

It’s not only the looks and the size of the Holy Trinity Column that makes it so unique. Everyone who participated in the construction process between 1716 – 1754, was a citizen of Olomouc. The local patriotism and the joy that a 2-year plague was finally over, strengthened the people’s inclination towards the Church and thus inspired a tribute in the form of the Column.

Notice also the golden cannonball in the column – it refers to attacks on Olomouc by the Prussian army in 1758.

Olomoucká radnice

Olomouc Town Hall, located right in the middle of the Upper Square, cannot be overlooked either. The Gothic building has served its original purpose, i.e. that of a city hall, for over 600 years.

It’s a clear testament to the city’s importance in the past, when it used to be a capital of Moravia. Olomouc held the status of the capital since the medieval times until the 17 th century, when the city ‘lost’ to Brno, especially due to the damages incurred in the Thirty Years’ War.

If you look closely, you can notice a couple of renaissance decorations on the façade, which were added in the 16 th and 17 th century.

The 75-meter high tower owes its height to a redesign in the 17 th century. And yes, you can go up the tower and have an amazing view of Olomouc Old Town. Just head to the Olomouc tourist information center, which is housed in one of the arcades of the town hall. They have guides and the keys. ;)

The building and the tower have undergone a major reconstruction in 2019-2020. The spire has been made anew – I walked around often to watch the process and it was fascinating. The base is from durable wood, which is then covered in copper plates.

It’s also here, right in the middle of the Upper Square, where most markets, concerts and other fun Olomouc events take place.

Olomouc Astronomical Clock

Olomoucký orloj

Even Olomouc has its astronomical clock! It looks very different from the Prague one, though. The clock, built into the façade of the Town Hall, was first constructed at the end of the 15 th century, but a legend has it might have happened a few decades sooner.

Throughout the ages, it went from having a Gothic appearance to Renaissance and finally to Baroque. The clock got its present looks from a renovation after the Second World War, when it was badly damaged. The renovation reflects the time – the socialist realism gave it a distinct look with a mosaic depicting the Ride of the Kings and working class on the bottom of the motive.

The astronomical clock is still run by a mechanical engine coming from the year 1898. You can hear and watch its 7-minute showcase every day at noon. Instead of figures of the saints appearing in the little windows of the clock (like in Prague), you’ll see craftsmen and sportsmen. :)

Understandably, the astronomical clock belongs to one of main Olomouc tourist attractions.

Olomouc Fountains

Another Olomouc must see. The fountains of Olomouc will peek at you from wherever you walk in the Old Town and should definitely be a part of what to see in Olomouc for every traveller. From Baroque to other styles, from old to new, they’re all worth checking out.

There are 6 Baroque fountains in Olomouc, all dedicated to figures of antique mythology: Caesar, Mercury, Hercules, Neptune, Jupiter and Tritons. They had more than just a decorative function. Constructed in the 17 th and 18 th centuries, the fountains were built to provide locals with water.

Caesar’s Fountain

Caesarova kašna

The largest of the Olomouc fountains and the most famous one. Standing right next to the Town Hall, the baroque fountain from 1725 represents Gaius Julius Caesar, the legendary founder of the city.

Mercury’s Fountain

Merkurova kašna

Made entirely of sandstone, this particular fountain built in 1727 is considered the best of all the Olomouc Baroque Fountains, especially from an artistic and technical perspective. It depicts Mercury, God’s messenger.

Hercules’ Fountain

Herkulova kašna

This fountain was originally built (in 1687) on the spot of the Holy Trinity Column, but was later moved. I’m sure Hercules, the legendary hero, doesn’t mind the current position right by the Astronomical Clock.

Neptune’s Fountain

Neptunova kašna

The oldest fountain in Olomouc and the first one of the 6 baroque fountains was erected in 1683. You can find it on the Lower Square. See how Neptune is holding his trident so that it faces downwards? That’s a sign to protect Olomouc.

Jupiter’s Fountain

Jupiterova kašna

The most recently built Olomouc Baroque Fountain from 1735 originally had a statue of St. Florian positioned on top of the pedestal. However, to match the other antique-inspired baroque fountains, the statue of Jupiter later replaced the original. You’ll find it also on the Lower Square.

The Tritons’ Fountain

Kašna tritónů

A work of art by an unknown sculptor, the Tritons’ Fountain is located at the Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). The detailed composition shows two seamen carrying a seashell with a boy and water dogs. The fountain draws inspiration from the famous fountain “del Tritone” in Rome by Bernini.

Arion’s Fountain

Arionova kašna

The last and modern addition to the Baroque fountains in the city, the Arion Fountain Olomouc was constructed only in 2002, but plans for its creation have been around even since the Thirty Years’ War.

The fountain features an ancient tale of a Greek poet Arion, who was saved by a dolphin. If you have kids with you, let them climb on a turtle statue next to the fountain.

I feel old when I realize this fountain was built back when I was 16 years old and used to come to Olomouc to shop for clothes. :)

St. Moritz Church Olomouc

Kostel sv. Mořice

Also known as St. Maurice Church, this Gothic masterpiece constructed at the beginning of the 15 th century received a Baroque makeover in 1709, after a fire damaged the interior. In 1745 the largest organ in Central Europe was placed there. With over 10,000 pipes, it’s currently the 7 th or 8 th largest in Europe.

The Church of St. Moritz Olomouc participates every September in the International Organ Festival. It must be quite an experience to hear the organ in its full glory!

Come here for a peaceful encounter, admire the organ, and if time, weather and staff permit, go climb the tower. There’s supposedly a beautiful view of the Old Town.

Olomouc Castle

Olomoucký hrad

The first mentions of the Olomouc castle date back to 1055. The castle itself, significant especially in the Přemyslid era, formed only a part of the castle site located on Wenceslas Hill.

As of today, only a few remnants of the actual castle remain, most of them visible from the northeast side. Those are parts of the stonewalls and outer walls complete with Romanesque windows and a round tower.

To get the best glimpse of how the castle looked and operated, head to the Archdiocesan Museum on the castle grounds. You’ll also find a permanent exhibition showcasing the Olomouc spiritual culture. If you visit on a Wednesday or a Sunday, you won’t need to pay for the entrance.

It’s here where Wenceslas the III., the last representative of the Přemyslid dynasty, was murdered in 1306. That set off a series of battles to acquire the Czech crown, which was eventually ended by John of Luxembourg who rose to the throne in 1310.

The Olomouc Castle complex was visited by Mozart, who composed his Symphony No. 6 in F major in Olomouc, as well as by e.g. Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II.

St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral

Katedrála svatého Václava

When you arrive at the Wenceslas Hill, this Olomouc Cathedral is what you might mistake for the Olomouc Castle. Indeed, it formed a part of the castle complex and was added here in the early 12 th century.

The Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Olomouc is as majestic as Prague’s St. Vitus’ Cathedral. Two church towers form the front of it and the third one behind is actually the highest in Moravia and second highest in the Czech Republic.

Originally built as a Romanesque basilica in 1141, it underwent several modifications and renovations, especially after a fire in 1265, when the Cathedral got its Gothic coat.

You can go inside, join a guided tour (free in summer) and even listen to the organ. More info can be found here .

This monumental cathedral belongs to the top of Olomouc things to do. Just go see.

Marian Plague Column

Mariánský sloup

A dominating feature of the Lower Square, the column was built to commemorate the plague that struck Olomouc in 1713-1715 and its victims.

Right by the column on the Lower Square, there’s a big ice rink placed there every winter! If you’re up for some winter fun, you can’t leave Olomouc ice skating out :)

St. Michael’s Church

Kostel svatého Michala

This fully Baroque church hides on a small hill above the Lower Square. While not too breathtaking on the outside, you should check out the ornate Baroque interior. It’s also possible to climb to the tower, where the church’s mighty bells are displayed.

Chapel of St. John Sarkander

Kaple sv. Jana Sarkandra

Just near the St. Michael’s Church there’s a small chapel dedicated to St John Sarkander. The exact address is Mahlerova 19. John Sarkander was a catholic priest who was tortured to death. The chapel is tiny, but beautiful, and depicts John Sarkander’s story.

It’s one of my favorite hidden structures in Olomouc. When walking from the Square of the Republic to the Upper Square via Univerzitní and then Mahlerova Street, the sudden sight of the majestic chapel will catch you unprepared. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow

Kostel sv. Panny Marie Sněžné

If you’re still not fed up with churches, this Baroque gem is worth visiting too. The typical Jesuit style church has quite a detailed interior and a powerful-looking exterior. You’ll find it on Denisova street.

Palacky University Olomouc

Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci

There’s no point in denying it: Olomouc is a university town. Some 20% of Olomouc population are students! That’s the highest density in the Czech Republic. The main Olomouc University is the one of Palacký and it’s particularly strong in the fields of art and humanity studies.

Palacky University is the second oldest University in the Czech Republic (after the Charles University in Prague). It consists of a number of buildings and campuses dispersed around the town. You can see a few of them around the city center too.

Some of the buildings the faculties are housed in, are of a significant architectonic and historical importance. E.g. the Arts Center is located in a former Jesuit Convent. The Baroque building includes a Chapel of Corpus Cristi with one of the most valuable church interiors in Moravia. If you’re lucky, you can come across a concert being held in the Jesuit Convent. Find it on the address Univerzitní 3 .

Also the central library is definitely not a shabby space. The grand armoury is a beautiful historical building, allowing for the students to absorb knowledge better (it works like that, right?). Find it on Biskupské nám. 1 .

Archbishop’s Palace

Arcibiskupský palác

If you like checking out impressive palaces, you shouldn’t miss out on the Archbishop’s Palace in Olomouc. The Palace is a textbook example of Early Baroque in Moravia.

It hasn’t only acted as the seat of local bishops and archbishops, but has also witnessed important events in the city’s history. It’s e.g. right here where Emperor Franz Joseph I took over the throne.

The building can be found on Wurmova 9 .

Other notable buildings in the city center

• Edelmann’s Palace : Two gothic houses were torn down to create space for this Renaissance Palace, which you can find on the Upper Square opposite the Astronomical Clock.
• Villa Primavesi: An interesting Art Nouveau Villa built for a local banking family. Also the famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt participated in the villa’s decoration.

Also, don’t miss the houses in the Lower Square with symbols on them. There’s a black horse and a golden deer that served as identifiers back before the numeric system was introduced. If you keep your eyes focused on the buildings around you, you’ll see some real gems.

Museums in Olomouc

Apart from the Archdiocesan Museum mentioned above, there are a couple more worth exploring, if museums are your cup of tea. To be honest, I’m not a big museum-goer, so just briefly:

Museum of Modern Art Olomouc : One of the best museums in Olomouc, housing visual art from the Czech Republic and abroad. It’s located in a beautiful Art Nouveau house on the Republic Square (the exact address is Denisova 47 ). Wednesdays and Sundays mean no admission-free at the Olomouc Museum of Art.

Regional Museum Olomouc: To discover more about Olomouc and its surroundings from prehistoric until modern times, head to this museum. You’ll find it in a former church on the Republic Square 5.

Each Olomouc museum is opened every day except Monday.

Hradisko Monastery

Klášterní Hradisko

One last architectural gem worth seeing, even though it’s not in the old town, is the Hradisko Monastery. Have you ever seen El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain just outside Madrid ? Hradisko is often compared to it.

There was a church/monastery on the site already in the 11 th century, but it suffered throughout several wars. The monastery compound bears influences of a few different architectonic styles, of which Baroque might be the most recognizable. Hradisko Olomouc is currently used as a hospital complex.

It takes just about 30 minutes to walk to Hradisko from the city center. You can also take a bus – no. 15, 20, or 21.

Olomouc Orthodox Church

This church, located near the train station, puzzled me ever since I was a kid! It just looks a bit out of place. Nevertheless, this is Olomouc’ main Orthodox Church, named the Church of St. Gorazd. It was built in 1939 and consecrated to St. Gorazd, a bishop who was executed by the Nazis for hiding the paratroopers who assassinated Heydrich, the German Nazi official.

Unique Activities & Experiences in Olomouc

If sightseeing doesn’t fulfill you enough, there’s a number of fun activities you can engage in and explore the city and its culture more closely! For example:

Olomouc Beer Spa

Even though Olomouc doesn’t have its own big-name brewery, there’s a lot of microbreweries operating in and around the city. And what’s even better – you don’t have to just drink it, you can bathe in the golden brew!

The only Beer Spa Olomouc is located right in the city center – the St. Wenceslas Microbrewery. More info can be found here (in Czech only).

Tasting Olomoucké tvarůžky/syrečky, the famous Olomouc cheese

Olomouc, even to other Czechs, is mainly famous for its special smelly cheese called Olomoucké syrečky (or tvarůžky). In reality, it’s produced in the village of Loštice outside Olomouc, but somehow it became the symbol of Olomouc. It’s so special that it even received its own EU trademark!

Tvarůžky is a sort of a ripened soft cheese. Tvarůžky enthusiasts love the taste. I know a few people who just love putting it on top of a slice of bread with butter. I cannot bear eating it like this, the stench just puts me off. BUT – all over Olomouc restaurants add the tvarůžky to their meals and that tastes delicious. My favorite is garlic soup with tvarůžky – the taste is a lot more subtle!

If you’re interested in tvarůžky’s history, you can visit a museum about it! You’ll find it in Loštice.  

Otherwise you can buy a round block of tvarůžky cheese in any supermarket and also in a dedicated store right on the Upper Square.

Ololoď & Ološlap

To see Olomouc from a very different perspective and at the same time learn about its history, Ololoď is a great idea. Started by a local enthusiast who loves boats, this offbeat boat ride won’t wow you with sights, but it’s a perfect addition to seeing the city and learning about it from a local. I can highly recommend it!

We took it once in winter and even though it got dark already, we had our eyes peeled on our guide who warmed us up with a mulled wine and a heater (not enough of the wine though, because the people before us were too ‘thirsty’). It’s currently the only boat service in Olomouc. Find more info here .

The same guy operates a unique beer bike in Olomouc. But it’s different from the ones you’re used to seeing in Amsterdam and such places. This bike combines drinking with history and stories, and it can get wild depending on the crowd. In winter, they serve mulled wine (and warm blankets!) instead of beer and it’s a great fun! Details can be found here .

Olomouc Parks

When first visiting Olomouc and strolling beyond the historical city center, you might be surprised how much greenery there is in the city! Just a few steps away from the streets of the Old Town lies the park Bezručovy sady, gently wrapping around the town and following a lovely little creek.

Only a little further away lie the parks called Smetanovy sady and Čechovy sady. At Smetanovy sady, the famous horticulture exhibitions known as Flora Olomouc, take place.

In my opinion, the parks are the best places to visit in Olomouc and shouldn’t be left out.

Olomouc Street Art

This is something that surprised me – Olomouc is rich in street art! From full-on murals to uniquely decorated passages and alleyways, you can find quite some graffiti in the city.

There’s actually a popular street art festivals held yearly in Olomouc and each time a few new pieces of art get created.

You can see quite a few examples right in the center. For example:

Small passage called ‘Lomená Gallery’ right across from the Museum of Modern Art currently features masked faces (‘Sweet vandalism’ artwork by local Dosy Doss), but it’s redecorated every few years.

Right next to the Museum of Modern Art, there’s a large mural of the king Edward VII of Great Britain, posing with a selfie stick (‘Selfie King’ by artist Mr. Dhea from Portugal). Right next to him there’s Marie Curie holding a container full of glowing liquid (=uranium).

One of the nicest large murals in Olomouc is where Pavelčákova Street meets Třída Svobody – the Power of Silence by an Indonesian artist Wild_Drawing made in 2018 during the Street Art Festival.

Summer Movie Theater a.k.a. Let ňák

If you’re done exploring the main sights and long to see what a real local Olomouc is like, head to the summer movie theater.

At the time of your visit, the original wooden columns holding the screen might have been torn down already, but the place still breathes a unique vibe. Apart from regular movie screenings, the area just before the actual movie theater is a popular local hangout and an outdoor café/bar/restaurant in one.  

Bike or Scoot around Olomouc

Olomouc bike rental options have recently received a major revamp with city bikes for rent. The most widespread are the pink bikes called Rekola. Download the Rekola app and ride around for just a few crowns.

At the end of 2019, Olomouc shopping mall Šantovka has launched a bike rental service in cooperation with nextbike. The prices are similar to Rekola’s. Download the nextbike app to rent a bike of yours.

In 2020, Olomouc streets saw a few electric scooters pop up. They’re fun to ride, if you do so carefully. Download Eagle Scoots app for more info.

Olomouc Restaurants & Cafés Worth Trying

In Olomouc you’ll mainly encounter Czech food. But times, they are a changing, and there are a few new kids on the block! Eating should be one of the main activities if you’re wondering about what to do in Olomouc besides sightseeing. See below:

Moritz Microbrewery Olomouc

The unique underground restaurant looks both old school and yet old class stylish. They make their own beer and the food is just as it should be. Try some typical Czech meals, e.g. the garlic soup! And what kind of Olomouc food would it be, if they didn’t have the tvarůžky . You’ll find it in a few meals – I had it just in the garlic soup and it was all yum!

A great pub/restaurant to grab a quality lunch for a good price. That’s Plan B Olomouc – on a weekday, you’ll meet only locals rushing in from their offices.

Morgan’s Restaurant

This restaurant says they specialize in old Bohemian food, adding burgers and pizza to their menu. It’s a bit of a mish-mash, but locals flock to this place for lunch. The prices are good and the food is decent. However, the service can be slow. My Olomouc friends warned me of double pricing here, but I haven’t experienced it myself.

Other typical Czech restaurants with good beer and usually a few burgers, sometimes pizza too are:

• Drápal
• Hanácká hospoda
• Restaurant u Mořice
• Šnyt Mikulda
• Potrefená husa

International

Entr ée restaurant.

The high-end creative dining concept in Olomouc, Entrée is run by a Czech gastro star Přemek Forejt. The restaurant serves creative meals inspired by nature. Go there for a unique culinary experience.

Faency Fries

A hole in the wall and a Czech take on hipster fries places. I haven’t tried but the fries look great! It seems ideal as a late night snack, especially if you’ve been drinking. Try the cheddar topping – it’s the most popular one not just at Faency Fries Olomouc but at any branch of the Czech chain.

Špagetárna

Fresh Italian pasta in Olomouc. If you long for Italian cuisine, there’s no better place to go in the city. Špagetárna Olomouc is tiny, better grab your meal and go eat it elsewhere.

