Summary
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, historically significant for its heavy industrial base due to rich coal deposits. Remarkably, in Landek Park, carbon still seeps through the soil, providing evidence of human coal use that dates back 25,000 years. This historical backdrop has shaped Ostrava’s identity as an industrial hub, and the city continues to take pride in its mining legacy.
Ostrava is a prime destination for enthusiasts of industrial tourism, hosting two significant mining attractions and the unique Vitkovice area, which features a colliery melded with metalworks, presenting an unparalleled ensemble in Europe.
Let us explore the top attractions in Ostrava!
1. Vitkovice
The extensive industrial remnants of the Vitkovice metallurgy district serve as a testament to Ostrava’s industrial heritage, having been preserved and repurposed into contemporary attractions.
The expansive gasometer now functions as a concert hall, and visitors can explore the 19th-century blast furnace on a tour that includes a 60-meter-high observation point accessed via an industrial elevator. This entire district is recognized on the European cultural heritage list.
Moreover, a distinctive feature of Vitkovice is the complete steel-manufacturing supply chain, encompassing coal mines, coke plants, and iron and steel works located in close proximity.
2. Landek Park
It is fitting that Ostrava is home to the Czech Republic’s foremost mining attraction, as the mineral resources in Landek Park have been exploited for centuries.
Landek Park immerses visitors in the experience of a miner, allowing them to appreciate both the advantages and challenges of industrial mining in Ostrava over the last 200 years.
Exploring the museum provides insight into mining rescue history, and visitors can enter a mining cage for a simulated descent into a tunnel, fully engaging with the sights, sounds, and atmosphere typical of a working colliery.
3. New Town Hall
This functionalist building, situated on the left bank of the Ostravice River, is distinguished as the largest and tallest town hall in the Czech Republic. Consequently, visitors are treated to unparalleled views of the city, supplemented by guided tours offered every 30 minutes.
The observation deck is positioned 72 meters above ground, offering expansive views on clear days that extend to Poland and the Beskydy and Jeseniky Mountains—home to some of the tallest peaks in the country.
Visitors will be particularly surprised at the greenery interspersed throughout the city as seen from above.
4. Masaryk Square
This square represents the centerpiece of the Moravian Ostrava Urban Heritage Zone, a pedestrian area that preserves the architectural splendor of central Ostrava. Masaryk Square is bordered by charming, colorful buildings from the early 20th century, providing a delightful gathering spot when the weather permits.
Within the square are two significant monuments: The Marian Plague Column, commemorating the conclusion of an outbreak in 1702, and the historic statue of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, which has recently been restored.
During winter months, the square hosts a traditional Christmas Market, offering a festive atmosphere.
5. Silesian Ostrava Castle
This fortress stands as the principal historic landmark of Ostrava. It is strategically located at the confluence of the Ostravice and Lučina rivers, close to the Polish border, and has played a significant role since its establishment in 1280.
Originally designed in the Gothic style, it was transformed into a chateau during the Renaissance. However, it was completely demolished in 1872 due to mining-related subsidence, which caused the structure to sink by 16 meters.
The castle has since been meticulously restored and now houses exhibits detailing Ostrava’s history and the various torture methods once employed in its dungeons.
6. Ostrava Zoo
This zoo is the second largest in the Czech Republic and is a member of EEP and EAZA, ensuring adherence to high European ethical standards. It is not merely a place to observe animals in enclosures; rather, the zoo emphasizes education.
The new House of Evolution showcases the history of evolution in West Africa, featuring a multi-environment exhibition with over 200 species, including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, mammals, and primitive Sarcopterygii fish.
Additional areas include a Safari, Amazon hall, Botanical Park, and a Farm where children can interact with domestic and farm animals.
7. The Ostrava Museum
Opened in 2009 in the elegant Old Town Hall building, this museum merits a visit of a couple of hours. It provides insight into how the coalfield underneath the city has been utilized.
