Olomouc is an extremely beautiful, immensely colorful, and downright fun city in the eastern province of Moravia. It’s also one of the Czech Republic’s coolest university towns.
My time in “Little Prague” can be summed up in a single word – UNDERRATED!
From morning cafe visits next to the university to relaxing nights in a former military building, and everything in between, the charming city is packed with memorable sights and activities.
You’ll have the chance to unwind next to exotic fountains, explore imposing Gothic churches, and taste a one-of-a-kind cheese. If you’re looking to check a UNESCO site off the list, look no further. There’s a stunning column right in the heart of the city and a magnificent garden just a short trip away. Regardless, an outrageous amount of beauty is just within spitting distance.
In this Olomouc guide, I’ll share the places to see, food to try, and where to stay in the city. Olomouc is on the verge of becoming a must-see destination in Central Europe. As travelers start exploring the country outside Prague, I’m sure the student city will catapult onto their radars.
Here’s my curated list of things to do in Olomouc, Czech Republic!
HEAD TO THE UNESCO HOLY TRINITY COLUMN
When you walk into Olomouc Upper Square the first thing you’ll notice is the impressive Holy Trinity Column. The 32-meter-tall Baroque memorial column is rich in history and understandably UNESCO-protected.
With wonderful Moravian craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and adorned with vibrant copper sculptures you’ll understand why the agency put it on their list. It’s breathtaking to say the least, especially when lit up at night.
Built in the early 1700s, the monument has generally kept its appearance since its completion in 1754. The only change of any significance came 4 years later, after being struck several times by Prussian cannons. The Holy Trinity Column was the pride of Olomouc however, so soon after residents repaired the blasted section. As a reminder, a replica of the shot stone was placed to cover the spot it hit.
Walking Tour | Most of the guided tours of Olomouc will meet in the main square at the bottom of the Holy Trinity Column’s circular steps. Tours usually cover the upper and lower squares, Town Hall, Saint Jerome’s Chapel, and the history of Olomouc through the ages. My partner spent her university years here, so my knowledge of the city comes from her. If you aren’t so lucky as to have your own personal guide, I suggest looking into the guided tour.
You can find more out at the Olomouc Information Center, last I heard prices were 120 CZK. There’s also an option for a daily free walking tour that starts as I mentioned earlier in the main square.
If you want to wing it around Olomouc, still make sure you stop by to admire the beautiful handiwork and gilded statues of the Holy Trinity Column.
VISIT SVATY KOPECEK BASILICA
Less than 5 miles away from Olomouc Old Town, the popular historical pilgrimage site of Svatý Kopeček draws visitors to its gates. While some still make the religious journey like the old days, many more come to take in the sights of the stunning Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Once the beating heart of the entire area, the Svaty Kopecek Basilica is now a national cultural monument. Built during the 17th century, the complex started as nothing more than a simple chapel. Throughout the years, it gradually turned into something more spectacular. A settlement popped up around it and the site eventually became its own municipality.
Nowadays, the Svatý Kopeček District has several attractions drawing locals and travelers alike. Besides the impressive basilica, you’ll discover a nearby ropes course and the popular Olomouc Zoo. Past them? A small hiking area through the forest and surrounding hills.
You’ll be treated to a brilliant display when heading inside the Baroque church. The decorative interior is splashed with gold ornamentation, sculptures, and a magical-looking ceiling. As you exit the front doors, a neatly trimmed grass courtyard appears at the base of the honey-gold trimmed basilica.
If you bring a snack with you, this is the ideal spot for a picnic. You can settle in next to groups of university students sprawled out on blankets, taking a break from city life. After all, Holy Hill as Svatý Kopeček translates in English, has an over 180-degree panoramic view of Olomouc and the surrounding countryside.
If you combine the church complex, zoo, and outdoor activity, Svatý Kopeček makes for an awesome afternoon/day trip from Olomouc.
Olomouc to Svaty Kopecek by bus | To get to Svatý Kopeček, take bus 11 in the Svatý Kopeček, ZOO direction. The bus leaves from just outside the Olomouc main train station. Ticket kiosks can be found in the outdoor bus terminal in the same area the bus leaves. The trip takes around 20 minutes each way.
WANDER AROUND THE OLOMOUC OLD TOWN SQUARES
Olomouc Old Town has several eye-catching sights worth visiting. The first thing that comes to mind in a university town is, of course, the university. All around the city, buildings belonging to Palacký University Olomouc can be seen.