Cà Phê District

Another new restaurant on the Olomouc gastro scene, Ca Phe District is hidden in an alley just off the Lower Square but locals found their way. I heard the best Bún bò nam bộ in Olomouc can be found here. We often eat at Ca Phe and love their little garden at the back.

Los Capolitos

Olomouc has finally gotten its own proper Mexican restaurant. It has all you could ask for – burritos, quesadillas or tacos.

The Kathmandu Nepali Restaurant

The name says it all. Authentic Nepali/Indian cuisine, fresh ingredients, great staff. I never felt the urge to have such food when in Olomouc, so no personal experience here.

This bistro is a mish-mash of foods such as burgers, sandwiches, burritos, and curry.

Café New One

A trendy restaurant/bistro where you don’t have to be afraid to order coffee :) The cuisine is predominantly Italian and the interior is highly stylish.

Konvikt Bistro & Bar

A brand-new (2020) café and a bistro in one, Konvikt features an inside space with a unique interior décor paying tribute to the history of a building, as well as a wonderful garden in a courtyard.

If you’re looking for vegetarian/vegan options , go for buffet-style Green Bar at the Upper Square, Koza zůstala celá on top of Morgan’s Restaurant, and Jak chceš Fresh Bar just a stone’s throw away.

Cafés

Kafec ve vile primavesi.

A lovely café of a Moravian chain of cafés coming from Brno in a gorgeous setting of an Art Nouveau villa called Primavesi. It’s hidden a bit, so you wouldn’t just run into it. In summer, you can sit in a nice spacious garden. You’ll find the café in the vicinity of St. Michael’s Church.  

Kafec is famous for its waffles. And superb coffee.  

Kafe jak lusk

One of the most popular cafés in Olomouc. Cool interior with old Czech school chairs. The coffee is absolutely perfect and you can even find an avo toast there. ;)

Sophie’s Café

A cozy café on the ground floor of Miss Sophie’s Hotel. Old original ceilings and comfy chairs make Miss Sophie’s Café Olomouc an ideal hangout spot, no matter the weather.

Café La Fée

A cute and comfortable café with a nice little garden in the back. France-themed.

Long Story Short Café

Part of Long Story Short Hostel, this café belongs to the best in Olomouc. Expert baristas, incredibly lovely outside garden with a view to greenery… it’s hard to beat.

Naše Café

A popular café with a nice clean interior that won’t amaze you, but you’ll get your quality coffee fix here. Its summer garden provides a pretty view of the Lower Square.

Café Na cucky

A little café that belongs to a theatre of the same name is positioned conveniently on the Lower Square. Great coffee and laid-back vibe.

Kafe na rohu

A small space of a family café with delicious cakes and pies and, of course, great coffee. The interior is adorned by a beautiful street art mural. They often hold charity events here.

Café Jan

Small but lovely little café around the corner from Drápal restaurant near Smetanovy sady park.

Coffee Library

A nice café within the Palacký University building, this café is popular among students and the public alike, not just for their simple but good lunch menus but also the great coffee.

Owl’s cafe

Italian coffee aficionados will find all they need in a lovely setting. You’ll be accompanied by a few tastefully placed owl decorations. :)  

Café Trieste

Another popular café focused on Italian coffee. You can find it right at Lower Square. Almost yearround there’s a small crowd of sitting/standing coffeeholics, debating the day away.

Café 87

A nice looking café, often frequented by students. The coffee is good, but don’t expect wonders.

Café V Lese

Ideal for kids. You have to take off your shoes upon entering, but if you have kids with you, there’s hardly a better place for them to play and for you to have a proper cuppa.

Of course, this list doesn’t cover all the cafés in Olomouc city center. There are a few more, including small espresso bars without any seating – e.g. Pikola.

Olomouc Nightlife

Not surprisingly, Olomouc nightlife is run by students. When students are not partying, the town feels dead. That’s the harsh truth. But if you embrace it, you’re up for a lot of fun!

Beer bar Na stojáka

This pub/bar has 6 beers of local microbreweries on tap and seriously stylish interior. You can also taste some typical Czech snacks to have with beer. Their specialty is blue cheese (niva) balls. It’s located on the Upper Square.

Masné krámy

For me personally, the best Olomouc bars with a cool vibe are those located in Masné krámy passage. When visiting with friends at the end of November last year, we’d just walk around, had a beer here and another there, and had fun chatting with a few local students, eventually even playing foosball together :) Masné krámy are located on the Lower Square.

Lower Square Wineries

On top of Lower Square, where the two squares actually meet, you can find two lively wine bars – Na břehu Rhôny and Pod Pálavou . The first one features mostly French wines and is a part of Prague-run chain, while the second one is owned by a Slovak guy who fell in love with wines from Pálava, a region in the South of Moravia. Both are well worth visiting.

Belmondo Club

If you like nightclubs and want to take the dance floor by storm, head over to Belmondo! They have a couple of resident DJs who pump up the beats every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You’ll find it on Mlýnská Street, still in the city center.

A legendary disco club that’s been around for ages! I’m not sure what kind of quality music you can expect here but if you find yourself in the city at night, Varna is a sure option any day of the week.

Olomouc Shopping

Why do I include a shopping section, you ask? Well, for many people living close to Olomouc, the city is a shopping paradise :D

Galerie Šantovka

The newest Olomouc shopping mall is the closest to the city center. In fact, since parking is free for 4 hours, many people (myself included) just park in this mall and head to the city. Don’t tell anyone!

There are 200 shops spread around 3 floors in Galerie Šantovka and it’s full of restaurants, cafés with cakes, a movie theater, a bowling hall… you name it, they have it.

Olympia Olomouc

This mall used to be the most popular Olomouc shopping center, but then Galerie Šantovka was built. It’s located on the outskirts of Olomouc, right by the highway. It was designed as a reminder of a traditional mill complex. All the shops are thus located on the ground floor. There are frequent buses between the mall and the city center. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also provided.

OC Haná

My parents like going to this Olomouc mall the most J Similar to Olympia, it’s located right outside of Olomouc on a highway. There are around 65 shops and a big Tesco supermarket that’s open until midnight.

Galerie Moritz

If you’re just looking to go to a supermarket (e.g. to buy the above-mentioned tvarůžky ) and need a drug store or a pharmacy, this small shopping center located right in the heart of the town is perfect for that. You’ll find it on the street 8. května, right by the St. Moritz Church.

Olomouc Hotels

I strongly suggest you spend a few nights in Olomouc, rather than just see it on a day trip. Hotels in Olomouc Czech Republic are plentiful and you’re sure to find an establishment to suit your taste.

Luxury Hotels

Nh hotel olomouc czech republic.

The NH Hotel in Olomouc Czech Republic is part of an international chain of luxury hotels. The quality is guaranteed and there will be no surprises.

Click here to see the current prices and availability.

Theresian Hotel Olomouc

Already the façade of Theresian will take your breath away. I stayed in the hotel and especially enjoyed the Nespresso machine in my room. The design was modern and stunning, albeit I prefer cozier interior design schemes. The breakfast was heavenly!

See Theresian’s current pricing and availability here.

Clarion Congress Hotel

A quality business hotel, rather than a luxury one. Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc is located right by the train station, which can be an advantage or a bit of a disadvantage (if you’re a light sleeper). Parking is available in underground garages.

Check the Clarion’s Hotel prices and availability here.

Mid-range Hotels

Hotel alley olomouc czech republic.

Slightly on the higher-end of the mid-range, at least by Olomouc standards, Hotel Alley is popular especially among business travelers. You’ll find it right in the city center.

Click here to check current prices and availability of Hotel Alley.

Miss Sophie’s Hotel Olomouc

This boutique hotel is my personal favorite, even though I didn’t stay there (yet). I had the opportunity to see two rooms and I heard from a blogger friend of mine that it was indeed wonderful to spend a few nights at Sophie’s.

The location of Miss Sophie’s Olomouc is perfect, the interior design is stunning and the whole building was reconstructed carefully taking into account its historic value. There are only 8 rooms in total with a great café on the ground floor.

See the current prices and availability of rooms at Sophie’s here.

Hotel Trinity Olomouc

While the design of Trinity Hotel was definitely once grand, nowadays it might feel slightly dated. Still, I enjoyed staying in this Olomouc hotel, felt comfortable in the room and the breakfast was decent. Other guests have praised the wellness center.

See current pricing and available rooms at the Trinity Hotel here.

Budget Friendly Hotels & Hostels

There are many cheap hotels in Olomouc. These three, though, still don’t compromise on quality:

Long Story Short Hostel Olomouc

One of the newest additions to Olomouc hostel scene – a trendy hostel with a beautiful minimalist design. Choose between a dorm or a private room and make use of the delicious breakfast and a cute café on the ground floor.

Check the current prices and availability at the Long Story Short Hostel.

TimeOut MiniHostel Olomouc

This tiny hostel has opened its doors only since May 2018. It’s centrally located and its guests have praised above all the cleanliness.

See the current pricing and availability of TimeOut MiniHostel here.

Poets Corner Olomouc

This Olomouc hostel, formerly known under the name Cosy Corner Olomouc, radiates coziness – from the furniture, to the atmosphere, to the staff. You’ll just feel good there. You can choose between a dorm and a private room.

Click here to check the up-to-date prices and room availability at Poets Corner.

Olomouc Apartments

Yes, you can stay in an apartment too!

Check the Top 10 Apartments by Booking.com.

See? Olomouc accommodation options are numerous and it’s only up to you to choose what would fit your style and budget.

Olomouc Weather

Czech Republic is a small country, so the weather is more or less the same everywhere. With that being said, it’s true that Moravia, and especially the Haná region in which Olomouc is located, suffers from heat waves and lack of rain more often than other parts of the country.

There’s often snow in winter and the two summer months can turn very hot – over 30°C (86°F) is almost guaranteed. Recently, though, the weather has been less predictable. See temperature averages for Prague winter in my post here .

Check out also this list of things to do in Olomouc from my fellow bloggers.

Day Trips from Olomouc

The area around Olomouc is actually quite abundant in beautiful nature, castles, nice towns and other places worth visiting. Here are the main ones:

Holy Hill: Pilgrimage Site & Basilica Minor

Svatý Kopeček

The Holy Hill , located on the outskirts of Olomouc, has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Right on the top of the hill stands a monumental Baroque Basilica – the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. It was built in the 17 th century and features an exquisitely decorated interior. In 1995, the Church was consecrated by the Pope to become a Basilica Minor.

If the Basilica is open, go inside, but put your camera and phone away as it’s prohibited to take photos, unless you have a special permit. Or unless you come for a wedding, like I did last time when I visited :)

When you visit, be respectful to the surroundings. The area is an important pilgrimage site, and there’s also a hospice on one of the streets behind.

A little further up above the Basilica, there’s a zoo with some beautiful forests behind it.

You can get to the Holy Hill Olomouc by taking the bus no. 11 from the train station and getting off at the stop named “Svatý Kopeček – bazilika”.

Bouzov Castle Olomouc

Hrad Bouzov

Located 28 km (17 miles) northwest of Olomouc lies the romantic castle of Bouzov. Originally a fortress built in the early 14 th century, it was named after its first owners, the aristocratic Bůz family. Currently mostly of Renaissance style, you can also find Gothic features on the castle.

There are several different tour circuits that you can go for when visiting the castle. I would recommend mainly heading up to the tower, if it’s open. Apart from the tower, don’t forget to check out the two drawbridges and a portcullis (= sliding metal ‘gate’) – all fully functional to this day.

Travelling from Olomouc, take a bus to Litovel (it’s a nice town too, so walk around if you have time), and then another bus to Bouzov. The travel time should be just below 2 hours. A trip by car is much shorter – just 30 to 50 minutes. Here’s Bouzov Castle official website .

Olomoucké Poděbrady Lake / Natural Swimming Pool Poděbrady

Přírodní koupaliště Olomoucké Poděbrady

Would you like to go to a beach while in Olomouc? If so then you’re in luck as there’s a lake nearby! This Olomouc lake is located just 5 km (3 miles) from Olomouc and is an ideal swimming pastime for locals and daring travellers.

The whole area is quite lively and there are frequent events organized there. If you don’t feel like having a soak then have a meal instead! There’s a restaurant right on the shore.

Don’t confuse the lake with the city of Poděbrady located in Bohemia! This lake can be found near the village of Horka nad Moravou. It’s just a 10 min drive from Olomouc and about 20 minutes by bus from the city (no. 18 or 20 running through the city centre). You can even walk there – in that case you’d follow the stream Mlýnský potok and it should take about an hour.

There’s actually way more to see around Olomouc. So much that I might write a separate article on it :) Stay tuned!

I hope you’ve found the information in this Olomouc guide comprehensive and helpful. And if anybody ever asks you Is Olomouc worth visiting? you’ll reply a resounding YES!

If you’re missing anything in this article, just comment below and I’ll be happy to reply. If any of your friends could use the info provided in this article, please share :)

Enjoy Olomouc, one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. And let me know how you liked it :)

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17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: June 13, 2020

Categories Czech republic

Home / Europe / Czech republic / 17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist

Olomouc is a historical city in Moravia in the Czech Republic. It is particularly famous for its baroque fountains as well as the Holy Trinity Column, and of course the Moravian cheese. Just strolling around the historical center and admire the buildings and monuments is one of the best things to do in Olomouc. 

It is also a renowned university town, and even if the city “only” has about 100.000 inhabitants, Olomouc is one of the most beautiful cities in Czechia, and its cultural heritage and monuments are protected by the law. 

I had the pleasure of discovering Olomouc on a recent trip to the Czech Republic, and to make things easier before your visit, I’ve made this list of 17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist. 

See the Holy Trinity Column

This is basically a baroque monument that was completed in 1754 to celebrate the Catholic church as well as the end of the plague. It’s inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the main square.

You can see these in various Czech cities, but the one in Olomouc is particularly spectacular!

Find the 6 Baroque Fountains

The baroque fountains are along with the Holy Trinity Column some of the most famous monuments in Olomouc, so of course, finding all of these 6 baroque fountains is one of the best things to do in Olomouc!

• Hercules Fountain
• Caesar Fountain
• Jupiter Fountain
• Mercury Fountain
• Neptune Fountain
• The Triton Fountain

See Olomouc Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock

The main town hall was unfortunately under renovation while we visited Olomouc, but it’s one of the main attractions of the city along with the astronomical clock.

It’s one of the highlights while strolling around the main city square. 

Photo: Habrus Liudmila / Shutterstock.com

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

This gothic cathedral was founded already in 1107, and it’s the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc. The gothic exterior was made in the 13th and 14th century, and in the beginning, it was constructed in Romanesque style.

The Cathedral of St Wenceslas is one of the most impressive churches in the city, and it’s open every day for visitors with no entrance fee.

Visit St Michael’s Church

Another well-known church in Olomouc is St Michael’s church, and the 3 domes are something of an iconic landmark of the city. It’s a baroque church these days but was originally in constructed in gothic style.

Check out the Kasperle’s Land puppet show

If you’re traveling to Olomouc with your kids, make sure to see a traditional puppet show at Kasperle’s land. It’s a fun activity for the whole family that dates back as far as the 1920s. 

Visit a local beer brewery

Wherever you visit in the Czech Republic, you will find local breweries, simply because beer is one of the most enjoyed beverages in the country. And the Czechs also do an amazing job to produce great beers, even though many of the best ones don’t ever reach the international markets. 

That’s why visiting a local brewery is one of the best things to do in Olomouc. I recommend Pivovar Chomout, but there are several beer bars serving up local beers from the region.

Go to the Museum of Olomouc Cheese

Another typical thing to do in Olomouc is to try their unique kind of cheese. It has a very distinct taste and a particular way of production. Most people either hate or love it, but it’s definitely something you should try while visiting. 

At the Museum of Olomouc Cheese, you can learn everything you could possibly want to know about the cheese. But if you just want to try it, there are several cheese stores where you will be sure to find it. 

Join a guided walking tour

Having a local guide showing you around the city can be very valuable, not only will you get the local’s perspective, but also be able to make sure that you don’t miss any of the best places to visit in Olomouc.

Stay at Long Story Short Hostel

A popular and trendy place to stay. During the summer months, you will find the long story short hostel to be very vibrant with various activities and parties. But the rooms itself is a good enough reason to come here. 

Having your own bathtub in your living room is more often than not typical for luxury hotels which can cause plenty of $$ per night, but here you can enjoy it and have a romantic stay for a reasonable price. 

Visit Hradisko Monastery

A former monastery that opened already in 1078. It was used as a monastery until the 18th century and since 1802 it has been a military hospital. In 1995 it was declared as a cultural heritage of the city, and it’s well-known for its frescoes.

Find the Murals and Street Art

Olomouc might not be world famous for its street art, but there are still several impressive murals to see, like this one for example. Every year that goes by more and more beautiful murals is brought to life here, thanks to the annual street art festival. 

Check out the Veteran Arena

If you’re into old cars or travel to Olomouc with kids, then the Veteran Arena is a sure bet on having a good time. Here you’ll find plenty of veteran cars from various decades. 

Photo: Jiri_Kaufner / Shutterstock.com

Admire the Church of St. Gorazd

This might not be one of the main attractions in the city, but nonetheless, it’s a very cute church that I think international tourists would find interesting to see. 

Visit Svaty Kopecek

A Pilgrimage site that is known as “The Holy Hill” is located around 8 kilometers from the city center. Here you will find a beautiful basilica, which I reckon to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Olomouc. 

Learn more about the city’s history at Archdiocesan Museum

Olomouc is one of Czechia’s most historical and spiritual cities, and if you want to truly indulge yourself in its history, a visit to the Archdiocesan is one of the most interesting things to do in Olomouc. 

Here you will find a plethora of religious and historical artifacts from various eras. This is also where you’ll find the oldest architectural pieces, such as windows and archways dating back to the 12th century. 

Photo: Amy Corti / Shutterstock.com

Make a day trip to Kromeriz Castle and Gardens

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Czech Republic, and a place that shouldn’t be missed if you’re traveling around this area. The Kromeriz castle gardens are very beautiful and lovely to stroll around. 

It’s about 1-hour driving by car, and you can also go by bus or train. 

More things to do in Olomouc

The already mentioned attractions and activities are my favorite things to do in Olomouc, but there are of course more than 17 things to do in Olomouc, and below you can see a short list of some other interesting places to visit. 