The natural history section explores the geology surrounding Ostrava, while exhibits elucidate the social dimensions of the coal industry, featuring a diverse array of mining-related artifacts.
Many of Ostrava’s families and institutions have contributed art pieces and furniture to the museum, including a magnificent astronomical clock over two meters tall, designed by Jan Masek, a technician at the city’s steelworks during the 1920s, with more than 2,500 moving parts.
8. Michal Colliery
Founded in 1843 by the Austrian Empire, the Michal Colliery includes two shafts at this location. It is particularly captivating for visitors interested in industrial history since it remained unmodernized post-1915 even while operating until 1993.
The preserved above-ground structures provide a glimpse into the early mining lifestyle during the electrification era. Visitors can follow the routines of Ostrava’s last miners as they navigated the rest rooms, lamp room, machine room, and mining cage.
Several heavy machinery exhibits, including tippers, hoists, compressors, and transporter crane trucks, are also on display.
9. Ostravar Brewery
Ostravar is not widely recognized outside of northern Moravia, but it has a substantial local presence. This brewery offers both light beer and light lager varieties (Original and Premium).
As the national drink of the Czech Republic, beer is an essential part of local culture. At this 19th-century brewery, visitors are guided through the brewing process, starting from the brewhouse with its large copper kettles to the cellar where the beer matures, and they can view historic items such as an antique barrelhead and transport glasses from the early 20th century.
A highlight of the tour includes the brewery’s 1940s tap bar, offering tastings of the various Ostravar beers.
10. Ema Slag Heap
While a slag heap may not be everyone’s idea of a tourist attraction, it appeals to those drawn to the city’s gritty allure. Located on the right bank of the Ostravice River, the Ema Slag Heap is an intriguing site.
Surprisingly, it rises to a height of 315 meters above sea level and has a subtropical climate that supports unique plant life. This is due to the ongoing combustion of waste material from the ore refinement process, resulting in the visible haze of smoke rising from the ground.
11. Sareza Aquapark
During July and August, when daytime temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, this well-equipped leisure complex becomes essential, particularly for families visiting Ostrava.
The facility features play areas, minigolf, volleyball courts, walking trails, and football goals, but the star attraction for children is the family-friendly slide and splash pool area. Meanwhile, experienced swimmers can use the expansive main swimming pool, supervised by lifeguards, which is reminiscent of a lake at a staggering 380 meters long and 220 meters wide, complemented by a 50-meter-long waterslide. Refreshments are available at snack bars and a café throughout the summer months.
12. Ostravar Arena
For ice hockey enthusiasts, the Ostravar Arena is a fantastic venue, having established a significant reputation after hosting the World Championships in 2004 and 2015.
With a capacity of 10,000 seats, it serves as the home rink for HC Vitkovice Steel, a team with roots dating back to 1928 that competes in the Czech Extraliga. The hockey season extends from autumn to spring, so visitors during this time are encouraged to experience the electrifying atmosphere at the Ostravar Arena alongside the enthusiastic home supporters.
In the off-season, the arena transforms into a tennis venue, hosting both Fed and Davis Cup events.
13. Ostravice River
This scenic area along the river is an ideal location for a leisurely stroll and a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors can join guided bike tours along the river as it flows away from the urban landscape into the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, one may prefer to relax on a bench, enjoying observations of the waterway and local birdlife.
Both the river and its banks are exceptionally well-maintained, allowing for easy rentals of paddle boats or canoes for those inclined toward aquatic activities.
14. Antonín Dvořák Theatre
This neo-classical opera house, inaugurated in 1907, has undergone numerous transformations over the decades. Initially, only German performances were held here from its founding until the end of World War I.
After 1918, the building transitioned to national ownership and remained that way until the Velvet Revolution, when it was named in honor of the renowned Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.
Attending an opera or ballet at the theatre not only showcases the performance but also allows visitors to admire the theatre’s extravagant neo-baroque décor, featuring extensive gold leaf, sculpture, a grand chandelier in the main hall, and opulent paintings depicting cherubic motifs.