It can be a treat strolling from one school building to the next, especially if you haven’t seen a historic European university before. However, the charm of Olomouc Old Town revolves around the sights near the two squares.
The larger Upper Square is the pride of Olomouc, with the extravagant Olomouc City Hall appearing right in the center. Adorning the municipal building’s facade is the giant Olomouc Astronomical Clock. The modern-day, communist-era clock is an intriguing architectural landmark. At night it lights up, offering a colorful display in the heart of the city.
A few steps away, you’ll run into the previously mentioned Holy Trinity Column. It stands in the northwest corner as the center of most gatherings in the square. However, the other corners of the Upper Square are almost as impressive, with glamorous fountains shooting streams of water from carved sculptures.
My favorite of them? The oval-shaped Arion Fountain. It features statues based on the ancient Greek legend of poet and musician Arion. The fountain’s Baroque sculptures come in the form of a dolphin, turtles, and two children.
The Lower Square, while not as glamorous, is still a lovely place to be. Resembling a small clone of the previous square, there are two things you’ll find interesting here. That of an 18th-century Marian Column and the masterly crafted Jupiter Fountain. At different times of the year, you can expect to see pop-up markets and outdoor restaurant patios filling in Lower Square’s open space.
Wandering around the Old Town was one of my favorite things to do in Olomouc. During the day the vibrant buildings and lively squares draw you in and at night the columns light up, creating a peaceful atmosphere that washes over the city.
TASTE THE SMELLY CHEESE OLOMOUCKE TVARUZKY
There’s an old saying that goes something like “The smellier the cheese, the better it tastes.”
Well, in Olomouc the cheese has plenty of odor. It’s also a beloved, world-renowned product known for its unique, traditional taste. The distinctive honey-yellow colored cheese was originally produced in the city’s surrounding countryside.
Fun Fact | Its Czech name is Olomoucké tvarůžky, which translates directly as Olomouc cheese curds.
Nowadays, the main source of production comes from the A.W. company in Loštice. A short drive northwest, Loštice has a museum dedicated to the production of the table cheese. You’ll have the opportunity to buy as much cheese as you want at the adjacent store.
Don’t worry, if a trip to Loštice is off the table, you can still find the smelly delicacy along the streets of Olomouc old town. A.W. has a product store right off the main square. It’s also been a stable menu item in the city for over 500 years.
Expect Olomoucké tvarůžky to have its iconic spicy, pungent taste. There are a few things to remember after buying the cheese. Brownish-orange discolorations, white mold growth, and deformed shape are all natural occurrences in the cheese, and therefore safe for consumption. However, eating should be reconsidered if you notice black, green, or gray mold or soft and liquid consistency.
That being said, it’s a must-try for any true cheese lover!
CHAT WITH THE STUDENTS
You’ll find a youthful spirit and open-minded outlook at the heart of Olomouc. It should come as no surprise, after all, Palacký University Olomouc is one of the Czech Republic’s largest and oldest universities.
Administration buildings, classrooms, and faculty departments are sprinkled throughout the city. While some look nothing more than basic multistory structures, others incorporate beautiful courtyard gardens, ivy-covered walls, and pretty facades.
Still, I find the best way to absorb the city’s culture is by talking to the student population! Almost every Czech person I’ve come across has been super friendly. While this isn’t always seen in the tourist districts of Prague, the majority of Czech cities strive to share their best features.
On top of that, most university students know English and they make up a quarter of Olomouc’s population. So, don’t be shy. When you’re out at a bar, sipping on the region’s finest beers and wines, or lounging at a local cafe, strike up a conversation. Greet your neighbor with a smile and learn a thing or two about the country.
SEE THE CHURCHES OF OLOMOUC
For a country that spent so much time under communist rule, the Czech Republic sure does have a lot of churches. Olomouc embraces that countrywide theme with some beautiful religious buildings.
The crown jewel is undoubtedly Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. The 12th-century Gothic Cathedral is known for its iconic three towers and expansive interior. Its pretty tile floors compliment its simply decorated walls, while the arches form a dramatic, inherently medieval feel.
From the outside, you’ll be dwarfed by the sizeable towers, including the cathedral’s over 100-meter southern tower. It comes in as the Czech Republic’s second largest church tower, behind only the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew in Pilsen. I was thoroughly impressed when visiting the restored complex, to say the least.