• Visit the lavender shop at the main square and try lavender delicacies
• Explore the nightlife of Olomouc
• See a performance at The Moravian Theatre
• Stroll around the city parks
• Visit the Modern Art Museum
• Check out the Theresian Gate
• Make a day trip to Bouzov Castle

Book Your Stay in Olomouc

I really recommend the long story short hostel. I normally don’t stay in hostels, but this one has a nice vibe and lovely double rooms at a reasonable price per night. The owners of the hostel are very much involved in the city as well and can give more local recommendations.

Book your stay at the long story short hostel

You can also find several nice apartments to rent via Airbnb .

Want more suggestions on things to do in Olomouc as a tourist? Leave a comment below!

Sunday 16th of June 2019

Hi Alex,thank you for your article. I live in the Czech republic. Despite knowing Olomouc I wouldn't be able to write a such great info about this city being on the UNESCO haritage list like you did. One more time tack så mycket! Good luck in your travels!

Radek Holik

Saturday 15th of June 2019

Hi Alex, nice arkticle about our city! Just one place is missing, coworking centre Vault 42 is located in same building like Long Story Short! Gallery here: https://www.vault42.cz/fotogalerie/

Friday 14th of June 2019

Thanks for the Olomouc tips! If you or your readers were the type to stay in a backpacker hostel, I highly recommend the Poets Corner. I stayed there 15 years ago and fell in love with the city while I was there.

Wonderful article! Thanks for the mention! Have to agree about Poets' Corner for the budget backpacker ... it is what kept me coming back!

https://www.poetscornerhostel.com/

20 Amazing things to do in Olomouc: Travel Guide, History, Hotels, Restaurants & Transportation

December 14, 2023 | Posted in: Czech Republic

Olomouc has a significant historical heritage dating back to ancient times. It was once an important Moravian settlement and later became an essential center of the Holy Roman Empire. Throughout its history, it has served as an influential religious, cultural and political hub in the region. Its historical significance is reflected in its well-preserved architecture, including churches, palaces and fortifications.

Transportation in Olomouc is convenient and well-connected. It has a public transportation system consisting of trams and buses, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city. Additionally, Olomouc is well-connected to other major cities in the Czech Republic through road and rail networks, making it accessible to travelers exploring the region.

Listed below are the things to do in Olomouc.

• St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Václava). St. Wenceslas Cathedral is a historic cathedral and architectural landmark in Olomouc, Czech Republic. It features Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic architectural styles across its long history since 1131. The cathedral has the tallest church tower in Moravia at 100.65 meters tall. Highlights include guided tours, the crypt, the organ and a shrine to St. Jan Sarkander. Visitors to the cathedral can marvel at its architectural grandeur, explore its rich history and participate in guided tours.
• Holy Trinity Column. The Holy Trinity Column is a Baroque monument built in 1716 and 1754, located in Olomouc's Upper Square. It celebrates Catholicism and the end of a historic plague. The column features intricate statues and carvings and is a UNESCO site noted for its symbolic and artistic value. Visitors to the Holy Trinity Column can admire its architectural and artistic beauty, learn about its history and explore the surrounding Upper Square in Olomouc.
• Olomouc Zoo. Olomouc Zoo houses over 400 species in various themed pavilions across its forested 42.5-hectare area. It focuses on the conservation and breeding of endangered species. The Zoo breeds over three hundred species and participates in the rescue of a number of species involved in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Highlights include safari experiences, educational programs, special events and a diversity of animals. Visitors to the Olomouc Zoo can enjoy viewing a wide range of animals, participating in guided tours and attending special events.
• Olomouc Town Hall. Olomouc Town Hall is an important Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural landmark in the city center. It houses the city government and features a 15th-century astronomical clock with intricate decorations and figurines. The Olomouc City Hall, which dominates the Upper Square, has been the symbol of the economic and political importance of this former royal capital city of Moravia for six centuries. The Olomouc Town Hall features an astronomical clock, a unique and intricate timepiece that is a major attraction for visitors.
• Kopecek Church and Monastery. The Baroque Kopecek Church and Monastery features historic architecture and design, including the iconic Holy Stairs. It offers opportunities for worship, exploration and concerts. Pope John Paul II visited the basilica minor church in 1995. Visitors to the St. Kopecek Church and Monastery can explore the historical architecture, participate in worship and attend church concerts.
• Olomouc Astronomical Clock. The Olomouc Astronomical Clock adorns the Town Hall with a combination of architectural styles and political influences across its long history since the 15th century. It features intricate details, mosaic backgrounds and unique socialist realist figurines. Visitors can admire the clock's intricate mosaic background. The clock springs to life with music and moving figures representing proletariat professions in a nod to its communist history.
• Arion's Fountain. Arion's Fountain is a bronze sculpture scene from Greek myth located in Upper Square. It depicts the poet Arion and a dolphin. Visitors can admire the statues, make wishes, splash in the pool and enjoy street performers in the lively square. Visitors can bathe in the fountain pool, which makes Olomouc the only city in the Czech Republic with a public swimming pool on the Market Square.
• Olomouc Archdiocese Museum. The Olomouc Archdiocese Museum is housed in the historic Olomouc Castle. The museum showcases 1000+ years of spiritual culture and art from the Olomouc Archdiocese, with over 300 works spanning the 11th to 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent exhibitions, admire the architecture and artworks and participate in guided tours.

1. St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Václava)

St. Wenceslas Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Václava) is a historic cathedral located at Wenceslas Square in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The cathedral is named after Saint Wenceslas, a revered saint in the Czech Republic and the square was named after him on the thousandth anniversary of his death. The cathedral is an architectural marvel featuring three towers. The front two form the facade, while the third one stands at a height of 100.65 meters, making it the tallest church tower in Moravia and the second tallest in the Czech Republic. The cathedral began in the Romanesque style and was consecrated in 1131. It underwent extensive Gothic modifications in the 13th and 14th centuries and further changes were made from 1883 to 1892, including refacing the building, rebuilding the west front and constructing the central tower.

Visitors to the cathedral can marvel at its architectural grandeur, explore its rich history and participate in guided tours. The cathedral's organ is one of the finest instruments of the Romantic period in the Czech Republic and the cathedral also houses a shrine with the relics of St. Jan Sarkander, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1995. Guided tours are available from July to August and the cathedral's crypt is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. The cathedral is suitable for all types of visitors, including families, history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

2. Holy Trinity Column

The Holy Trinity Column is a Baroque monument located in the Upper Square of Olomouc, Czech Republic. It was built between 1716 and 1754 to celebrate the Catholic Church and to express gratitude for the end of the plague that struck the city. It has a high symbolic value as it represents the religious devotion and the sense of pride of the inhabitants of this city. The Holy Trinity Column is an exceptional example of this type of commemorative column, characteristic of Central Europe in the Baroque period. The column is the largest group of Baroque statues in a single monument in Central Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Holy Trinity Column features a unique combination of Baroque architecture and sculpture and its historical and religious significance. The monument has numerous statues of saints, angels and the Holy Trinity, all intricately carved and adorned. Visitors to the Holy Trinity Column can admire its architectural and artistic beauty, learn about its history and explore the surrounding Upper Square in Olomouc. The monument is suitable for all types of visitors, including families, history enthusiasts and art lovers. There is no admission cost to view the Holy Trinity Column, as it is an outdoor monument in a public square.

3. Olomouc Zoo

The Olomouc Zoo, officially known as Zoologická Zahrada Olomouc, is at Darwinova 29, 779 00 Olomouc. The Olomouc Zoological Garden is located on The Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) in a mixed forest on an area of 42.5 hectares. The Zoo breeds over three hundred species and participates in the rescue of a number of species involved in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

Olomouc Zoo features a diverse collection of animals and is committed to conservation. The zoo has a variety of pavilions and exhibits, including the African Pavilion, the South American Pavilion, the Giant Aviary, the Bat Pavilion and the Monkey and Pygmy Hippo Pavilion, among others. The zoo offers a safari experience, providing visitors with an immersive wildlife experience. Visitors to the Olomouc Zoo can enjoy viewing a wide range of animals, participating in guided tours and attending special events. The zoo offers educational programs and activities, making it a great destination for families and school groups. The zoo is open all year round, with varying opening hours depending on the season. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of wildlife, housing over 400 species of animals The zoo is suitable for all ages, from children to seniors. Admission costs vary depending on the season and the age of the visitor.

4. Tour Olomouc Town Hall

Olomouc Town Hall is located in the center of Olomouc. The town hall is an important historical and architectural landmark, featuring a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The building has undergone several modifications and expansions over the centuries, reflecting the city's rich history. The Olomouc City Hall, which dominates the Upper Square, has been the symbol of the economic and political importance of this former royal capital city of Moravia for six centuries. It still serves as the seat of the city government.

The Olomouc Town Hall features an astronomical clock, a unique and intricate timepiece that is a major attraction for visitors. The clock was originally built in the 15th century and was reconstructed in the 20th century with a Socialist Realist theme, showcasing workers and farmers instead of saints and religious figures. Visitors to the town hall can admire its architectural beauty, learn about its history and observe the astronomical clock.The town hall is suitable for all types of visitors, including families, history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

5. Kopecek Church and Monastery

The St. Kopecek Church and Monastery is a significant historical and religious site located on St. Kopecek's Hill in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The church and monastery were built in the 17th and early 18th century in the Baroque style. The site is known for its ‘Holy stairs' that lead towards an alley of old trees, serving as a reminder of the 28 stairs in Pilatus's Jerusalem palace, which Jesus had to climb before his sentence to death.

The church was honored by a visit from John Paul II in 1995 and in the same year, the Church of the Visitation of Our Lady was given the title “basilica minor”. The church's unique orientation, with its main axis not directed from east to west but rotated with its front to the “mother convent” Hradisko, is another notable feature. Visitors to the St. Kopecek Church and Monastery can explore the historical architecture, participate in worship and attend church concerts. The site is suitable for all types of visitors, including families, history enthusiasts and those interested in religious sites. The search results do not provide specific information on the admission cost, so it's recommended to check the official website or contact the site directly for the most accurate information. The St. Kopecek Church and Monastery is located near several other attractions, including the Olomouc Zoo and an iron lookout tower, offering a view of Olomouc and part of the Haná region.

6. Olomouc Astronomical Clock

The Olomouc Astronomical Clock is located on the northern facade of the Olomouc Town Hall in Horní náměstí (Upper Square), Olomouc, Czech Republic. The clock has a long and storied history dating back to the 15th century. The clock has a unique combination of architectural styles and political influences. Originally built in the medieval era featuring religious and royal figures, it was almost destroyed at the end of World War II. When rebuilt in the communist era of the 1950s, it took on a socialist realist style, replacing religious figures with depictions of workers, athletes and scientists.

Visitors can admire the clock's intricate mosaic background, which covers the entire 14-meter height of the arched alcove. The clock springs to life with music and moving figurines representing proletariat professions in a nod to its communist history. The clock is suitable for visitors of all ages and interests, families, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and those looking for an unusual sight. The Olomouc Astronomical Clock is freely accessible to the public and does not require an admission fee to view. Visitors can observe the clock and its decorations up close at any time of day, with the best views of the figurines' procession at noon when the chimes ring out.

7. Visit Arion's Fountain

Arion's Fountain is located at the Upper Square (Horní náměstí) in Olomouc's old town. The fountain was constructed in 2002 as part of a reconstruction project for the main square. It draws inspiration from an ancient Greek myth about the poet Arion, who was rescued at sea by a dolphin attracted by his singing. The fountain features bronze sculptures depicting the scene. the semi-mythical Greek poet Arion in the company of a dolphin, the allegorical obelisk set on the shell of a large turtle and the figures of two children standing on smaller turtles.

Visitors to the fountain can admire the sculptures up close, take photos, make wishes, splash around the pool and enjoy the lively atmosphere of musicians and artists who frequently perform in the Upper Square. Visitors can bathe in the fountain pool, which makes Olomouc the only city in the Czech Republic with a public swimming pool on the Market Square. Visitors of all ages can appreciate the detailed bronze work and the fountain's incorporation of the beloved dolphin and turtle motifs. There is no admission cost required to see and interact with Arion's Fountain in Olomouc.

8. Olomouc Archdiocese Museum

The Olomouc Archdiocese Museum is located at Václavské náměstí 3, 771 11 Olomouc. It is housed in the historic buildings of the former Olomouc Castle on Wenceslas Square. The museum has a rich history dating back over 1000 years. Archdiocese Museum is the only museum of its kind in the Czech Republic focused on showcasing the spiritual culture and art of the Olomouc Archdiocese. Its collections contain over 300 artistic gems spanning from the 11th to 18th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, goldsmith works and textiles. Some highlights include an extravagantly decorated 18th-century bishop's carriage, the treasure room in the castle's former lookout tower, Gothic and Renaissance paintings and the original preserved Romanesque windows from the 12th-century bishop's palace.

Visitors can explore the museum's permanent exhibitions, admire the architecture and artworks and participate in guided tours from April to September. There are audio guides available and the displays have information in Czech and English. The museum is suitable for visitors of all ages and interests, from families to history and art aficionados. The museum offers free entry every Wednesday and Sunday.

9. Pevnost poznání (Science Museum)

Pevnost poznání is an interactive science museum at 17. listopadu 7, Olomouc, Czechia, inside the historic Korunní pevnůstka complex. The museum was built in the 1850s as an artillery warehouse for the Olomouc fortress and was restored and opened as a science museum in 2015. Pevnost poznání features four main exhibitions spanning topics like physics, astronomy, biology and local history.

Pevnost poznání features a blend of science education and historic preservation. Many exhibits incorporate 19th-century architecture, like using the original wooden ramps between floors for physics demonstrations. Visitors can explore over 100 hands-on exhibits, including puzzles and logic games, a giant model of the human brain, experiments in an on-site chemistry lab and Olomouc's only digital planetarium. Costumed guides provide interactive lessons for school groups and families with activities tailored to different age levels. Pevnost poznání offers an inspiring environment for visitors of all backgrounds to experience science. The science museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, with seasonal Monday hours during summer.

10. Bezručovy sady

Bezručovy sady is a historic public park located beneath the medieval fortifications in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The 11-hectare park stretches along the right bank of the Mlýnský Potok, a branch of the Morava River, between Slovenská Street and Francouzská Street. Its scenic location incorporates rocky cliffs, city walls and streams that create a peaceful natural sanctuary in the heart of Olomouc's city center.

Bezručovy sady features a blend of nature, architecture and culture all in one place. Visitors can explore the Jihoslovanské mauzoleum, a 1926 tomb for WWI soldiers, the 1947 statue honoring Czech poet Petr Bezruč. The park contains Olomouc's Botanical Gardens, featuring rose gardens, rock gardens and gardens representing nations from around the world. Bezručovy sady offers relaxation and recreation for visitors of all ages and interests. Admission to simply walk through and enjoy the scenery of Bezručovy Sady Park is free and open to the public. Some attractions within the park, like the greenhouses and seasonal flower shows, charge nominal entry fees.

11. Church of St. Maurice

The Church of St. Maurice is in the historic city center of Olomouc on Dolní náměstí (Lower Square) next to the Town Hall. The church was rebuilt and expanded in the Baroque style during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Church of St. Maurice has a decorated interior featuring ornate altars, paintings, frescoes and one of the largest church organs in Central Europe. The church highlights its main altar, which is dedicated to St. Maurice and St. Catherine.

Visitors can admire the Baroque architecture and abundant religious artwork, attend an organ concert on the grand 1754 organ, hear the resonant church bells and climb the tower for panoramic city views. Visitors can explore the church on their own during open hours, join a guided tour to learn more details or attend a concert performance in the evenings. The Church of St. Maurice offers a glimpse into Olomouc's past as it continues to serve the spiritual needs of the local community today. The church provides free admission. Church of St. Maurice appeals to visitors of all ages and backgrounds interested in Czech history, architecture, music and culture.

12. Olomouc Street Art

Olomouc has become known for its vibrant street art scene centered around the annual Street Art Festival held each September in the historic city center of Olomouc, Czech Republic. Launched in 2007, the festival was founded by local artist Pauser as an informal gathering of graffiti artists and has grown into an international event showcasing murals, exhibitions, lectures and urban interventions by top Czech and foreign street artists.

What makes Olomouc's street art special is both its quality and quantity. The festival has brought stars like Mr. Dheo, Pasta Oner and Wild Drawing to create large-scale murals on buildings across the city, while many other surfaces host works by local talents. Styles range from photo-realistic portraits to surreal characters to abstract shapes in a colorful array. Olomouc offers self-guided walks to view its open-air gallery and guided street art tours run by the festival organizers. The tours cater to all audiences interested in learning about the stories behind Olomouc's ever-evolving canvas of urban art. There is no cost to view and enjoy the city's plentiful street art. Olomouc serves as a model for how street art can invigorate and connect communities.

13. Theresian Gate

The Theresian Gate at Palachovo náměstí in Olomouc was built between 1752 to 1753. The gate is part of the former Olomouc fortress system designed by architect Pierre Bechade de Rochepine for Empress Maria Theresa. The brick gate stands alone today after adjoining walls were demolished, modeled after a Roman triumphal arch. Theresian Gate is uniquely preserved as the only remaining gate from Olomouc's old fortifications still standing in its original place.

Visitors can walk through the historic gate as part of a self-guided tour of Olomouc's UNESCO-recognized city center. The structure also houses a small historical exhibition about the gate's construction and purpose. Visitors can view the gate up close and take photos of its imposing facade, detailed stonework and inscription plaques. The gate stands as a testament to Olomouc's rich past and a popular backdrop for events like the annual St. Martin's Wine Festival on the adjoining square. The Theresian Gate appeals to visitors of all ages interested in local history, architecture and urban design. The place does not charge any admission fees but accepts donations to help preserve this unique 18th-century landmark at the heart of the city.

14. Bouzov Castle and Javoricko Caves Hiking

Bouzov Castle is located near the town of Bouzov in Olomouc Region, northwest of Olomouc. The Javoricko Caves are outside the village of Javoříčko, near the Bouzov Castle, in the same Litovelské Pomoraví protected landscape area. The Bouzov Castle and Javoricko Caves hiking tour starts from the city of Olomouc and takes visitors to landmarks located in the Czech countryside northwest of Olomouc.

