Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Olomouc, Czech Republic

Envision Olomouc as Moravia’s own interpretation of Prague. It stands among the Czech Republic’s premier destinations renowned for its architecture, culture, and religious heritage, featuring a historic preservation area barely exceeded in size and richness by the Czech capital.

Olomouc’s origins trace back to Roman times, showcasing numerous monuments that have withstood centuries of conflict and upheaval. Notably, this university city does not draw significant tourist traffic, despite housing two World Heritage Sites and serving as the capital of Moravia until the 1600s. Let us delve into the essential attractions in Olomouc!

1. Holy Trinity Column

Central Europe is home to many plague columns erected to commemorate outbreaks and acknowledge divine intervention in their cessation; nevertheless, the Holy Trinity Column is undoubtedly the most magnificent among them.

This World Heritage monument, constructed in the early 1700s, is deemed unparalleled in its baroque architecture by the experts at UNESCO.

A remarkable aspect lies in the fact that every stonemason, artist, and master craftsman who contributed to the column was a local resident of Olomouc. Nestled within the column is a small chapel adorned with intricate stone reliefs illustrating biblical narratives, including the crucifixion.

2. St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral

To provide context regarding its magnitude, this monumental cathedral, exceeding 100 meters in height, ranks as the fourth tallest edifice in the Czech Republic. It ranks second only to its counterpart in Prague concerning dimensions and stands out as the largest cathedral in Moravia.

The original structure featured a Romanesque design, established in the 1100s. The 19th-century restorations instilled a complex neo-Gothic appearance; however, the layout of the interior has persisted since medieval times.

In the 20th century, notable figures such as Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II visited St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral.

3. Hradisko Monastery

It is advisable to arrange a guided tour to explore the interiors of this majestic building; nonetheless, many visitors may be content with capturing photographs of its spires, towers, and intricate gateways from the outside.

Initially established as a Benedictine Monastery in the 10th century, following the expulsion of the Benedictine Order in the 1200s, it transitioned to the Premonstratensians, who remained until the monastery’s closure in the 1700s. Subsequently, it operated as a Napoleonic prison camp and later as a hospital, a function it still serves today.

Should you be able to participate in a tour, you will encounter exquisite sculptures, reliefs, chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes.

4. Olomouc Town Hall

Boasting its white stucco façade and striking black spires, this gothic structure is regarded as the most esteemed secular building in the city.

For over six centuries, it has been a focal point of political and economic life in Olomouc and continues to accommodate city council activities and administrative offices. Given its operational status, access may be limited; however, guided tours are available during the summer months, allowing exploration of the various chambers and the gothic chapel connected to the building.

Every working day at 11:00 and 15:00, visitors can ascend the town hall’s 76-meter tower for a panoramic view of the city.

5. Astronomical Clock

Located on the northern side of the Town Hall, Olomouc’s astronomical clock originally constructed in the 1400s, underwent significant alterations following damages incurred during the Second World War. As communism began to influence Olomouc, the clock was redesigned in the social realist style. Consequently, instead of saints, it now features depictions of workers and engineers, while the dial displays the birth dates of Lenin and Stalin, as well as the International Day of the Worker. While much of the communist symbols have vanished from Olomouc after the Velvet Revolution, this clock serves as an unconventional memorial to the city’s Soviet era.

6. Baroque Fountains

Olomouc features a remarkable collection of six extravagant fountains, dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s. These fountains are a source of civic pride, surviving due to the foresight of the city’s planners.

Initially, after the city’s water supply was established, these fountains would have become obsolete; however, they were retained as emergency reservoirs to combat fires. The fountains exhibit a Roman theme, depicting five mythological figures and one dedicated to Gaius Julius Caesar on horseback, who is said to have founded Olomouc around 2000 years ago.

The historic fountains are complemented by modern installations, such as the Arion fountain in the main square, which narrates the legend of a poet who was cast overboard from a boat and rescued by a dolphin.

7. Kroměříž Castle and Gardens

Conveniently located to the south of Olomouc, Kroměříž presents a quintessential Moravian town, distinguished by its impressive historic architecture. The most notable site is Kroměříž Castle, which has been the residence of successive Archbishops of Olomouc since 1770, and it features scenes from the 1984 film Amadeus.

Following the devastation of an earlier iteration by the Swedes, the influential Liechtenstein family commissioned the Italian-Swiss architect Filiberto Lucchese to design a new Baroque palace complete with pleasure gardens.

Today, this site is recognized as a UNESCO heritage location, as the baroque garden has remained largely unchanged since its initial design.

8. Church of St. Moritz

The fortress-like tower of this church, dating back to the 14th century, evokes images of a stronghold, featuring its square, crenellated walls. The interior offers a multitude of distinctive features.

Prominently, the church houses the renowned Engler organ, which is among the largest in Europe. Each autumn, Olomouc hosts an international organ music festival, with this monumental instrument, installed in 1745 and equipped with over 10,000 pipes, being a focal point.

Beyond appreciating the church’s preserved architecture, another reason to visit St. Moritz is for the exceptional view of old Olomouc from the top of its castle-like tower.

9. Helfštýn Castle

These imposing ruins rank high on the list of day-trips from Olomouc. Helfštýn is a fortress of an almost unparalleled scale in Central Europe. Located just 35 kilometers east of Olomouc, Helfštýn is perched atop a hill adjacent to the River Bečva, having once weathered sieges from the Swedes, Danes, and Turks.

This castle dates back to the early 1300s, incorporating gothic features intertwined with a more refined renaissance style.

Exploring the interiors reveals exhibitions on medieval metal crafts such as blacksmithing and minting, whilst the extensive ramparts provide excellent vantage points, identical to their historical uses.

10. Svatý Kopeček

Rising to 400 meters, this hill, located just a few kilometers from the city center, holds various significances for different individuals. For the devout, it has served as a pilgrimage site for centuries.

At the summit, visitors will find a monastery encompassing a stunning Baroque Basilica of the Visitation, which notably welcomed Pope John Paul II in the 1990s. Alternatively, individuals may simply seek Svatý Kopeček for recreational purposes, exploring the wooded areas surrounding the hills.

Additively, Olomouc Zoo is located here, where a variety of animals, including giraffes and lions, reside within spacious enclosures; the aquarium also exhibits sharks in action.

11. Archdiocesan Museum

This is the quintessential museum of Olomouc, encompassing elements of Olomouc Castle as well as the former Bishop’s Palace, which showcases exquisite Romanesque stonework.

These structures represent the oldest architectural pieces in the city, featuring elements such as windows and archways dating back to the 12th century. The museum serves as a platform for exploring Olomouc’s history as a spiritual hub.

Across three floors, visitors can browse numerous religious artifacts, artworks, and sculptures collected since the 1600s.

12. The Moravian Theatre

Prominently located on Horní náměstí, this venue has shaped Olomouc’s cultural landscape since the 1920s. It serves as the home of the Moravian Philharmonic, the leading orchestra in the region.

The Philharmonic actively participates in numerous events within the city’s cultural calendar, including the International Organ Festival and Dvořák’s Olomouc, a series of concerts dedicated to the esteemed Czech composer in May and June.

If you visit the city, check the listings for performances at the Moravian Theatre—there is a vibrant schedule of ballets, operas, musicals, and plays.

13. Ice Hockey

Next to football, ice hockey is considered a national sport in the Czech Republic. For visitors from Western Europe, the intensity of ice hockey support in Olomouc will likely be a new experience.

Head to the stadium in Hynaisova where Hockey Club Olomouc competes against rivals from across the Czech Republic. After a prolonged period in the second division, Olomouc achieved promotion to the nation’s top league in 2015, marking its return to the upper echelon.

The Czech Extraliga season unfolds throughout the winter, and these fast-paced, full-contact matches provide insight into how many locals in Olomouc spend their weekends.

14. Olomouc’s Parks

A map will reveal that Olomouc’s parks encircle the city, tracing the paths of the former fortified walls. In Bezručovy Sady, a significant portion of the old walls is still intact, allowing visitors to ascend the ramparts for a stroll between a couple of the towers.

This park is adorned with various statues, the oldest being four Baroque sculptures of Hercules from 1757.

Smetana Park, characterized by its formal layout, features an elegant avenue flanked by tall, meticulously trimmed hedges. Visitors can discover the stately pavilion, offering coffee at the café or explore the botanical greenhouses associated with Palacky University.

15. Bouzov Castle

This enchanting castle, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Olomouc, evokes the classic imagery of a fairytale fortress. A stronghold has existed upon this hill overlooking lush forests since the 1300s.

For centuries, it belonged to the Teutonic Order, though it fell into disrepair over time. In the 1800s, a Bavarian architect restored it to reflect an idealized vision of medieval life, contributing to Bouzov Castle’s popularity as a filming location for Czech and German productions.

This castle embodies all the romantic elements associated with such sites, featuring a moat, crenellated walls, drawbridges, bastions, and an eight-storey watchtower, providing visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.