While Saint Wenceslas Cathedral is a must-visit in Olomouc, there are plenty of other religious buildings worth viewing in the city. Here are some others to add to your Olomouc itinerary:
Church of St. Morice | Just north of the Upper Square you’re bound to notice the 13th-century Roman Catholic Church of St. Morice. It features Gothic architecture and a stone bell tower. It’s possible to head up to an observation tower inside with panoramic views of the city.
Church of Saint Michael | Heading towards the river from there, the gorgeous Church of Saint Michael stands. While the exterior seems simple, the interior is a breathtaking mix of vivid color and richly adorned walls.
Church of Our Lady of the Snow | You’ll find this lovely church along the same street as the museums. The interior is pleasing to the eyes, with the sun seeping in through the windows, illuminating the light walls and medieval paintings.
Some other outstanding sights are the Chapel of St. Jan Sarkander with its small, rounded tower, and the oft-forgotten St. Catherine Church. While this doesn’t cover all of the city’s churches, these are the ones I saw. There are many more scattered throughout the historic streets, so make sure to keep your eyes open while strolling around.
POP INTO ONE OF THE MUSEUMS
Like most of Europe’s older cities, Olomouc has a range of captivating museums. Explore Moravian art, regional history, and religious artifacts by heading to one of the city’s diverse museums.
Three such places should be on everyone’s radar when coming to Olomouc:
OLOMOUC HISTORY MUSEUM | The history museum tells a detailed story about the city’s past. A set of permanent and rotating exhibits share this tale. Some of the established displays cover the region’s natural history, including endangered plant species and Moravian culture through the years. Start at the dawn of Olomouc’s civilization and work your way up to the most recent past.
OLOMOUC MUSEUM OF ART | Next door to the Olomouc History Museum is the exquisite Olomouc Museum of Art. Its collections of modern art and eccentric installations show off the works of some renowned Central European artists. Make sure to look at the building’s exterior before entering the front doors! A hanging sculpture of an art thief can be seen on the second-story ledge. Created by popular Czech artist David Černý, it’s among his many bizarre and controversial creations.
ARCHDIOCESAN MUSEUM | If modern art isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry. The Archdiocesan Museum is a large and interesting alternative. Right next to Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, it’s filled with the old Olomouc Castle’s preserves, important historic paintings, and elegant religious items. The grandest object of them all though, is a fanciful golden carriage. It’s possible to download an English audio tour before you enter.
Museum Tickets // If you want to know about the opening times and prices of either the Olomouc Museum of Art or the Archdiocesan Museum check out this website. Tickets usually start at 250 CZK for adults, with add-on options for specific exhibitions.
OTHERS | Across the water, behind the botanical garden, you’ll find a museum in the old fortress. It’s a science museum with interactive panels that’s great for kids. Adult tickets start are 160 CZK and family tickets at 380 CZK.
WALK THROUGH THE MANY PARKS IN OLOMOUC
The school year can bring a sort of hectic, around-the-clock perception to the city. Luckily, plenty of parks offer a relaxing escape to the sometimes restless town.
For a quiet place to sit, Park pod Katedrálou Sv. Václava (maps) underneath the cathedral walls is the way to go. It’s the ideal place to write or have a takeaway coffee. Although at night it might not feel as welcoming.
For a nice walk, follow the fortress walls to Bezručovy sady. The shaded pathway will take you along the outside of the old town. Following the Mlynsky Potok stream, it passes the backside of the Archbishop’s Palace, several university buildings, and a few landmarks. The most notable of those is a giant cascade appearing from the walls, that (on occasion) sees a steady flow of spraying water.
Across the river, the Botanical Garden – Rosarium and all its colorful plants can be seen. It’s a tranquil garden, with a diverse flower population and plenty of open space. To the east of Olomouc, you’ll find the large Čechovy sady and all its trees. There are playgrounds for kids, a pavilion, and a few interesting statues.
Of course, for a true city escape you can take the bus to Svatý Kopeček. As I mentioned, it’s an excellent picnic spot, with great trekking around the small forested area behind the zoo.
STAY IN LONG STORY SHORT HOSTEL
I’m normally hard-pressed to recommend hostels to people. So many things change from year to year, month to month. It’s not uncommon to see massive turnover. I’ve worked at my fair share of hostels, across several continents and even more countries. In this line of work, employees are constantly coming and going and bunkmates can be a real hit or miss. However, Long Story Short Hostel is an exception.