The Bouzov Castle and Javoricko Caves Hiking tour offers visitors a full-day excursion exploring two historic landmarks located in the Litovelské Pomoraví region of the Czech Republic. Visitors will be picked up from their accommodation in Olomouc and driven to the town of Litovel. The first stop is the Javoricko Caves, one of the most beautiful cave systems in the Czech Republic, featuring an array of unique stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The guided tour lasts around an hour. Hikers embark on a 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) walk through forested trails to Bouzov Castle, a fairytale Gothic and Renaissance castle built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can tour the interior and admire the well-preserved architecture. The return hike follows forest paths and the banks of the Morava River back to Olomouc. The tour offers a full day of activity in natural surroundings while exploring two historic landmarks integral to Czech culture and folklore. The tour is best suited for families, couples and groups interested in hiking, history and experiencing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Czech countryside. The price for the hiking tour is €149 ($160, £127) per person.

15. The Chapel of St. John Sarkander

The Chapel of St. John Sarkander is located in Olomouc, Czech Republic, at Mahlerova 19 in the city center. This chapel is the site of Olomouc's city prison. It is where the Catholic priest Jan Sarkander was interrogated and tortured to death in 1620 after refusing to break the seal of confession. The two-story chapel features a circular opening in the floor, allowing light into the basement, which contains a replica of the medieval torture rack used on Sarkander.

Visitors can explore the ornate chapel interior, view the basement torture exhibit and view the statue of St. John Sarkander. Sarkander was sainted in 1995 and attracted Catholic pilgrims to the chapel. Visitors can light candles, sit quietly, take photographs and learn more on information panels. Guided tours are available for groups by appointment. The site appeals to visitors of all backgrounds interested in Czech history, architecture and Christian heritage. The Chapel of St. John Sarkander offers free admission and is open to the public. Donations are welcome to support the preservation of this 17th-century landmark commemorating Olomouc's native martyr saint.

16. Svatý Kopeček (“Holy Hill”)

Svatý Kopeček, known as Holy Hill, is located outside the city of Olomouc in Czech. The hill is 300 meters above sea level and it has been a site of pilgrimage and religious devotion since at least the early 17th century. Svatý Kopeček features the Way of the Cross that leads to the top of the hill, lined with 15 brick chapels representing the Stations of the Cross. The chapels contain altars, benches and religious artwork for contemplation during the ascent. The summit of the hill lies the Chapel of St. Sebastian, an early 17th-century Baroque church, along with a bell tower and the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre.

Visitors to Svatý Kopeček can hike the Way of the Cross, tour the historic chapels and church, admire countryside views from the top and explore the nature trails winding through the surrounding landscape. The hill and surrounding 36 hectares were declared a protected nature reserve in 1946. Svatý Kopeček appeals to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, from pilgrims to hikers to tourists. Walking the Way of the Cross and exploring the Baroque church complex at the top of Svatý Kopeček is free and open to visitors year-round. Guided tours and entry to the on-site museum do require paid admission.

17. Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary

The Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is located on Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) near the city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. The Baroque pilgrimage church was built between 1669 and 1679 on the site of a chapel that was constructed in the 1620s after an Olomouc merchant named Jan Andrýsek had a vision of the Virgin Mary there.

The church has a distinctive two-tower façade and adjoining side wings with statues of the twelve apostles and two saints. The interior features a massive dome over a single nave flanked by side chapels. Numerous painters, sculptors and plasterers contributed to the ornate Baroque interior decoration featuring frescoes, stucco work and sculptures. Pope John Paul II visited and designated the church as a minor basilica, placing it under direct papal patronage.

Visitors to the Basilica can take guided tours to access areas usually closed to the public, such as the choir area overlooking the nave or the walkways inside the church's dome. The basilica complex also includes cloisters, a museum with religious artifacts and a path styled after the Holy Stairs in Jerusalem. The beautiful architecture and artwork make this a popular destination for pilgrimages, worship services and religious concerts. The basilica and surrounding holy site welcome visitors of all ages and faiths to experience the history and grandeur of this Baroque church. There is no cost to enter the basilica, but donations are accepted. Guided tours can be booked for a small fee.

18. Archbishop's Palace

The Archbishop's Palace is in the historic city center of Olomouc at Wurmova 9, built between 1664 to 1669. This Baroque palace has served as the official residence of Olomouc's archbishops for over 300 years. The Archbishop's Palace features a well-preserved interior with ornate decoration in styles ranging from Rococo to Neo-Baroque. The palace is considered an important example of Baroque secular architecture in the Czech lands.

The two-story Archbishop's Palace features richly decorated rooms on the upper level, linked to important historical events and figures. The interiors display a range of artistic styles spanning the 17th to early 20th centuries, including Rococo, Empire and Neo-Baroque elements. Among the standouts are the Knights' Hall, which has a coffered ceiling, portraits of prince-bishops and archbishops and the Baroque Chapel of St. John the Baptist. The palace also houses space for temporary exhibitions. Visitors can tour the Baroque staterooms and chapel, admire the architectural details and view the works of art, such as ceiling frescoes, paintings, sculptures and stucco decoration. The Archbishop's Palace appeals primarily to adult visitors interested in Czech history, Baroque art and architecture. The palace interiors and exhibits also provide insight into the lives of past archbishops. Entry to the Archbishop's Palace is by guided tour only. Tours last 45 minutes and are available in Czech, English and German. Tours must be booked in advance online or at the Olomouc tourist information.

19. Church of Saint Michael

The Church of Saint Michael is located in Olomouc, Czech Republic. It is a Baroque church with three distinctive domes that dominates the city's skyline. The church was built between 1673 and 1686 on the site of an earlier 13th-century Gothic church devoted to Saint Michael the Archangel. The interior features ornate Baroque decoration, including sculptures, paintings and stucco work. The single-nave church has shallow side chapels and three domes symbolizing the Holy Trinity. A monumental high altar depicts Saint Michael defeating Satan. Other highlights are the wooden ceiling from 1730, the Baroque pulpit and organ case.

The church complex includes a Gothic bell tower, cloisters, the Saint Alexius Chapel and a small museum with religious artifacts. The church underwent restoration in the Neo-Baroque style. Its important role as a Catholic pilgrimage church was recognized when Pope John Paul II conferred minor basilica status on it in 1995. Visitors can tour the beautiful Baroque interior, view the paintings, sculptures and stucco work and attend services, concerts or other events hosted at the basilica. Guided tours allow access to areas normally closed to the public. The basilica welcomes visitors of all ages and faiths interested in experiencing its history, architecture and artworks. There is no admission fee to enter the Church of Saint Michael. Donations are accepted to support the preservation of the basilica.

20. Hradisko Monastery

The Hradisko Monastery is located in the northern part of Olomouc, Czech. It was originally established as a Benedictine monastery in 1078 and taken over by Premonstratensian monks in the mid-12th century. The monastery complex has been devastated, rebuilt and expanded numerous times. The present-day Baroque buildings were constructed between 1661 and 1737 according to plans by architects Giovanni Pietro Tencalla and Filiberto Lucchese.

The imposing monastery occupies over a hectare of land. Its architecture represents one of the most valuable preserved works of Central European Baroque. The almost square floor plan has four wings surrounding a central courtyard, corner towers and a moat. The northern part is in the Italian Mannerist style, while the southern Prelature building is High Baroque with lavish exterior sculptural decoration. The interiors feature frescoed ceilings, stucco ornamentation, sculptures and paintings, much of it reconstructed in a 1990s restoration. The monastery housed the Olomouc Military Hospital. Parts of the complex are open for guided tours on certain weekends, allowing public access to this national cultural monument. Concerts and other cultural events also periodically take place in its spectacular Baroque spaces. Visitors can tour parts of the Baroque monastery on guided tours on scheduled weekends. The tours allow you to view the architecture and decorated interiors not normally accessible. The monastery also hosts occasional concerts and cultural events open to the public. The guided tours and events at Hradisko Monastery appeal to adults interested in Czech history, Baroque architecture and decorative arts. The spectacular interiors also make it an impressive venue for classical music concerts. Guided tours of the Hradisko Monastery have an admission fee. Special weekend cultural events may also have ticket prices. General admission to walk the grounds around the monastery complex is free.

What are the best museums to visit in Olomouc?

Listed below are the best museums to visit in Olomouc.

• Pevnost poznání (Science Museum). Pevnost poznání is an interactive science museum at 17. listopadu 7, Olomouc, Czechia, inside the historic Korunní pevnůstka complex. The museum was built in the 1850s as an artillery warehouse for the Olomouc fortress and was restored and opened as a science museum in 2015. Pevnost poznání features four main exhibitions spanning topics like physics, astronomy, biology and local history.
• Olomouc Museum of Natural History. The Olomouc Museum of Natural History is right on Republic Square in the city center of Olomouc. The museum offers hands-on interactive dioramas and displays. It creatively showcases diverse topics in natural history, like evolution, paleontology, zoology, botany and mineralogy. Both children and adults who have an interest in science and natural history will enjoy exploring the captivating exhibits. The innovative experiences make the Olomouc Museum of Natural History a top museum choice when visiting Olomouc.

What are the best things to do in Olomouc with kids?

Listed below are the best things to do in Olomouc with kids.

• Olomouc Zoo. Olomouc Zoo in Olomouc, Czech, has a wide variety of animals from around the world that kids will enjoy seeing, including elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers and monkeys. Kids and toddlers can walk along paths winding through naturalistic enclosures to view the animals up close. There is also a children's zoo area where families with kids can pet and feed some domesticated animals like goats, pigs and ponies.
• Pevnost poznání (Science Museum). Pevnost poznání in Olomouc is an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits demonstrating scientific principles in physics, astronomy, biology and geology. Some highlights include a planetarium with space shows, an aquarium room and a chemistry lab where kids can conduct experiments. There are also special programs and workshops designed specifically for children and families.
• Arion Fountain. Arion Fountain allows kids to bathe in the fountain pool, which makes Olomouc the only city in the Czech Republic with a public swimming pool on Market Square. Visitors such as kids, toddlers and their families can admire the statues, make wishes, splash in the pool and enjoy street performers in the lively square. Visitors can bathe in the fountain pool, which makes Olomouc the only city in the Czech Republic with a public swimming pool on the Market Square.

What are the best activities for a business traveler in Olomouc?

Listed below are the best activities for a business traveler in Olomouc.

• Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc. The Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc is conveniently located right next to the main train station at Jeremenkova 36, 779 00 Olomouc. This modern business hotel has meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual technology that are available to rent by the hour or day. Business travelers can conduct meetings, conferences or presentations with ease. There is also a well-equipped business center onsite to support remote working needs.
• Impact Hub Olomouc. Impact Hub Olomouc offers flexible, professional environments for remote corporate employees in Olomouc. Impact Hub provides hot desk rentals, private offices, meeting rooms, printing and wifi access and more. Freelancers, entrepreneurs or employees working remotely can be productive here.
• Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum. Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum grounds provide a unique setting for corporate group activities. Team-building events like archery tournaments or medieval-themed feasts could engage colleagues. The museum also houses centuries of Olomouc history to explore.
• Olomouc Museum of Art (Muzeum umění Olomouc). Business travelers looking for cultural engagement might arrange a private corporate tour at Olomouc Museum of Art in Olomouc. This art museum houses an impressive collection of Gothic art and Baroque sculptures that could inspire colleagues. Private guided tours for groups can be booked in advance. The museum also has a café onsite suitable for more informal business meetings.

Where is Olomouc?

Olomouc has a long and interesting history and its precise etymology remains somewhat uncertain. One prevailing theory suggests that the name Olomouc could have originated from the personal name Olmút, signifying “Olmút's” castle or court. Another theory proposes that it may have been derived from the Proto-Slavic words “ol”, meaning ‘beer' and “mútit” meaning ‘to make noise'. One fascinating legend connects the city to Roman times, suggesting that Julius Caesar's legionnaires established a fort here known as Iuliomontium or Julimons, which supposedly gave rise to the name Olomouc. While traces of a Roman camp have been discovered, the Julius Caesar connection is more a product of Renaissance-era storytelling.

Geographically, Olomouc is situated approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) northeast of Brno and 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Prague. The city primarily occupies a flat and fertile terrain in the Upper Morava Valley, with an eastern section extending into the Nízký Jeseník range, featuring the city's highest point at 444 meters (1,457 feet) above sea level. The Morava River and its tributary, the Mlýnský Stream, flows through Olomouc, while the Bystřice River converges with the Morava in the city center. Additionally, Olomouc's natural surroundings include the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, located to the north and Chomoutovské Lake in the northern part of the municipal territory, known for its significance as a habitat for migratory birds and gull colonies.

What is the history of Olomouc?

Olomouc first gained importance during the Middle Ages. During the 6th century, Slavic tribes settled in the region, with a power center emerging in Povel by the 7th century. This early prominence was disrupted when Slavic rulers in the area were defeated by Great Moravian leaders, destroying the Olomouc-Povel settlement. However, Olomouc regained its stature and later became Moravia's capital. This position was solidified in the 13th century, making it a pivotal trade and political hub. Despite its significance, the city faced adversities such as Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War, which resulted in losing its top position in Moravia to Brno.

The modern era saw Olomouc undergo vast socio-political changes. It was briefly occupied by the Prussians in 1740. The city played a significant role in European diplomacy, hosting the 1848 abdication of Emperor Ferdinand and the Punctation of Olmütz conference in 1850. The 19th century marked Olomouc's integration into the Austro-Hungarian Empire and it experienced cultural shifts with the German-speaking population becoming predominant. Anti-Semitic sentiment was also evident, as evidenced by the city's expulsion of its Jewish population in the mid-15th century, although this was later reversed in 1848. However, during World War II, the city's synagogue was destroyed under German occupation and its Jewish population faced persecution and deportation.

After World War II, the city's landscape underwent significant changes. Olomouc was returned to Czechoslovakia under a communist regime backed by the Soviet Union. This period saw restoration efforts, such as rebuilding the city's astronomical clock, which the retreating German army had damaged. Post-war tensions also led to the expulsion of the city's ethnic Germans. Today, Olomouc stands as a testament to its resilience and rich history, boasting the third-largest urban monument reservation in the Czech Republic, following only Prague.

What language is spoken in Olomouc?

The primary language spoken in Olomouc is Czech. Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic and it is used for communication in various aspects of daily life, including education, government and media. In Olomouc, as in other parts of the country, residents commonly use Czech for their daily interactions and visitors will find that knowledge of the Czech language is essential for effective communication.

Additionally, due to its location in the Czech Republic, Olomouc is not typically considered a bilingual or multilingual city. While some residents may have knowledge of other languages, especially English and German, as secondary languages, these are not as widely spoken or used in day-to-day affairs as Czech. Therefore, tourists and visitors are encouraged to have at least a basic understanding of Czech or carry translation tools when exploring Olomouc to facilitate their interactions with locals.

What timezone is Olomouc on?

Olomouc is located in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1 (Coordinated Universal Time plus one hour). This means that Olomouc is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) when standard time is in effect. However, it's important to note that Olomouc, like many other places in Central Europe, observes Daylight Saving Time (DST).

During Daylight Saving Time, Olomouc shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. This occurs typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October when the clocks are set one hour forward. When CEST is in effect, Olomouc is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Travelers and residents in Olomouc should know these time changes to ensure they have the correct local time.

How many people live in Olomouc?

Olomouc has a total population of approximately 237,291 residents. This population is divided into 115,846 males and 121,445 females. The age distribution consists of 38,845 individuals aged 0-14 years, 150,871 individuals aged 15-64 years and 47,575 individuals aged 65 and over. In terms of ethnic composition, the majority of the population identifies as Czechs, with 140,034 individuals, followed by Moravians, Slovaks, Ukrainians and other ethnic groups, with respective populations of 31,687, 3,013, 768 and 6,655.

What are the neighborhoods of Olomouc?

Listed below are some of the neighborhoods of Olomouc.

• Svatý Kopeček. Svatý Kopeček is a district of Olomouc located to the northeast of the city center. It is known for its pilgrimage site, the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, which is a significant religious and cultural landmark in the area.
• Nový Svět. Nový Svět, meaning “New World” in English, is a residential neighborhood in Olomouc. While it may not have specific notable landmarks, it offers a quiet and suburban living environment for its residents.
• Černovír. Černovír is a district in the southern part of Olomouc. It is home to the Svatý Kopeček Forest Park, providing residents with green spaces and recreational opportunities.
• Povel. Povel is an area in Olomouc with historical significance as it was once a center of political power in the early Middle Ages. It's now part of the city and features historical sites and neighborhoods.
• Bělidla. Bělidla is another residential area in Olomouc, offering housing options for the city's residents.
• Řepčín. Řepčín is a district known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Olomouc Zoo, making it a potentially attractive area for families and nature lovers.

What is the most interesting facts about Czechia and Olomouc?

Find below the most interesting facts about Czechia and Olomouc.

• Currency. Olomouc uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) as its official currency. This currency is unique to Czechia and has a rich history, with the country having its distinct banknotes and coins. Even though Czechia is a member of the European Union, it hasn't adopted the Euro. Tourists need to ensure they have the local currency or a method to exchange or withdraw it while visiting. Many places accept credit cards, but having some cash is advisable, especially in smaller establishments.
• Timezone. Olomouc falls under the Central European Time (CET) zone during standard time. It adopts Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving. This means that Olomouc aligns its time with many other European countries, facilitating synchronized business and travel schedules. Adjustments for daylight saving are typical; clocks move forward an hour in the spring and backward in the fall. Being aware of this time zone is crucial for travelers to plan their arrivals, departures and activities.
• Language. The primary language spoken in Olomouc is Czech. Czech is a Slavic language and is quite distinct from its neighboring languages, though there are some similarities with Slovak. While Czech is the dominant language, due to tourism and business, English and other languages are spoken, especially in establishments catering to tourists. Learning a few basic Czech phrases can enhance the travel experience and is often appreciated by locals. However, signs in tourist areas and many services are available in multiple languages for convenience.
• Power Plugs. Olomouc uses Type E power plugs and sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different plug types will need an adapter to use their electronic devices. It's crucial to ensure that any electronics brought to Olomouc can support the 230 V voltage to prevent damage. Most modern chargers for phones, laptops and cameras are designed for a range of voltages, but it's always best to check before plugging them in.

What is Olomouc famous for?

Olomouc is famous for its rich historical heritage and architectural landmarks. The city's most popular attraction is its UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column, which is an example of Baroque architecture built in the early 18th century. Olomouc is also known for its stunning St. Wenceslas Cathedral, which features impressive Gothic and Romanesque elements. Furthermore, the city is famous for its astronomical clock, showcasing a unique procession of proletarians instead of saints, reflecting the historical and political changes of the time.

Olomouc is also celebrated for its healthy student life, as it is home to Palacký University, one of the country's oldest higher education institutions. Its lively atmosphere, with numerous cafes, bars and cultural events, has earned it a reputation as a youthful and dynamic place. Additionally, Olomouc is famous for its cuisine, offering traditional Czech cuisine and local specialties, making it a delightful destination for food lovers.

What to do in Olomouc in a day?

Listed below are the best things to do in Olomouc in a day.

• Breakfast. Start the day at one of the local cafés in the city center, indulging in traditional Czech pastries like “koláče” and sipping on freshly brewed coffee.
• Morning. Head to the impressive Holy Trinity Column and then explore the St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral, which combines Gothic and Romanesque architecture and climb its tower for panoramic views.
• Lunch. Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine at a local tavern; dishes like “svíčková” (marinated beef) or “guláš” (goulash) are hearty and flavorful, perfect for refueling.
• Afternoon. Visit the Olomouc Town Hall, marvel at its historical architecture and catch the hourly show at the Astronomical Clock. Then, take a leisurely stroll in the city's parks or along its quaint streets, taking in the local atmosphere.
• Snacks. Grab “trdelník”, which is a sweet pastry, from a street vendor and perhaps try a local Czech beer at a nearby pub.
• Evening. Conclude the day with a dinner at a cozy restaurant and go for dishes like “pečená kachna” (roast duck) and enjoy the lovely night of the city, perhaps catching a cultural performance or simply strolling along the lit-up historic sites.

How many days to spend in Olomouc?

Olomouc can be comfortably explored for a duration of two days. Given its compact size, its main attractions, including the Holy Trinity Column, St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral, Olomouc Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock, can be visited within this timeframe. This allows visitors to witness the highlights, immerse themselves in the local culture, savor traditional Czech cuisine and perhaps even catch a cultural performance or event. Two days in Olomouc also allows visitors to dive deeper into the local scene. Beyond the primary attractions, they can explore lesser-known gems, take leisurely strolls through the city's parks and even venture into neighborhoods like Svatý Kopeček and Černovír. This duration offers a balance between structured sightseeing and spontaneous discovery, enabling travelers to experience the city's historical and contemporary aspects.

What to eat in Olomouc?

In Olomouc, one must-try dish is “Olomoucké tvarůžky”, which are small, savory and creamy cheese rounds unique to the region. These tvarůžky are often breaded and fried, served with a side of bread and they offer a distinctive, tangy flavor that is an acquired taste but a must-experience local specialty. Another classic Czech dish is “Svíčková”, featuring marinated beef sirloin with a creamy sauce, cranberry compote and bread dumplings. This flavorful dish showcases the Czech love for hearty meat-based meals and combines sweet and savory elements. Visitors to Olomouc can also enjoy traditional Czech soups, like “bramboračka” (potato soup) or “česnečka” (garlic soup), both hearty and comforting choices. To satisfy the sweet tooth, “trdelník”, a rolled pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon, is a popular street food snack.

What are the top restaurants to eat and drink in Olomouc?

Listed below are the top restaurants to eat and drink in Olomouc.

• Moravská restaurace. Known for its authentic Czech cuisine, tMoravská restaurace offers traditional dishes like “guláš” (goulash) and “knedlíky” (dumplings). Diners often praise its cozy atmosphere and regional Moravian wines.
• Drapal Restaurant. Established in 1919, Drapal is one of Olomouc's oldest eateries. It's known for its Czech meals, including the much-loved “svíčková” (marinated beef with creamy sauce) and delicious homemade pastries.
• Svatováclavský pivovar. Svatováclavský pivovar, this microbrewery and restaurant is celebrated for its freshly brewed beers and a menu comprising Czech classics like “vepřo-knedlo-zelo” (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut). The lively vibes make it a favorite among locals and visitors.
• Cafe New One. Ideal for coffee lovers and those looking for lighter fare, Cafe New One offers a mix of modern dishes, delicious desserts and a broad selection of coffees and teas. Its contemporary setting is perfect for brunch or afternoon breaks.
• U Červeného volka. Specializing in steak and grill, U Červeného volka promises quality meats prepared to perfection. With a warm, rustic environment, guests often opt for the steak platter with a selection of local Moravian wines.

Where to stay in Olomouc? (neighborhoods)

Listed below are the best neighborhoods to stay in Olomouc.

• Holice. A peaceful residential area, Holice provides a relaxing retreat from the city's crowded center. With local parks and green spaces, it's ideal for those seeking relaxation while still within easy reach of main attractions.
• Lazce. Lazce features a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences. Its close proximity to the city center and an array of local eateries make it a favored spot for visitors.
• Nová Ulice. Located near the heart of Olomouc, Nová Ulice offers a lively urban experience. Its streets are lined with shops, cafes and cultural sites, making it perfect for tourists exploring on foot.
• Povel. A historic part of the city, Povel is steeped in Olomouc's rich past. Its ancient buildings and landmarks provide a deep dive into the city's history, making it a must-stay for history lovers.
• Černovír. Offering a blend of urban and natural landscapes, Černovír is located near the Morava River. The scenic river views and easy access to nature trails and city amenities make it a balanced choice for travelers.
• Klášterní Hradisko. Known for its monastic heritage, Klášterní Hradisko offers a unique blend of spiritual relaxation and architectural beauty. It's a perfect escape for those looking to experience a quieter side of Olomouc while still being connected to the main attractions.

What are the best hotels in Olomouc?

Listed below are the best hotels in Olomouc.

• Nezvalova Archa. Nezvalova Archa, this cozy hotel, offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring Olomouc's attractions. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and complimentary breakfast.
• Comfort Hotel Olomouc Centre. Situated in the city center, Comfort Hotel Olomouc Centre provides well-appointed rooms and excellent access to local landmarks. travelers often praise its cleanliness and convenient parking facilities.
• NH Collection Olomouc Congress. With stylish and spacious rooms, NH Collection Olomouc Congress caters to both business and leisure travelers. It features a fitness center, on-site dining options and easy access to the Olomouc Exhibition Center.
• Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc. Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc is a modern hotel with extensive conference facilities that are suitable for business travelers. It features comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a wellness area, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Hotel Arigone. Located in a historic building, Hotel Arigone offers charm and elegance. Guests enjoy the unique atmosphere, helpful staff and the on-site restaurant, which serves Czech and international cuisine.
• Miss Sophie's. Miss Sophie's is a boutique hotel that combines contemporary design with a historic setting. It's known for its stylish rooms, exceptional customer service and charming courtyard for relaxation.

What is the transportation like in Olomouc?

Olomouc, as a mid-sized city, has a well-developed and efficient public transportation system, primarily managed by trams and buses. While the city doesn't have a metro system, its trams serve as the backbone of urban mobility, connecting key neighborhoods, attractions and commercial areas with frequent and timely service. Buses further expand the reach of public transportation, especially to areas not served by tram lines. Both trams and buses operate regularly and their routes are conveniently mapped for locals and tourists.

For those looking for more flexibility or wishing to explore areas outside the city, car rentals are a popular option. Numerous car rental agencies operate in Olomouc, offering a variety of vehicles to suit different needs. Taxis are also readily available, providing a quicker, although slightly more expensive, mode of transportation. They can be hailed on the streets, called through dedicated taxi services or booked via smartphone apps.

The “Olomouc Card” is a beneficial tool for visitors. This card offers free unlimited travel on city public transport and free admission or discounts to many of Olomouc's attractions, including museums, galleries and other sites of interest. Additionally, cardholders can avail of guided city tours at discounted rates. Purchasing the Olomouc Card is a cost-effective way for tourists to explore the city and its cultural offerings. It is recommended for those planning to spend several days in the area.

How to get from Olomouc airport to the city?

Olomouc does not have an airport with commercial passenger flights. Its nearest major airport is Brno-Tuřany Airport (Brno Airport), located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Olomouc. The most economical way to get from Brno Airport to Olomouc is by bus. There are direct bus services that connect the airport to Olomouc. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Bus schedules may vary, so checking in advance for the most up-to-date information is advisable. Taxis are also readily available at Brno Airport, offering a convenient and comfortable option for traveling to Olomouc. The journey by taxi usually takes around 1.5 hours, but traffic can affect travel times. Confirm the fare with the taxi driver before starting the journey. travelers who prefer independence and flexibility can rent a car at Brno Airport. Several car rental agencies operate at the airport and visitors can choose from various vehicles to suit their needs. The drive from Brno Airport to Olomouc takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions. It's essential to plan transportation in advance and consider factors such as flight arrival times and personal preferences when deciding which mode of transport to use for the journey to Olomouc.

How to get from Olomouc to Prague?

Traveling from Olomouc to Prague is straightforward, with various transportation options available. Multiple bus companies operate services between Olomouc and Prague. These buses usually depart from the main Olomouc bus station and arrive at Prague's central bus station, Florenc. The bus journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. travelers should check their schedule and consider making reservations, especially during peak travel times, to ensure they get a seat. While a taxi is more costly, it offers convenience, especially for those traveling in groups or with luggage. A taxi ride from Olomouc to Prague takes around 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Negotiating the fare with the taxi driver beforehand or ensuring the taxi meter is running to avoid unexpected charges is essential. Alternatively, travelers can book a taxi or private transfer service in advance through various service providers. For those who prefer the flexibility of traveling at their own pace, renting a car is a great option. Car rental agencies are available in Olomouc, where travelers can hire a suitable vehicle. The drive from Olomouc to Prague is about 280 kilometers (174 miles) and takes roughly 2.5 hours via the D1 motorway. travelers should be aware of tolls on Czech highways and familiarise themselves with local driving regulations and conditions before setting out.

How to get from Olomouc to Vienna?

Traveling from Olomouc to Vienna is relatively simple due to the efficient transportation networks connecting the two cities. Several bus companies operate routes between Olomouc and Vienna. Buses usually leave from the main bus station in Olomouc and arrive at Vienna's central bus station, Erdberg. The bus journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. For a smoother trip, travelers should check their schedules and book their tickets in advance, especially during high travel seasons. Opting for a taxi is more expensive but can provide convenience and directness. The drive from Olomouc to Vienna by taxi typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. Before commencing the journey, it's important for travelers to either agree on a fixed fare or ensure the taxi meter is operational to prevent any unexpected costs. Another option is to arrange a private transfer through various service providers, which can be booked in advance for a set price. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, allowing travelers to move at their own pace and explore other sights along the way. Car rental services are available in Olomouc, offering a range of vehicles to fit different needs. The distance from Olomouc to Vienna is approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) and the journey via the D1 and A5 motorways usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. travelers should be mindful of tolls on both Czech and Austrian highways and be well-acquainted with the driving regulations of both countries before starting their trip.

Are Christmas markets crowded in Olomouc?

Yes, Christmas markets in Olomouc can be crowded, especially during the holiday season. The reason for this is the popularity of these markets among both locals and tourists. Olomouc's Christmas markets offer a festive atmosphere, featuring beautifully decorated stalls selling traditional Czech holiday treats, handmade crafts and gifts. Visitors are drawn to the markets to enjoy the enchanting ambiance, taste seasonal specialties and shop for unique souvenirs. As a result, the markets tend to get crowded, particularly during weekends and closer to Christmas Eve, when many people gather to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit.

What are the best Christmas markets in Czechia?

Listed below are the best Christmas markets in Czechia.

• Prague Christmas Markets. The Christmas markets in Prague are among the most famous in Europe. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square host enchanting markets with beautifully decorated stalls offering Czech crafts, festive treats and mulled wine. The backdrop of historic architecture and the towering Christmas tree creates a magical atmosphere.
• Brno Christmas Markets. Brno's Christmas markets, located in the city center, are known for their lively and festive feel. The markets feature a wide array of stalls offering handmade gifts, traditional Czech food and local wines. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances and the city's Christmas tree, filled with lights, is a stunning sight.
• Český Krumlov Christmas Markets. The town of Český Krumlov hosts Christmas markets in its medieval setting. The markets in the town square offer unique handicrafts, delicious pastries and hot drinks, where the medieval backdrop and the Vltava River add to the enchanting experience.
• Olomouc Christmas Markets. Olomouc's Christmas markets are celebrated for their historic significance. The Upper Square transforms into a festive wonderland with illuminated decorations and a nativity scene. Stalls offers local specialties, gingerbread and handmade gifts. The markets often feature a live nativity play, adding to the traditional Czech Christmas experience.

What are the best music festivals in Czechia?

Listed below are the best music festivals in Czechia.

• Rock for People. Rock for People is one of the country's largest rock music festivals, drawing top rock and alternative acts worldwide. Its reputation is built on high-energy performances and a passionate crowd. Its camping experience and lively atmosphere make it a top choice for rock lovers.
• United Islands of Prague. This festival takes place in the heart of Prague, on the Vltava River's islands. It showcases an eclectic mix of music genres, including rock, indie, electronic and hip-hop. Its unique location, with stages along the riverbanks, offers stunning city views and creates a vibrant and accessible urban festival atmosphere.
• Pohoda Festival. Although located across the border in Slovakia, the Pohoda Festival is a favorite for many Czech music lovers. It's celebrated for its diverse lineup, combining music, arts and cultural activities. Its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and its airport venue set it apart as a must-visit event.

What is the weather like in Olomouc?

Olomouc experiences a temperate oceanic climate with continental influences, which is why the city sees a mix of warm summers and chilly winters. Summers are usually mild, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, but they can occasionally see hotter days. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, though spring and early summer can bring the heaviest downpours. Winters, on the other hand, are cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing point and snowfall is a common occurrence. On rainy days in Olomouc, visitors have various indoor options. The Archdiocesan Museum is a prime destination, showcasing religious artifacts and art from the region. The Olomouc Art Museum also offers a vast visual arts collection, making it a perfect spot for art lovers. Touring the city's historic churches, such as Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, provides architectural and spiritual experiences. Another option is to relax in one of Olomouc's cozy cafes, savoring a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps taking in traditional Czech pastries.

Is Czechia worth visiting?

Yes, Czechia is worth visiting. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage, well-preserved medieval towns, stunning castles and beautiful architecture, including the famous Charles Bridge in Prague. It is known for its delicious cuisine, hearty dishes like goulash, schnitzel and world-famous beer. Czechia also offers natural landscapes, including the Bohemian Paradise, its unique rock formations and the scenic Moravian wine regions.

Is Olomouc expensive to visit?

No, Olomouc is an affordable city to visit. The cost of living in Olomouc is relatively lower compared to many Western European cities. Basic goods such as milk, cigarettes, water and breakfast are reasonably priced, making it budget-friendly for travelers. The cost of traveling within the city, including public transportation and taxis, is also affordable, allowing visitors to explore without breaking the bank. As for beer, a pint in Olomouc is often inexpensive, as Czechia is known for its excellent and affordable beer.

Is Olomouc safe?

Yes, Olomouc is a safe city for travelers. Violent crime is rare in Olomouc and the city is known for its relatively low crime rates compared to larger European cities. Tourists can comfortably explore the city and enjoy its attractions without significant safety concerns.

Is Olomouc easy to visit with kids?

Yes, Olomouc is a family-friendly destination with several attractions suitable for kids. Families can explore historical sites like the Holy Trinity Column and St. Wenceslas' Cathedral, which blend culture and history. Parks like Smetana Gardens provide open spaces for children to play and relax. The Astronomical Clock is also an interesting stop that can capture kids' imagination. Olomouc's manageable size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it convenient for families to get around. However, it's essential to check the opening hours and accessibility of specific attractions when planning a visit with kids.

What are the most famous people of Czechia abroad?

Listed below are the most famous people in Czechia abroad.

• Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (1850-1937). Masaryk is known as Czechoslovakia's founder and first President. He played a vital role in establishing the independent nation after World War I and is highly regarded for his leadership and democratic principles.
• Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). Born in what is now the Czech Republic, Freud is popular as the father of psychoanalysis. His revolutionary ideas on the human psyche, dreams and the subconscious have profoundly impacted psychology and modern thought.
• Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939). A significant figure in the Art Nouveau movement, Mucha is recognized for his distinct style, which features ornate designs and female portraits. His posters, advertisements and illustrations have left an enduring mark on graphic design.
• Franz Kafka (1883-1924). Born in Prague, Kafka is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works, such as “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial”, delve into themes of alienation, existential anxiety and the complexities of the human condition.

Where to go shopping in Olomouc?

There are several great places to go shopping in Olomouc. These are Galerie Šantovka, Olympia Olomouc, Galerie Moritz, Masné Krámy, Sokolská Street and Denisova Street. Firstly, Galerie Šantovka is a modern shopping mall located near the city center with over 200 shops, restaurants, cafes, a movie theater and more. Popular for shopping and hanging out. Secondly,

Olympia Olomouc is a large shopping mall on the outskirts of the city designed like a traditional mill complex with shops on the ground floor. It has 65 stores and a big Tesco supermarket open until midnight. Thirdly, Galerie Moritz is a shopping center located right in the heart of Olomouc's city center. The shopping center has supermarkets, drug stores, pharmacies and other everyday needs. Fourthly, Masné Krámy is a passage with shops, bars and restaurants located on the Lower Square. Recommended for a fun night out shopping, drinking and socializing, especially with students. Fifthly, Sokolská Street is known for its small local shops selling retro items, antiques, vintage clothes and hidden gems. Good for discovering “hidden shopping gems”, as the travel guides describe. Lastly, Denisova Street is a main shopping street in Olomouc, lined with stores, boutiques, malls and more right in the city center. Galerie Šantovka, Olympia and Galerie Moritz are the main shopping malls, while Masné Krámy, Sokolská Street and Denisova Street offer good local shopping, cafes and nightlife.

What festivals or events are taking place in Olomouc?

Listed below are the festivals or events taking place in Olomouc.

• Olomouc Baroque Festiva. The Olomouc Baroque Festival is an annual 6-week celebration of Baroque music and culture featuring concerts, dance, theater and more in Baroque settings across the city. The festival takes place each July-August, with main concerts happening in the Ancient Stone Quarry of Koyunbaba and other events at the Gümüşlük Festival Centre and Aktur ‘Zefirya Cultural Centre'. It showcases local and international Baroque artists and ensembles and attracts thousands of attendees.
• Flora Olomouc. Flora Olomouc is Olomouc's annual international flower and gardening exhibition, running for over 40 years, in June at the Exhibition Centre Flora Olomouc venue. It displays stunning floral designs, innovative garden concepts and beautiful landscapes for the public to explore and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
• International Organ Festival Olomouc. The International Organ Festival Olomouc is an annual 2-week festival held each September featuring organ concerts on Olomouc's historic organ, one of the largest in the Czech Republic, located at St. Maurice's Church. Renowned artists perform to hundreds to thousands of attendees throughout the festival.
• Dvořák’s Olomouc International Music Festival. Dvořák’s Olomouc International Music Festival is Olomouc's annual multi-week classical music festival started over 60 years ago, usually happening in late spring, showcasing eminent musicians and ensembles at venues across the city. It has attracted renowned artists and thousands of music lovers over its long-running history. It is one of the anticipated festivals in Olomouc.

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Things to Do in Olomouc Region, Czech Republic - Olomouc Region Attractions

Things to do in olomouc region, explore popular experiences, popular cities in olomouc region.

Tours & Sightseeing

Top Attractions in Olomouc Region

Private & Custom Tours

What travelers are saying

• Katedrála sv. Václava
• Holy Trinity Column
• Bouzov Castle
• Astronomical Clock
• Olomouc Town Hall
• Zoo Olomouc
• Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Station Dlouhe Strane
• Javoricske Cave
• The nature trail. Rejvíz - Mechová jezírka
• Jeskyne Na Pomezi
• Day trip to 2 UNESCO Moravian towns of Kromeriz and Olomouc
• Prague All-in-one - city & park e-bike tour (7hrs)
• Czech Castles Scooter Tour for 1 day. The East Way. (audio guide)

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Upper square
• 4.2 Churches and monasteries
• 4.3 Palaces
• 4.4 Museums and galleries
• 4.5 Fountains
• 4.6 Parks and gardens
• 7.1 Traditional cuisine
• 7.2 Restaurants
• 8.1 Mineral water
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Olomouc ( Olomóc or Holomóc in the local dialect, Olmütz in German) has the second largest and second oldest historic preservation zone in the Czech Republic (after Prague ). Olomouc lies astride the Morava River and is surrounded by the fertile Haná plain. It was the capital of Moravia until 1641 and is the sixth-largest city in the country, with approximately 100,000 inhabitants (2022).

Understand [ edit ]

The first written mention of a settlement at Olomouc is almost 1,000 years ago when the Kosmas Chronicle described a fortified castle watching over the important Morava river ford on the road between Kraków and Prague . Between 16th and 19th centuries, Olomouc served as a strategically important fortress. The city today is the seat of the regional government, the Moravian archbishopric and the oldest university in Moravia, Palacky University ( Universita Palackého ).

Legend claims that the city was founded by Julius Caesar. It's almost certain that Caesar never visited in person, but it is known that the city began as a Roman military camp with the name Julii Mons (Julius' Hill). This name was gradually corrupted to its present form, Olomouc - which is pronounced 'Olo-mowts'. The Roman influence is a proud heritage of the city, and manifests itself in numerous areas.

Olomouc is doubtless the undiscovered gem of the Czech Republic. It is home to countless beautiful buildings, great culture (home of the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra), and hundreds of unique restaurants, bars, and pubs. Olomouc is totally off the radar of most tourists, feeling quietly normal and relaxed even on a nice day in July.

As the home to Palacky University, Olomouc is the country’s largest student city by percentage of population. Palacky University (named after František Palacký, the most influential figure of the Czech National Revival in the 19th century) is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country and only Charles University in Prague has a longer history. During the academic year, the population of the city is increased by roughly 20,000 students, giving the city a vibrant feeling of life and energy. This is important to remember if you want to enjoy the thriving nightlife of the city - many bars and clubs depend on the student population and close for the summer vacations.

Olomouc has been the seat of a Catholic archbishop for almost 1,000 years, and thus has some of the most beautifully decorated churches in Central Europe - though they do not appear in many travel guides.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Although Olomouc has an airport [dead link] , it is only used by the local flying club. The nearest airports with commercial flights are Brno and Ostrava , although there are more flights to Prague , Vienna , Bratislava , Katowice and Kraków . Of these, Prague, Vienna and Krakow are big airports with even intercontinental flights, whereas the others largely serve budget and charter airlines.

By train [ edit ]

Long distance trains stop at 49.5926 17.2782 1 Olomouc hlavní nádraží (Olomouc Main station).

From Prague there are multiple options: Czech Railways operate hourly fast (R), express (Ex) and EuroCity (EC) trains which take 2½ hr, and faster SC Pendolino trains which take 2 hours and require a compulsory seat reservation. The route is also served by the private companies RegioJet and Leo Express, who each operate trains every 2 hours also requiring compulsory reservations. Train fares for this route vary from 199 Kč to 289 Kč in standard class.

Coming from Brno , trains on the most direct route via Prostějov take 1½ hr and leave every two hours. Beware that aside from these, there are also trains that run from Brno to Olomouc via Břeclav which take 2 hours longer and should not be used for this route. From Ostrava the ride takes 1h. Beware of some fast trains (category R ) from Ostrava to Olomouc, which take a longer route through the Jeseníky mountains for over 3 hours.

From Warsaw there are three daytime connections, which take 6 hours and one night train which takes 9 hours. From Krakow there is one daytime connection which takes 5 hours, and one night train which takes 6 hours. Other connections require at least two changes. From Vienna there are several train connections; with changes either in Přerov or in Ceská Třebova , and it will take you about 3 hours.

By bus [ edit ]

Student Agency operates buses between Prague and Olomouc, but they are much slower than trains, because their route leads all the way down to Brno before turning up towards Prague.

By car [ edit ]

Major roads lead to Olomouc; D35 from Hradec Králové (and further from Prague and Germany), D35 in the other direction from Ostrava and Poland, highway 55 from Zlín and northern Slovakia as well as D46 from Brno (and further from Vienna, Bratislava and Hungary).

Get around [ edit ]

Olomouc city centre is best explored on foot. Its historic centre is charming and it offers many opportunities for pleasant walks.

Public transportation is cheap and easy to use. There are ticket machines at every major bus and tram stop and tickets are also available from newspaper kiosks. A single trip ticket costs 14 Kč (as of Jun 2019) and is valid for 40 minutes on workdays and 60 minutes on other days. See a city line map [dead link] and online timetable .

Integrated Transport System of Olomouc Region (IDSOK) provides an extensive network of local trains (category Os and Sp ) and buses in the whole region. Olomouc region is divided into zones, and the ticket price [dead link] depends on number of passed zones. Zone 71 (Olomouc city) has a special tariff, described above.

Taxis gather in the carpark at the front of the train station, and the ride from there to the centre should be between 100-150 Kč. The free-call number is ☏ +420 800 223 030 .

See [ edit ]

Olomouc is an exploring sightseer's paradise. A good place to begin is the main square ( Horní náměstí or 'Upper Square'), with its huge Town Hall and the Holy Trinity Column (the largest column in Europe), which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. It is the second largest historical square in the Czech Republic. Don't miss the astronomical clock on the Town Hall. It is said to once have rivalled the beauty of Prague's, but was seriously damaged in the World War II and then rebuilt and repainted at the beginning of the Communist regime to reflect worker's values.

Upper square [ edit ]

The 49.5939 17.2513 1 Upper Square ( Horní náměstí ) is the main square of Olomouc, a beautiful place full of history where you can find some of the most important monuments:

• The renaissance Olomouc Town Hall occupies the centre of the main square ( Horní náměstí ). Its halls and chapel are accessible on guided tours and it's possible to climb the tower each day at 11:00 and 15:00. The ground floor of the town hall houses a gallery, restaurant and the tourist information office. Ask in the office if you are interested in the guided tour and climbing the tower. On the north face is one of only two astronomical clocks in the country. On the west side, there is the Hygieia fountain from 1945, one of the many fountains in the city.
• The baroque Caesar's Fountain is the largest fountain in Olomouc. It depicts the legendary founder of the city, Gaius Julius Caesar, riding a horse. It is one of the six great baroque Roman-themed fountains you can find in the city.
• The baroque Hercules' Fountain depicts Hercules fighting Hydra. Another from the series of the six great baroque Roman-themed fountains you can find in the city.
• The modern Arion's Fountain depicts the legend of a poet thrown overboard and saved by a dolphin. It was specially designed to allow easy access to the water and is a favourite among children.
• The bronze model of the city .

Churches and monasteries [ edit ]

Palaces [ edit ]

• 49.59805 17.26237 10 The Premyslid palace ( Přemyslovský palác , Romanesque Bishop’s Palace, Zdíkův palác ), Václavské nám. 4 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 . The building has undergone a thorough restoration and now houses the extensive Archdiocese museum. The building is the oldest in Olomouc and much of the original stonework has been exposed. On the upper floors, the circular chapel of St Barbara is a highlight. 70 Kč / 35 Kč. Su, 1st W of month, certain public holidays free .  

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

• Commercial Art Galleries Czech and Moravian artists produce a lot of very unusual ceramic and pottery pieces and small works of art, which make great original souvenirs or gifts, and there are several shops and galleries in Olomouc filled with them. Some of the best are situated on 49.5953 17.25424 13 Ztracena Ulice which heads off the square from the Caesar fountain. Next to Cafe Caesar in the town hall building is the 49.59398 17.25176 14 Gallery Caesar . It almost always exhibits contemporary art from local Olomouc or Czech artists. The 49.59311 17.25084 15 Gallery Mona Lisa (also a café), on the corner of the square near the Arion fountain (turtle fountain) is a similar exhibition space focused on contemporary art. In the beautiful 49.59412 17.25508 16 Villa Primavesi right next to St Michael’s Church there is another small gallery worth visiting if only for the chance to wander through the entrance hall of this historic house. On the top floor of the local art museum there is a small exhibit about Villa Primavesi, its history and role in the Art Nouveau movement.
• 49.603632 17.277274 17 Veteran Arena , Sladovní 103/3 , ☏ +420 585 157 438 . Apr-Oct: Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Motor museum with a large collection of well-preserved historic cars and motorcycles, focused mostly on Czechoslovak pre-war production, mainly Tatra, Praga, Aero, Škoda, Jawa and Walter. 198 Kč / 148 Kč . ( updated May 2019 )

Fountains [ edit ]

• Baroque Fountains . The city’s impeccable series of six stone baroque fountains are all within easy walking distance of the Main Square. They are based on Roman themes, and depict Neptune, 49.59173 17.25334 18 Jupiter (both on Dolní náměstí ), Mercury (near the Galerie Moritz mall), Triton (on Náměstí republiky ), Hercules, and the legendary founder of Olomouc, Julius Caesar (both on Horní náměstí , the main square). There are also two more baroque fountains that were damaged and lost their central statues, Saturn fountain in the Hradisko monastery and Dolphin fountain near the Virgin Mary church. The missing statue of a child with a dolphin on the latter fountain was replaced with a lion's head.
• Modern fountains . There are also several remarkable modern fountains in Olomouc. The Arion fountain in the main square depicts the legend of a poet thrown overboard and saved by a dolphin. It was specially designed to allow easy access to the water and is a favourite among children. Hygieia fountain can be found nearby in the west wall of the Town Hall. Bronze Living Water fountain can be found next to the Chapel of St. Sarkander. There are also two fountains located near the Main Railway Station, one of which ‘dances’ along to recorded classical music.

Parks and gardens [ edit ]

• 49.5937 17.257 20 Bezručovy Sady (Bezruč gardens) is a lovely park that runs between the massive Fortress walls and the Mill channel, providing a great place to stroll and relax, also nice views of the University and St. Michael's Church.
• 49.5931 17.2609 21 Botanic Gardens , ☏ +420 585 225 566 , [email protected] . Apr-Oct: Tu-Su 09:30–18:00 . The Botanical gardens are in two parts; the outdoor exhibits and rose gardens are across the stream from Bezruč gardens. 50 Kč / 30 Kč .  

The 49.5871 17.2488 22 greenhouses are behind the Flora exhibition complex; near where the footbridge goes over the main road to connect the two parks together. The main tropical greenhouse also holds large aquariums and terrariums with a range of alligators, snakes, piranhas, and large furry spiders.

Others [ edit ]

• The University is spread throughout the city, but the most interesting parts to visitors are between the main square and St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral. The fine arts faculty has 49.59495 17.25562 23 a sunny terrace courtyard with a café and views over the city walls from above. Also notable is the 49.5905 17.2622 24 law campus on 17th. November Ave, which used to be the headquarters of the Communist party.
• City Walls A series of defensive fortifications and moats once completely enclosed Olomouc. The best preserved parts are visible from the Bezruč gardens, below St. Michaels church. The water barracks that today house the Russian and Irish pubs and the 24-hr espresso bar were also part of the system. There were also sixteen outlying forts, some of which still exist. Most still belong to the military and are off limits to the public, but one is home to ‘Exit discotheque’, and another is within the grounds of the botanic gardens. Enter just across the mill channel from Bezruč gardens, via the footbridge guarded by the four statues of Hercules.

Do [ edit ]

• 49.59329 17.2504 1 Theater ( Moravské divadlo Olomouc ), Horní nám. 22 , ☏ +420 585 500 500 , [email protected] . The theatre in the square is home to the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as numerous musicals, operas, and plays. The price for tickets is difficult to beat. Be warned that the dialogue will usually be either in Czech or the original language. Starting at 130 Kč .  
• 49.59702 17.2448 2 Ice Hockey stadium , Hynaisova 9a . The Ice Hockey stadium is on Hynaisova, behind the supermarket. Olomouc is more of a football than a hockey town, but ice hockey is a great spectator sport, a real piece of local life and probably the best two hours’ entertainment you will find for 50 Kč.  
• Football: SK Sigma Olomouc pay soccer in First League, the top tier. Their home ground Andrův stadion (capacity 12,500) is 500 m north of town centre.
• Letní Kino (summer cinema) is only open in the warmer months and shows films four nights a week, beginning as soon as it gets dark enough. The entrance is from Pekarska Ul. You can’t see the cinema from the street but it’s the same entrance as the mini-golf and you will walk past a large outdoor beer garden before finding the entrance to the cinema. The cinema is an amphitheatre that can hold 3000 people. You can see it quite well on the town model in the main square.

Events [ edit ]

• Flora Olomouc In Spring, you should not miss the Flora Fairgrounds and nearby parks full of flowers. The information about exhibitions is available at the Flora Fairgrounds website (in Czech only).
• Academia Film is an international festival of documentary films in April. Most venues are close to the fine arts faculty of the university, with some being shown outdoors on a screen in the main square.
• Dvořak's Olomouc [dead link] is a series of concerts of classical music taking place during May and June. The Moravian Philharmonic and visiting orchestras perform on the square and in the churches.
• The Festival of Songs in June gathers choirs from as far as Singapore and the United States to perform and compete. The choirs often burst spontaneously into song as they walk together around the streets and squares and it's a delightful time to be in Olomouc.
• Olomouc City Festival in June is ten days of concerts, theatre, sculpture and ceramics demonstrations, a whipped cream battle, and at least two lamplight processions.
• International Organ Music Festival is organised by the Moravian Philhamonic Orchestra and takes place in various venues around the city, including on the largest pipe-organ in central Europe-in St Moritz church in September.
• Festival of Film Animation A four-day festival of film animation and modern art is held annually in December in several locations in Olomouc.
• Traditional Christmas Markets take over the main square from the beginning of December. There are free concerts every day, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and other warming foods and traditional crafts ranging from blacksmith-work to the finest beeswax and honey products.

Buy [ edit ]

• 49.59502 17.25022 1 Galerie Moritz , 8. května 24 ( near the San Moritz church in the historical centre ), ☏ +420 585 220 833 , [email protected] . Daily 09:00 - 19:00 (Billa supermarket: 08:00 - 22:00) . Large four storey shopping mall hosting one of the biggest supermarkets in central Olomouc.  
• 49.588 17.2578 2 Galerie Šantovka , Polská 1 , ☏ +420 588 883 902 . Daily 09:00-21:00 . An enormous mall in four stories on the bank of Mýnský potok. Pretty much any kind of shops and services can be found here; supermarkets, fast food places, post office, banks, and various small shops and kiosks. On the first and second floor there's a relaxation area with Persian carpets and a piano free to play.  

Eat [ edit ]

Traditional cuisine [ edit ].

The traditional cuisine of Olomouc and the surrounding Haná region is an excellent example of Czech cuisine. In addition to more common Czech dishes, it includes some unique local specialties. One of the best known culinary products of the area is the local cheese Olomoucké tvarůžky (also called Olomoucké syrečky ). This is a traditional (since the 15th century) Czech ripened soft cheese with very low fat content, pungent taste and strong odor. The cheese is named after the city of Olomouc, but is produced in Loštice , a small city about 30 km away. The cheese is widely available on restaurant menus in the Haná region, where it can be used as a filling in a local variety of Cordon Bleu, or it can be served fried. The dishes containing this cheese can usually be recognized by the word Loštické in their names. Because of the strong odor, do not be surprised when you find some mint sweets ( Hašlerka ) on your plate.

Garlic soup ( česnečka ) is available all around the country. The garlic soup of the Haná region ( Hanácká česnečka ) is one of the best varieties and is usually very strong. If olomoucké tvarůžky are added, the soup is called Loštická česnečka . Because of the combined might of garlic and the strong ripened cheese, it is not recommended if you plan to kiss someone that evening. On the other hand, garlic is very healthy and you should get some česnečka if you have a cold or sore throat.

Hanácký koláč is the typical sweet cake of the region.

Restaurants [ edit ]

There are dozens of excellent restaurants in the city, and most have English menus. Local favorites include Cafe Caesar, which is in the renaissance Town Hall Building on the main square. Hanacka Hospoda is a more traditional Moravian restaurants, is located in the nearby lower square. On Marianska Ul. is the Svatovaclavsky Pivovar which is a non-smoking microbrewery with indoor and outdoor seating and a comprehensive menu of local specialties.

• 49.59349 17.2503 1 Moravska Restaurace , Horní náměstí 23 , ☏ +420 585 222 868 , [email protected] . 11:30-23:00 . Serving traditional food of the region, as well as international cuisine. An example from the menu is "Quarter of roast duck, red cabbage with apple, bread and potato dumplings with onion", for 240 Kč. Non-smoking.  
• 49.59196 17.25507 2 U Anděla , Hrnčířská 10 , ☏ +420 585 228 755 , [email protected] . Su-Th 11:00-22:00, F Sa 11:00-23:00 . One of the best restaurants in Olomouc. The menu and wine list are extensive, and the rear rooms of the restaurant look out from the top of the city walls across the park. The interior is decorated with lots of interesting antiques and hundreds of potted plants. An example from the menu is the "Dinosaur Steak", which is a chicken fillet on top of a pork cutlet on top of a beef steak for 169 Kč.  
• 49.59433 17.25275 3 Green Bar , Ztracená 3 , ☏ +420 777 749 285 , [email protected] . M-F 10:00-17:00 . A vegetarian lunch canteen, just a few paces from the main square along Ztracena Ul. It's self serve and the food all costs the same- 21 Kč/100 g. Just load your plate and pass it to the girl at the checkout, she'll weigh it and tell you how much you owe. The food's good, the price is a bargain, and it's Olomouc's best vegetarian option.  
• 49.59412 17.28442 4 Restaurant Pizza U Jana , Karla Farského 7 , ☏ +420 585 315 192 . 11:00-22:45 daily . This is a little way out of the centre, past the Bus Station, but it serves some of the best food in the city, especially the steaks. Lunch menu 95 Kč .  
• 49.59015 17.25618 5 Restaurant Alley , Michalské stromořadí 5 , ☏ +420 585 502 999 , [email protected] . The interior is stylish and the attendants will surely help you in choosing your meals and drinks. Lunch specials including soup from 90 Kč.  
• 49.5916 17.25379 6 Sushi Bar ( southern corner of lower square, next to the Panny Marie church ), ☏ +420 602 964 444 . 11:00-23:00 . A place to get great sushi, a bit pricey for compared to other restaurants but worth it with quiet and friendly atmosphere.  
• 49.59203 17.25191 7 Pod Limpou , Dolní nám. 43 , ☏ +420 583 035 322 . 11:00-23:00 (food served until 21:30) . Wide selection of beer and Moravian dishes. The restaurant is in a cosy, rustic basement and has a large space for outdoor dining. 24 Kč beer, 300 Kč meal and beverage .  
• 49.59401 17.25174 8 Café Restaurant Caesar , Horní náměstí , ☏ +420 585 229 287 , [email protected] . M-W 10:00–22:00, Th–Sa 10:00–23:00, Su 11:00–20:00 . The place is named after the legendary founder of the city, serves pizza and pasta and is on the ground floor of the Town Hall. In summer they have a large outdoor area right on the main square, which is the perfect place to pass a gentle summer's evening. Lunch menu 90 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59189 17.25232 9 Hanacka Hospoda , Dolní nám. 27/38 , ☏ +420 774 033 045 . Traditional Moravian restaurant, mostly meat dishes on the menu. mains usually 150-250 Kč . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 49.59592 17.25849 10 Svatovaclavsky Pivovar , Mariánská 4 , ☏ +420 585 207 517 . A non-smoking microbrewery with indoor and outdoor seating and a comprehensive menu of local specialties. Daily changing menu with three mains to choose from. daily main dish 100-120 Kč, a la carte mostly 150-250 Kč . ( updated Jun 2019 )

Drink [ edit ]

Mineral water [ edit ].

Hanácká kyselka is a well known natural mineral water of the region. It is healthy and has a refreshing taste. It is a good choice if you do not want to drink alcohol.

Wine [ edit ]

Wine is the lifeblood of Moravia. Look into any ‘vinárna’ (wine bar) or ‘vinný sklep’ (wine cellar) and you’ll see an array of characters partaking of the nectar of the vines. Most vineyards are in South Moravia but that has no effect on the drinking abilities of northern Moravians. You can buy good Moravian wine for a picnic from a vinný sklep in plastic bottles that you either bring yourself or you can find there.

If anyone has told you that Moravian wine is inferior to French or Italian wine, don’t believe them. The taste and aroma of Moravian wines vary from their Western European cousins because they are made from totally different varieties of grapes. Svatovavrinecké is a strong, drier red wine, Modrý Portugal is a medium dry and Frankovka is a sweeter red wine. Good white wines are Muller Thurgau and Veltlínské Zelené.

Beer [ edit ]

The best beer in Olomouc is available from one of the microbreweries making their own beer on the premises.

• 49.59592 17.25847 1 St Wenceslas Brewery ( Svatovaclavsky pivovar ), Mariánská 4 , ☏ +420 585 207 517 , [email protected] . M Tu 09:00-23:00, W-F 09:00-24:00, Sa 11:00–24:00, Su 11:00–22:00 . A large microbrewery serving five brews including wheat and fruit flavoured beers. The new location is completely non-smoking and has an outdoor area. In the cellar is an old nuclear fallout shelter that the proprietors plan to renovate to offer spas in oak vats of dark beer scented with a special mix of herbs. The food is very good and lunch menu start from 85 Kč. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59061 17.24978 2 Moritz , Nešverova 2 , ☏ +420 585 205 560 , [email protected] . A completely non-smoking microbrewery, which is impeccably furnished in an early 20th-century style. Large internal windows allow patrons a view of the brewing room. Lunch menu from 85 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )

Bars [ edit ]

• 49.59533 17.25527 3 [dead link] Vertigo ( Studentský klub Vertigo ), Univerzitní 6 , ☏ +420 777 059 150 , [email protected] . M–Th 13:00–02:00, F–Su 16:00–02:00 . Vertigo is a great subterranean bar, packed with local and international students, and mock cave paintings on the wall. It’s a good place to meet people because you almost always have to share a table. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59607 17.25225 4 Jazz Club Tibet , Sokolská 48 , ☏ +420 585 230 399 , [email protected] . M–F 11:00–01:00, Sa 18:00–01:00 . The club has a regular program of concerts. Everything from Jazz to Blues to funk to reggae. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59642 17.26326 5 9a Bar And Boulder , 1. máje 878/44 , ☏ +420 736 411 227 . M-Th 12:00–01:00, F–Su 15:00–01:00 . 9a is a spotless bar that is popular with university students. And rockclimbers. There's a climbing wall in one of the back rooms. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59147 17.25069 6 Rasputin , Mlýnská 952/2 , ☏ +420 608 756 723 . M–Th 14:00–01:00, F 14:00–03:00, Sa 17:00–03:00, Su 17:00–00:00 . Rasputin is a Russian themed bar in the water barracks, the long low brick building beside Freedom avenue (Tr. Svobody) which was once part of the city walls. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59101 17.25108 7 Belmondo club , Mlýnská 938/4 , ☏ +420 777 799 607 , [email protected] . W F Sa 22:00–05:00 . Belmondo is one of the better places in the centre for dancing. Also in the water barracks, there's a cover charge only on Friday and Saturday nights. Regular and visiting DJ's ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59758 17.26672 8 Klub 15 Minut , Komenského 31 ( by the river across from the orthodox church ), ☏ +420 581 045 665 . Usually Th–Sa (check the programme on Facebook) . 15 Minut has moved from its original location in the university library, but remains one of the best live music venues in the city. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59556 17.24889 9 Metro Chill Out Club , 8. května 11 , ☏ +420 585 203 121 , [email protected] . W Th 20:00–03:00, F 20:00–05:00, Sa 21:00–04:00 . A small dance club oriented around more underground styles of electronic dance music. ( updated Jul 2019 )

Cafés [ edit ]

• 49.59314 17.2507 10 Kavárna Opera ( Caffe Opera ), Horní náměstí 21 , ☏ +420 724 486 192 , [email protected] . M-Sa 08:00–23:00, Su 10:00–21:00 . Opera is another good restaurant serving Italian food. It is also located on the main square. Lunch menu 100 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.59608 17.25626 11 Cafe 87 , Denisova 47 , ☏ +420 724 211 009 , [email protected] . The café is famous for its excellent chocolate cakes (42 Kč). In the morning, they also serve excellent breakfasts in English style (60 Kč). It is in the same building as the museum of the modern art.  

Sleep [ edit ]

You can find really cheap accommodation in the student dorms in the outer suburb of Neredin, between the airport and the cemetery. There are always a few vacant rooms. Unfortunately there is not much information in English about the dorms, but the tourist information office should be able to help.

Budget [ edit ]

• 49.59636 17.24754 1 Poets' Corner Hostel , Sokolská 1 , ☏ +420 775 500 730 . Poets' Corner Hostel on Sokolska offers the best value beds in the centre of Olomouc. An independent hostel that receives consistently high reviews, it is open year round and can be booked on any of the major booking websites, or contact them directly. Dorm beds 300 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.60167 17.24944 2 Best Hotel Garni ( formerly Penzion Best ), Na Střelnici 48 ( Opposite the football stadium ), ☏ +420 604 123 661 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Very basic facilities, no window or extractor fan in toilet, no TV despite being advertised. Some "double rooms" consist of two single beds fixed about 4 metres apart from each other. Wi-Fi is a chargeable extra, and they demand full payment before issuing your key. Its best selling point may be its location. Single room from 720 Kč, double or twin from 1120 Kč, breakfast 90 Kč .  
• Students' dormitories ( Kolej ), Šmeralova 12 (administration) ( around town ), ☏ +420 777 000 202 , [email protected] . Outside the semesters the student dormitories of Olomouc University serve as lodging for tourists. The rates are rather low and the money raised from renting out the beds benefits the students. They are close to the university, and therefore also close to the historical center of the city. Rooms are for 2-3 persons or more, but they can also be rented out as single rooms (at a higher price). The dormitories also include a dining room, laundry room, gym and the reception also serves a kiosk.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 49.5911 17.2435 3 Hotel Flora , Krapkova 439/34 , ☏ + 420 585 422 200 , [email protected] . Mid-range hotel. Rooms have bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant and a wellness center. Single from 1900 Kč, double from 2300 Kč including breakfast . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 49.58431 17.25517 4 Hotel Lafayette , Alšova 178/8 , ☏ +420 585 436 600 , [email protected] . Rooms have A/C, bathroom, TV, safe. There's a guarded car park, and free Wi-Fi. Single from 1600 Kč, double from 1800 Kč including breakfast . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 49.5925 17.27588 5 Clarion Congress Hotel Olomouc ( former Hotel Sigma ), Jeremenkova 36 ( opposite the railway station ), ☏ +420 581 117 117 . Standard rooms have the amenities a mid-range hotel room usually has. The hotel has a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. standard rooms from 1900 Kč . ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 49.59228 17.25001 6 Hotel Trinity ( former Hotel Gemo ), Pavelčákova 22 , ☏ +420 581 830 811 , [email protected] . Apparently a slightly upscale hotel. Rooms have the amenities mid-range and splurge hotel rooms have. The hotel has a restaurant (open for breakfast and lunch) and a wellness studio. Single from 1600 Kč, double from 2100 Kč . ( updated Jun 2019 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 49.5903 17.2561 7 Hotel Alley ( Business hotel Alley ), Michalske stromoradi 5 , ☏ +420 585 502 999 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 10:00 . In the heart of the historic centre, in a calm environment of city parks. 2170 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 49.60122 17.24619 8 NH Olomouc Congress , Legionářská 21 , ☏ +420 585 575 111 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Short walk from the city centre. Rooms from 3100 Kč . ( updated Mar 2015 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sept 2021, Olomouc has 4G from all Czech carriers, and you might manage 5G with Vodafone.

Go next [ edit ]

Olomouc is an ideal base for daytrips into the Moravian countryside. Within an hour’s travel by car, bus, train or bicycle there are castles, cave complexes, natural reserves and well-preserved historic towns, including some on the UNESCO world–heritage list.

An enjoyable way of exploring the Olomouc region is by bike. You can rent a bike at the main railway station for 150 Kč/day and follow one of many well marked bicycle tracks. Especially good times to visit are Spring, when there are carpets of white flowers everywhere; and Autumn when the birch, linden, ash, oak and maple trees begin to change. Maps of cycling trails are available from tourist information, news stands and bookstores.

Closest to Olomouc and suitable even as half-day trips are Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill), the Litovelské Pomoraví protected natural reserve and the swimming holes at Poděbrady and Výkleky.

• Svatý Kopeček is the hill that rises up to the east of Olomouc. If you arrive by train from Prague, you’ll have a good view of the building near its peak, which is the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. Surrounded by forest behind the basilica is the Olomouc Zoo [dead link] , which is well respected for its work with more than 50 endangered species, included Rothschild’s Giraffes.
• The Litovelské Pomoraví nature park stretches from Olomouc to the town of Litovel, 18 km away along the Morava River. The walking and cycling trails across the flat flood plains and through the forests are popular with locals and suitable for outings with young children. Near U Tri Mostu (8 km from Olomouc) is a clearing with the horseriding ranch and outdoor restaurant Lovecká Chata.
• Poděbrady is a former gravel quarry that has been flooded with fresh water to form Olomouc’s most convenient natural swimming area. Just on the edge of the Litovelské Pomoraví, it’s connected to the city by walking and cycle trails or town bus #18 which stops on the nearby roadside.
• Swimming at Výkleky A prettier place to go swimming though is the old rock quarry at Výkleky, 18 km east of Olomouc. The cycling route is a little complicated, but buses to Lipník stop at Velký Ujezd, a 20-minute walk from Výkleky.

The castles, caves and historic towns are further afield and will require a vehicle or the use of public transport.

• Bouzov castle (38 km west of Olomouc) has stood on its hilltop for almost 700years, but its current appearance is from a reconstruction around the turn of the 20th century. It’s a popular location for filming fairytales, and makes a good daytrip from Olomouc, especially when combined with the nearby Javořicko caves.
• The Javořicko caves were uncovered in the 1930s and almost 800m is accessible to the public along concrete paths and steel staircases. No special clothing or equipment is necessary-perhaps just a light jacket.
• Helfštýn castle [dead link] (35 km east of Olomouc) is one of the largest castle ruins in central Europe and hosts a wide range of cultural events during the summer, including Hefaiston; the International Blacksmiths’ Seminar and Festival.
• Kroměříž (35 km south of Olomouc along the Morava River) is on the UNESCO world heritage protection list because of its remarkable baroque chateau and formal flower gardens. The chateau was a location for the Academy award winning Miloš Forman film Amadeus and houses some of the Czech Republic’s most valuable artworks.
• Litomyšl (80 km from Olomouc) is one of the Czech Republic’s prettiest small towns and is UNESCO-listed for its renaissance chateau. The chateau is covered with amazingly intricate sgraffito plaster decorations and has one of only five baroque theatres left in the world. Buses from Olomouc to Hradec Králové stop at Litomyšl or you can take the train to Česká Třebova and switch to a local bus from there.

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Olomouc – One of the Czech Republic’s Best-Kept Secrets

July 13, 2014 by Bino 1 Comment

“ Where is Olomouc? ” For most people, the sheer beauty of its ever so popular capital, Prague has essentially overshadowed any other place in the Czech Republic . Ask any regular Euro-tripper and they’d be hard-pressed to name more than one city in the Czech Republic – much less one in the east – which is a shame as the country has so much to offer.

One of those less-known destinations is the town of Olomouc , in the traditional region of Moravia . This town has mostly been under the radar, even when considering it against other secondary cities in the Czech Republic such as Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary. In its free downloadable guide , Lonely Planet actually lists this town as the most overlooked destination in Europe! Despite this apparent lack of awareness among travelers, I found Olomouc to be a really beautiful city. I stopped here for a day on my trip between Wroclaw and Budapest and found it to be a more manageable town to navigate in, but just as captivating as the other great cities of Europe.

Olomouc is said to have the second largest old town square in the Czech Republic, next to the one in Prague. Stepping into the Horni Namesti for the first time, I can’t help but notice the similarities. The sight of buildings built in the Baroque style, pastel colors and Gothic churches took me back to my trip to this same region just a year ago. The scene was unmistakeably Central European, an imperial remnant of the Austro-Hungarian empire that until today is still visible not just in Vienna or Budapest but also in places like Zagreb , Bratislava and Ljubljana.

The Horni Namesti is dominated by the white Town Hall , from which the town’s principal activities seem to emanate. It is graced by a 75 meter tall tower, from which visitors can climb up for a view of the city for a small fee. The tower is also adorned by an astronomical clock . For those who have seen the astronomical clock in Prague, the one in Olomouc doesn’t boast of elaborate shows every hour but offers a peek into the Warsaw Pact interpretation of such a clock. Rather than using religious imagery, the design here is dominated by workers, farmers and scientists and has a hint of art deco into it. At noon, there is a “mini-parade” of figurines for those looking for some simple entertainment.

Another undeniable fixture of the Horni Namesti is the impressive 35 meter Holy Trinity Column standing solo in the northwestern side of the square. While the town has several of these columns scattered all around, this particular UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly outstanding. It contains elaborate religious sculptures and is big enough to house a chapel inside. From afar, it actually resembled a Buddhist stupa, sans the golden color. It was built in the 18th century to give thanks to the end of a plague that struck Moravia in the early 1700s.

For a great view of Horni Namesti, I went over to the Church of St. Maurice from where there is a tower (donations appreciated) with a great view. I climbed up from the seemingly deserted church entrance to find a few teenagers hanging out there. Olomouc has plenty of other religious buildings, the most outstanding of which is the neo-gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral . The Hradisko Monastery just outside the downtown area is also worth a look, and is open for tours on Thursdays.

Before leaving the Czech Republic the next day, I went to the small town of Kromeriz around 40 kilometers away. The town is well-known for the Archbishop’s Palace and its accompanying gardens, which are both listed as a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site. I had a minor confusion when I visited the gardens, thinking it was the one just behind the palace. In reality, it is actually around a kilometer away to the west. I visited it, half-expecting I would see a hedge maze which didn’t turn out to be the case unfortunately!

How to Go to Olomouc: From Prague, your best bet is via train where it takes about 2.5 hours to get to Olomouc. There are regular departures daily.

How to Go to Kromeriz: From Olomouc, there are regular buses and trains to Kromeriz which is only about an hour away.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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March 14, 2018 at 5:57 am

Kudos for going outside of the capital city- not many tourusts do that and Prague is floded with crowds, although there are nice places in all of Czech Republic 🙂

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12 Things to do in Olomouc that will make you want to travel there now

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We found one more reason for you to travel to the Czech Republic and it’s [has] got nothing to do with Prague. Olomouc is the country best-kept secret, unknown by international travelers and free of mass tourism. So here are 12 awesome things to do in Olomouc, places to visit, delicious food to try and of course good Czech beer, to convince you to pack your bags and go. Keep reading and you’ll find a complete travel guide [where to stay, what to do and where to eat] to Olomouc.

Olomouc is located in Central Moravia , a two hours train ride from Prague and there is so much history and beauty there that you will be amazed. Our love story with the Czech Republic started many years ago when we visited Prague for the first time. But it was only this year that we truly explored the country and went beyond the tourist attractions to find hidden gems, local experiences, traditional food and meet awesome people.

The Czech Republic is a small country [tiny if compared to the size of our country, Brazil] and in two trips there we managed to see a lot. Olomouc was the first city we visited during our 3rd trip to the Czech Republic, which was a 7 days itinerary in Olomouc , Jeseník and Ost rava . Our previous trip was a bit longer, 14 days visiting Brno , Liberec , Bohemia Switzerland National Park , Cesky Krumlov and Prague . [click on the name of the cities to read our guides and travel tips on them]

Why should you visit Olomouc now? The answer is simple: it’s a historical city with Unesco Heritage sites, stunning Baroque architecture, cheese tradition and castles. And it’s still not as popular as Prague and Cesky Krumlov. Our best advice is to travel to Olomouc before the crowds get there, it will happen soon!

The best places to stay in Olomouc

By following the trend and getting ready for all the tourists that will come, the hotels in Olomouc are getting better and offering more than a comfy stay. You can find both types of accommodation in Olomouc, the traditional bed and breakfasts [penzion as they call it in Czech] and the international standard hotels. But such a unique city deserves a unique place to stay.

Miss Sophie’s Hotel is in the heart of Olomouc located in an antique building. You might walk by thinking it’s only a charming café [as I did], but hiding behind that door is one of the cutest and well-decorated rooms I have ever slept in.

Miss Sophie’s Boutique Hotel Olomouc has a perfect location, lovely design, a delicious breakfast and a café packed with sweet temptations. What else do you need? It’s a small hotel so book your room at Miss Sophie’s in advance. We strongly recommend their rooms in Olomouc and in Prague [Miss Sophie’s Hotel & Hostel in Prague is awesome, we’ve stayed there as well]

Book your room at Miss Sophie’s Hotel now!

If you love hostels, Olomouc has a special option for you, Long Story Short is the place to stay and share with other friendly travelers. They offer well designed private and shared rooms, it’s close to the main attractions and a delicious restaurant in Olomouc. 

Book Long Story Short Hostel here!

If you are not convinced that these are the best places to stay in Olomouc, you can check other hotels and hostels at  Booking.com  or Agoda. I’m sure you will find the perfect hotel in Olomouc that will match your traveling style and budget.

Do you know you can rent a house, a boat, a castle or a room on Airbnb? Curious? Sign up here and get a discount on your first booking!

Awesome Things to do in Olomouc

Among so much history and impressive buildings, you will find a lively bar scene, modern arts and tons of events happening all year long in Olomouc. Before going out and about there, visit the Tourism Office that is located at the Town Hall.

At the Information Center you can get all the maps, check out the tours, book a tour guide, book a driver to visit the attractions outside Olomouc and check the events happening in town.  You can also buy the Olomouc Card there, a city card that gives you free access to public transportation and free entrance to 80 attractions in Olomouc and around. Most of the places and things to do in Olomouc that we recommend here are included in the Olomouc Card. Choose between the 42 hours or the 5 days card and have fun!

So, let’s go to our list of things to do in Olomouc that makes this city one of the best travel destinations in the Czech Republic.

Discover the Baroque Olomouc

Olomouc’s old town is magical. Everywhere you look at you see beautiful buildings, churches, huge fountains and impressive columns. Olomouc is opulent! Many people dare to say that it’s a mini Prague with a baroque touch, we can’t compare the two cities, but both are definitely worth visiting.

We went on a half-day walking tour in Olomouc town, a great way to see and understand why the city is so beautiful and preserved. Our first stop was at the famous Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc Upper Square, a Unesco Heritage site and the most important attraction in the city. It’s impressive during the day and even more majestic at night.

There are 7 fountains around Olomouc, 6  Baroque style ones and a modern one, we visited all of them while walking around. Between a fountain and another we stopped by some of the most famous churches in Olomouc, our favorite ones are  St. Michael’s Church , Church of the Virgin Mary of Snow and Church of St. Maurice . Olomouc is the religious capital of Moravia and that’s why the city has so many churches and religious sites.

Olomouc Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock

The Olomouc Town Hall is a symbol of the city, for more than six centuries it decorates the Upper Square just beside the Holy Trinity Column. The Town Hall is impressive from the outside and the inside. 

My advice is to end your visit at the Town Hall a few minutes before midday. At 12pm the Astronomical Clock goes off and I’m sure you don’t want to miss the action. It’s a very unique clock, completely different from the famous one in Prague. Olomouc Astronomical Clock dates back to the 50’s with a socialist realism design. The Communist Astronomical Clock is definitely one of the most unique things to see in Olomouc.

St. Wenceslas Square, Olomouc Castle & the Archdiocesan Museum of Olomouc

In a quiet corner of the city you find the St. Wenceslas Cathedral with its three impressive Neo-Gothic towers. It’s the second tallest church in the Czech Republic and as the other churches in Olomouc it is free to get in, so take your time and appreciate the beautiful architecture.

In the same square you will find the entrance to the Archdiocesan Museum of Olomouc , a place where the religious history of the country is preserved through statues, paintings and in the building architecture. Stroll around the garden and get lost among many corridors. The whole area used to be the Olomouc Castle, that after wars and reconstructions became a cultural and religious center.

The best view of the Olomouc Castle is from the outside. There is a park at the back of the castle, go for a nice walk and admire the building.

Parks and gardens in Olomouc

Olomouc Old Town is surrounded by green areas. There are many parks in Olomouc , rose gardens, botanical gardens and even a science museum in the middle of the green. Walking around them is a pleasant way to explore the city and see the baroque Olomouc from a different perspective. The parks are also the address of many events and student gatherings. Don’t be surprised if in the middle of your walk you find a band performing or a picnic going on.  

Olomouc cheese that will trick your tastebuds

I will not talk about food right now, the restaurants and cafés in Olomouc deserve their own chapter. But while following our list of things to do in Olomouc you must stop at Tvarůžková Cukràrna , a hidden café that serves the Olomouc specialty: Olomoucke tvaruzky, the city’s traditional cheese.

This is not your day-to-day café, you will find cheese candies, cakes and pastries that look like desserts but they are all savory. A trick to your mind and tastebuds!! If you like strong cheese, go for it, the best pairing would be a traditional Czech beer.

Time for local beer

Talking about beer, visiting local breweries is a must-do in Olomouc. In the heart of the city you can find several cozy bars or big restaurants serving the local breweries’ specialties. We visited two local breweries,  Pivovar Riegrovka was the first one, it’s a mix of a brewery, a steak house and a restaurant. The beer is superb and they have different types on different days, so you will never get bored. The food was good too, we had some pizza, a tasty hamburger [Rob had one] and some fresh salad with local cheese [my favorite].

Our second beer tasting was at Moritz Taverne Brewery , a very local restaurant with a traditional menu and unfiltered beer. They have a nice garden in front of the restaurant that is perfect for the sunny days. It’s a great place to go for beers, but for lunch or dinner it was a bit complicated as they don’t have a menu in English, our Czech is awful and the staff couldn’t help us either… So we ended up having a bowl of soup and fries.

If you are not a beer person, don’t worry! The Moravian region is also famous for wine and most of the bars and restaurants in Olomouc serve the best ones. If you want to learn about Czech wine head to South Moravia, Valtice is the city to visit for wine tasting and it’s only 2 hours from Olomouc. There is more about wines on our guide of things to do in Brno and around .

Olomouc Modern Art Museum

The Olomouc Museum of Modern Art is in an Art Nouveau building, just beside Miss Sophie’s Hotel. Inside you will find collections from the 20th and 21st centuries and temporary exhibitions from Czech artists.

Exploring Hradisko Monastery

Now that you have visited the main attractions in Olomouc Old Town it’s time to explore the city surroundings. One of the unique things to do in Olomouc is to visit the Hradisko Monastery, a historical building turned into a public hospital, one of the most beautiful hospitals I have ever visited. The Hradisko Monastery is huge, you can visit the ceremonial hall, the gardens, go up the tower and also visit an interesting museum in the back of the building.

If you suffer from hospital phobia, don’t panic. While walking around the monastery/hospital you won’t see any medical stuff. It feels like you are visiting a palace more than anything else. Usually, the tourists don’t have access to the doctors’ offices and patients’ rooms, but we visited the Monastery on the 9th of September during the European Heritage Day and all the museums, palaces and attractions were fully open to the public. So we had the opportunity to see some of the medical areas of the hospital.

Holy Hill of Olomouc and the Minor Basilica of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Holly Hill is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Olomouc, it gives you an impressive view of the city. The Minor Basilica is the main attraction, a pilgrimage site that attracts devotees of The Virgin Mary. We went there early in the morning but I believe it is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. 

We visited the Hradisko Monastery and the Holly Hill by car. Our guide from the Olomouc Baroque Walking Tour also arranged our visit to these two attractions out of the city. If you don’t want to book a tour, you can go there by taxi, Uber or just cycling. The road to Holly Hill is stunning and has a bike path. Of course, you will have to cycle uphill, but only at the end of the way.

Top things to do outside Olomouc

We already gave you 9 good reasons to travel to Olomouc, but the list of fascinating things to do in Olomouc is not finished yet. There are 3 more places and experiences that are worth mentioning.

Visit the fairytale Bouzov Castle in Olomouc region

The Bouzov Castle is located 35 km from Olomouc and you will need a car to go there as there is no public transportation connecting the city and the castle. Although it’s hard to get to the castle, it’s one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic and the reason is simple: the Bouzov Castle is stunning! The guided tour was in Czech but we didn’t mind it. They gave us a booklet with information in English and we managed to follow the tour well. We visited gorgeous rooms, fancy dine tables and an opulent Neo-Gothic Chapel that wowed me.

The castle was constructed in a Gothic style at the beginning of the 14th century to be the residence of the Order of Teutonic Knights, later on it was restored by the Habsburg Family. It’s a castle that has never been ruined, it was always well-kept and restored, giving it an impressive and romantic look.

Museum of Olomouc Cheese

If you are a cheese lover like myself, then you should visit the Museum of the Genuine Olomoucké Tvarůžky at Loštice town. It’s the same cheese that you tasted in the quirk shop in Olomouc town, the difference is that at the museum you can learn about the process of making it and buy some specialties to take home.

Jeseníky Mountains

Don’t think Olomouc is only about religious and historical sites, adventure travelers can have a blast there. Jeseník  is the mountain bike capital of the Czech Republic and you can go there for a day or two. Jeseníky Mountains are about 2 hours from Olomouc and you can travel there by train. If you book a mountain bike tour they will probably help you get from the train station to the activity center.

On Jeseníky you can hike, mountain bike through exhilarating trails , e-mountain bike to the top of the mountains and even horseback ride . [some of these websites are in Czech so you will need extra help from Google to translate them, the hard work will pay off with a great trip].

Read here: Things to do in the Jeseníky Mountains – an Adventure Paradise in the Czech Republic

As we love a good adventure we went to Jeseníky for two days and one night. We managed to get some mud on our shoes and some adrenaline pumping in our veins by doing all the activities I’ve mentioned. This region is untouched, despite having a great infrastructure for adventure activities and you won’t find many international travelers there. That makes the trip to Jeseníky even more interesting.

Don’t forget to buy your Travel Insurance! We use World Nomads and SafetyWing , click on the name of the company and book your insurance now. If you need more information read our Travel Insurance Guide here .

Where to eat in Olomouc

This super guide wouldn’t be complete without a section about the best cafés and restaurants in Olomouc. We stayed there for only 3 days, so we didn’t have time to try all the cuisines and different restaurants but we did our best to visit the best ones.

– Entrée Restaurant : a dining experience not to be missed. It’s one of the best restaurants in the Czech Republic serving high-end Czech gastronomy with flawless presentation in a well designed place. Don’t forget to book your table in advance and if you feel overwhelmed by so many options on their menu, try the ‘tasting menu’.

– Café New One : they say their egg benedicts are awesome, shame on us, we didn’t try it. But the whole breakfast, cakes and dinner menu looks delicious. It’s a super stylish restaurant with a lively crowd, especially on weekends. Side note: they have a great cocktail menu.

– Podkova Restaurant : local food, affordable prices and a beautiful garden. Go to Podkova for lunch or dinner and you can try local recipes and beers. We had lunch there and no words to describe how delicious the traditional fried cheese was. So simple yet so delicious. 

– U Mořice Restaurant : I was afraid it would be too touristic as it sits on one of the streets leading to the Town Hall. But again, nothing in Olomouc is touristy and we had another great dinner. Serving the traditional Pilsner Urquell beer straight from the barrel the restaurant menu offers great salads, pasta and a roasted chicken that was mouthwatering. But don’t eat too much because the dessert is the star of the meal there. We ordered a  sweet tortilla with ice cream and fruits and were pretty much served a third course. 

– Coffee Cat : for an afternoon treat and an extra dose of cuteness head to this cat café. The café is in a hidden corner of Olomouc, follow Google Maps as it’s only a few minutes walk from the Town Hall. The cakes and coffees are delicious, but what caught my attention was the matcha latte, a drink I was addicted to when traveling in Asia and that was hard to find in Central Europe. Coffee Cat was my happy place: adorable fluffy cats, matcha lattes and fast wifi.

How to get to Olomouc

Did we inspire you to travel to Olomouc? So it’s time to book your tickets and visit this hidden gem in the Czech Republic. Traveling to Olomouc is easy, the city is well connected by buses, trains and flights.

If you are flying from another European destination or the Middle East you might land at Brno airport or Ostrava airport, both of them are close to Olomouc [70 km and 80 km respectively]. Intercontinental flights are most likely to arrive at Prague airport. Use Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to search for the best flight to the Czech Republic.

The most comfortable way to travel to Olomouc from Brno, Ostrava or Prague is by train. The Czech Train Company is affordable, they offer 1st and 2nd class seats and great food onboard. Both our trips to the Czech Republic were all by train, easy and comfy. The company RegioJet also offers trains from/to Olomouc.

Are you planning to travel to Olomouc by bus or train? Find all the routes, prices and book your tickets here on 12Go.

The train from Prague to Olomouc takes about 2 hours and the price will vary according to the seat and time you choose,  and also how long in advance you book it. The train from Brno to Olomouc takes 1,5 hours and from Ostrava to Olomouc only 1 hour. If you are traveling by train in the Czech Republic and around Europe a good option might be the Eurail Pass. We have traveled around Europe with the Eurail Global Pass twice and it was an easy way to visit different countries and cities with only one ticket. Read our comprehensive   guide about how to travel with Eurail Pass   before booking your train ticket.  

Buy your Eurail Pass now!

Renting a car is also a good option. You will have time to drive and stop at the beautiful places you will find along the way. Here you can have an idea of how much it would cost to rent a car in the Czech Republic . It doesn’t matter your means of transportation, it’s easy to get around the Czech Republic.

Looking for more travel tips? Read our posts and plan an unforgettable trip to the Czech Republic!

Travel guides to the best cities and regions in the Czech Republic:

Unique Things to do in Brno, castles and wine in South Moravia Visit Liberec, a snow paradise Discover Bohemian Switzerland National Park What to do in Český Krumlov, a fairytale town Things to do in Prague, from tourist attractions to hidden gems

Have fun in the Czech Republic and don’t forget to follow our tips on the top things to do in Olomouc and around.

Do you Love this post? Pin it for later!!

PS: our trip to the Czech Republic was organized in partnership with the Czech Tourism Board. But as usual, you always get our honest opinion and travel tips. 

6 thoughts on “12 Things to do in Olomouc that will make you want to travel there now”

I never heard of Olomouc but you have me convinced of visiting one day. I love visiting museums, art galleries, nice walks and fine restaurants. I agree that visiting a tourist information centre is a good idea as you can find all the information you want about a place from local people who will tell you the best prices and tips to get around.

Hello Carlyn, Olomouc is a stunning place, I’m sure you will have a great time there! Cheers, Rob

Wow, it does look fantastic! I have just updated the list of options for my next trip 😉 Thanks for sharing

Hope you make to Olomouc soon! Happy travels!

Wow! My husband has been invited to play here with the European Doctors Orchestra in June. It is such an amazing opportunity to visit somewhere that otherwise would not even have been on our radar and I am even more excited having read this. Thank you for all your helpful tips and ideas.

Hey Jo!! What a great opportunity indeed, and how awesome that your husband is playing there. I hope you two like Olomouc as much as Rob and I did. Safe travels!

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• Calendar of events
• Information centre

Olomouc region Card

Detail stránky

More experiences for less money…

The Olomouc Region Card is a tourist discount card that allows you to save significantly when visiting Olomouc. By purchasing it, you can get discounted or free admission to castles, chateaus, museums, zoos and other tourist destinations.

It will give you the opportunity to travel for free on public transport, buy tickets for theatre performances or stay in a hotel or dine in a restaurant for a cheaper price. And it pays off. 🙂

Benefits of the card

• free admission to dozens of the most famous castles, chateaus and museums
• traveling on public transport in Olomouc absolutely free
• discounts for hotels, campsites, guesthouses and restaurants
• discounts for relaxation and adrenaline sports activities
• the card is valid not only in Olomouc, but also in other places in Central Moravia and Jeseníky

48 hour card

is valid for 48 immediately consecutive hours from the first use of the card in the participating entity from the date of marking the card, i.e. by entering the date, hour and signing the card by the holder

valid for 5 immediately consecutive calendar days from the date of first use of the card, i.e. by entering the date and signing the card by the cardholder

Card prices (CZK)

validity adult / child 48 hours 240,- / 120,- 5 days 480,- / 240,-

Where to buy the card

The card can be purchased in both physical (plastic) and digital (virtual) form. The digital card, whose form and all instructions will arrive in an email, can be printed on your printer or the card number can be inserted into an app on your smartphone. The card does not need to be used immediately after purchase. It is activated by the first acceptance, i.e. at the moment of the first visit to one of the participating attractions and by the operator loading the card into the Olomouc region Card system. The remaining validity period of the card can be checked at any time on the website www.olomoucregioncard.cz .

The card can be purchased at the information centre on Horní náměstí in Olomouc and at dozens of retailers, or online at www.olomoucregioncard.cz .

More information

For details and updates on the Olomouc region Card, visit www.olomoucregioncard.cz .

Download Information Brochure

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