The property is absolutely stunning, blending former history with modern-day comfort. It’s more of a boutique hotel that happens to have dorm room options. If you’ve been to some of the smaller cities in the Czech Republic, you’ll understand how rare this can be.
The hostel itself is a massive horseshoe-shaped building that started as a military fortress. Built in the 1700s, its previous name was Locatelli’s Bastion. Later on, in the 19th century, it became the local military bakery. Almost 200 years later, the ovens were shut off and the property was repurposed.
Nowadays, it’s an extremely impressive piece of remodeled architecture. Boasting a clean, spacious area, it houses different sections of a multifaceted business. A space of the building is reserved for the hostel guests and accommodation quarters, while the others focus on beverages and gastronomical pursuits.
On the ground floor, an eatery and bakery is serving contemporary bites. Next door you’ll find a small cafe with delectable sweets and a great cup of coffee. Out their doors is a shared patio, perfect for summertime hangouts.
If you choose to stay elsewhere in Olomouc, it’s still worth visiting the hostel for a drink or some food. I’ve spent a lot of time in hostels over the past 10 years, and Long Story Short is far and away one of my favorites!
Want to learn more about the hostel, or maybe just a peek at the menu? Have a look at the Long Story Short website.
DAY TRIP TO THE BEAUTIFUL KROMERIZ GARDENS
Kroměříž Gardens are calming, crazy beautiful, and just a quick train ride away from Olomouc. The UNESCO-protected gardens and castle exemplify the model European Baroque residence.
The moment I stepped onto the estate grounds, I felt like a cast member of a historical series. Never did I think a recreation of Downton Abbey could be possible in a small Czech town, but Kroměříž offers that. The only thing missing were gentlemen in dapper 20th-century suits and women sporting a fashionable bob haircut.
There are two main garden areas to explore in Kroměříž. The first is the Chateau Garden, a spread-out field, interwoven with a series of walking paths. As you head toward the center, you’ll pass a small colonnade, fountains, and a pond accompanied by a Chinese pavilion.
In the southeast corner, peacocks strut around a small zoo, occasionally wandering further out when they please. Part of the zoo houses different species of animals in large open cages. It can be hard to miss, as it hides in the shadow of the Kroměříž Archbishop’s Palace. The palace is situated in the heart of the old town and contains an art museum and rococo rooms.
Entry into Kroměříž Archbishop’s Palace | English and German tours are offered within the palace. There are various options, including single-entry and combined tours between the Representative Halls, Chateau Gallery, Sala Terrana, and Chateau Tower. Prices start at 120 CZK for the cheapest option. For more details, you can check out the palace website here.
A short walk away from the palace you’ll come to the brilliant-looking Flower Garden. Smack in the middle of the garden is a grand rotunda with a lavish dome. A long colonnade with Romanesque statues, a carp-filled pond, and magnificently shaped shrubs are found within the park’s hedges. The glass houses are also magnificent, with elevated ceilings and an assortment of plant species.
Kroměříž Flower Garden | Unless they’ve recently changed something, guided tours are only in the Czech language. However, you can still visit without a tour, and in my opinion, it’s well worth it. Prices for non-guided entry are 180 CZK for adults and 140 CZK for those under 24 or over 65. For times and exact prices at the Flower Garden check their website here.
The extremely organized layout and intricately cut greenery make the Kromeriz Gardens a unique and special day trip.
Getting to Kroměříž | It’s an easy train ride from Olomouc to Kroměříž. Trains depart every hour from the main train station, total trip time of 40 minutes. You’ll usually have a quick train change in Hulín during the journey.
Well there you have it, my guide to Olomouc, the Czech Republic’s fun university city. I’m sure on my next visit I’ll add some more things to the list. But in the meantime, I hope this article helps you explore one of my favorite cities in the Czech Republic!
WHERE TO STAY IN OLOMOUC
- Long Story Short Hostel & Cafe | The only hostel option
- Smarthotel Nezvalova Archa | A great midprice option
- Miss Sophie’s Olomouc | The boutique hotel option
- Royal Pension | The luxury option
For more options, you can check here.
HERE’S SOME MORE AWESOME IDEAS FOR TRIPS IN CZECH REPUBLIC:
