15 Fantastic Things to Do in Olomouc, Czech Republic

Hidden in the shadow of Prague, Olomouc (Czech Republic) is one of those places that is the quintessence of Central Europe. The city was founded in the 11th century and has always played an important role in this part of Europe.

Still today, you will find there beautiful architecture, with pastel townhouses typical for the region and numerous historical landmarks, an exceptional cafe scene, a vibrant atmosphere (this is, after all, one of the main student hubs in the country), and plenty of attractions and things to do in Olomouc that will keep you occupied during your time there. When visiting Olomouc, you get the complete package of a fantastic city break destination, minus the crowds that often spoil the experience in more popular places.

While the majority of tourists visit Olomouc as a day trip from Prague (it’s a bit over two hours by train), I recommend giving the city a proper chance and spending a bit more time there to fully enjoy all it has to offer. You will not be disappointed! I can’t count how many times I’ve been there, and with each trip to Olomouc, I find new and interesting attractions there. And I can’t wait to return and explore Olomouc some more!

I put together this Olomouc guide so you can visit this amazing yet overlooked city, too, and fall for its charm as much as I did. Read on to find all the best things to do in Olomouc, as well as practical information about visiting the place, and plan your perfect Olomouc trip!

Where is Olomouc, Czech Republic

Olomouc, a city of about 100,000 inhabitants, is located in the central-eastern part of the Czech Republic. Prague, the country’s capital, is about 250 km west of Olomouc, and Brno (the second-largest city) is 80 km south.

Things to do in Olomouc

Admire the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column

In the heart of the Old Town, on its main square – Horni Namesti – you can find the most precious monument of the city – the Holy Trinity Column. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as “one of the most exceptional examples of the apogee of central European Baroque artistic expression”.

The column was built in the first half of the 18th century to express gratitude for ending the plague that had been circulating in the region. This tradition is very much Central European, as you will see similar, though not as rich in decor, columns in numerous places across southern Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, such as Kutná Hora, Kłodzko, Banská Štiavnica, or Košice, to name a few.

But the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is special for one more reason: it was built only by the local artists and craftsmen, and all the saints you can see are connected to the city. It surely is an impressive structure, and while you’re here, be sure to peek inside the small chapel built into it.

Unfortunately, during my recent visit, the Holy Trinity Column was going through major restoration and was covered. But I’m sure that once the works are done, it will be even more beautiful and impressive than before.

See the unique astronomical clock

As much as the Holy Trinity Column impresses every visitor (including me), my personal top Olomouc attraction is the Orloj — the astronomical clock on the side of the town hall.

While everyone who visits the Czech Republic raves about the astronomical clock in Prague, the one in Olomouc is pretty spectacular too, yet it doesn’t get nearly as much attention. Not only is it much bigger than the one in Prague, but it also puts on a much better show (at least in my opinion).

The original clock was built here in the same period as the town hall itself, in the 15th century, but it was sadly destroyed at the end of World War 2 (in the pictures it looks amazing, though). The clock was reconstructed in the years 1947-1955 in a popular style at the time—Socialist Realist.

It’s such a unique gem! Instead of saints, we have proletarians of all kinds, and everything is decorated in the golden mosaic. What makes it even more special is that this is one of the few heliocentric clocks in the world.

Don’t miss its show – the astronomical clock comes alive every day at noon. It’s better to arrive at the spot a few minutes before to secure a good place to watch the play.

Admire the beautiful town hall

Once you are done admiring the astronomical clock, be sure to pay closer attention to the town hall itself. It dates back to the 14th century but was renovated in a Renaissance style a century later. Today, you can still find numerous Gothic features there (however, the facade is neogothic and was added to the structure in the early 20th century). Inside, you can see many impressive rooms, but the most valuable is the Gothic Chapel of St. Jerome with a unique ribbed vault.

It’s also possible to climb to Town Hall Tower; however, the visit is possible only with a guide and tours are limited to twice a day during weekends in the high season. If you are lucky enough to visit Olomouc at that time, stop by the Tourist Information Center (also in the Town Hall) to get more information and purchase the ticket.

Take a look at the Upper Square

The main square in Olomouc Old Town is a bit in the shadow of two popular attractions – the Holy Trinity Column and the Town Hall. Once you admire them properly, take a look around and see how beautiful the square itself and the surrounding buildings are.

The main square – Horni Namesti – was first mentioned in 1261 and quickly became the center of the town. The importance of the place grew rapidly when the wealthy townspeople and nobility built houses here in medieval times. Still today, you can find many beautiful palaces and townhouses surrounding the square, as well as a few interesting fountains and the model of Olomouc Old Town. This really is one of the prettiest places to see in Olomouc.

Enjoy to Lower Square

From the Horni Namesti, it’s a short walk to another important square of the Old Town – Dolni Namesti (the Lower Square). It dates back to the 13th century, as the place was on the trade route between Brno and the northern part of the Kingdom of Bohemia. For centuries, it’s been one of Olomouc’s most important trading centers. Still today, you can find there remnants of old times, such as original signs or coats of arms of the original owners (usually wealthy families).

Lower Square is a vibrant place, full of cafes and restaurants where you can relax and do some people watching. This is such a great place to enjoy and a perfect stop during your Olomouc sightseeing.

Wander around the Old Town

The Olomouc Old Town is the second-largest historical monument preserve in the Czech Republic (after Prague), and there are plenty of opportunities to see jaw-dropping, picture-perfect sights.

Every second lane is just the prettiest, with pastel houses, unique details, or arches spread between buildings. It’s such a charming place to wander around, preferably without the map. Just follow your intuition, taking random lanes, pay attention to the details surrounding you, and see what kind of gems you can find there.

Olomouc Old Town is a peculiar mix of architectural styles: the majority of what you are about to see was built in the Renaissance and Baroque—probably the most splendid styles—but you will also find Gothic or modernist buildings around.

Visit impressive churches

Olomouc is home to some impressive churches, with interiors so stunning they may make your jaw drop. Even if you are not religious, be sure to step inside some of them, as the decor you will find inside, rich in details, is more valuable than that of many art galleries.

My personal favorite ones were the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow (from the 18th century), St. Michael’s Church (rebuilt in the 17th century), and late Gothic St. Maurice Church. All of them are located within the Old Town and are free to visit.

While you are in St. Michael’s Church, be sure to check the cloister on the right side – not only will you find even more sacred art there, but there’s also the entrance to the tower. From up there, you can see a nice panorama of the Old Town, although the windows can be a bit dirty, which spoils the view.

Climb the St. Maurice Church tower

When you visit the St. Maurice Church, you might notice a small door next to the richly decorated entrance. Inside, you will find a unique double spiral staircase that will take you to the top of the tower, from where you can admire a stunning, 360-degree panorama of Olomouc and its surroundings.

It’s a bit of a climb to reach the top, but the views are definitely worth the effort. Visiting the tower is free of charge – don’t miss it as it’s one of the best things to do in Olomouc.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Located in the beautiful Art Nouveau building across the street from the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art. But before you enter the place, take a look at the facade. You will find there one of the works of the most popular Czech modern artist, David Černý (you might know his other works from Prague and Liberec). It shows a very realistic man hanging from the cornice of the building. If you are lucky, you can even see him moving along the cornice. It looks both creepy and fascinating.

The museum itself has a great and extensive collection of fine and contemporary art, mainly by Czech artists. Among the pieces, you can find even more works by Cerny. You might also climb to the very top of the building—a lookout glass turret that offers a nice vista of Olomouc (and is really hot inside).

See Palacky University

Olomouc is one of the most popular Czech university cities, with well over twenty thousand students from all over the world. The majority of them study at the Palacky University, the second-oldest university in the Czech Republic, founded in 1573.

It’s possible to visit the university grounds and buildings. Some of them, such as the Corpus Christi Chapel, are really impressive inside. The university buildings are scattered all over the city, but the most important places are located in the Old Town or a short walk from it, making them an easy stop in your Olomouc itinerary.

Enjoy green spaces

If you are tired of your Olomouc sightseeing and would like to relax in a lovely green spaces, there is a great place – Bezruc Park – just below the Old Town. The best way to get there is to take the staircase next to St. Michal’s church or near the Archbishop’s Palace.

The park dates back to the end of the 19th century. Besides features typical of any green area in the city, you will also find a Botanic Garden, an interesting Mausoleum of Yugoslav Soldiers from 1926, and numerous art pieces. Wandering around the park is a real treat and joy.

Admire the Cathedral

Even though the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Wenceslas is located a bit outside of the Old Town, its tall towers are clearly visible from numerous places all over the city. It was built in the early 12th century, originally in the Romanesque style, and, after further changes, remains one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in the region. With a height of a bit over a hundred meters, this is the second-tallest church in the Czech Republic.

While the cathedral impresses from the outside, it’s worth seeing its interior too. Inside, you will find a richly decorated interior and numerous valuable artifacts. The crypt is the burial place for Olomouc bishops and archbishops.

Visit the Archdiocesan Museum

Located next to the cathedral, the Archdiocesan Museum is such a fascinating place to visit and nothing like what I expected. Besides the interesting sacred art created between the 12th and 18th centuries, inside you will also find remnants of the former Romanesque Bishop’s Palace. The place is like a great history lesson of Olomouc and a great way to learn more about the city and its past.

Visit Hradisko Monastery

Even if Hradisko Monastery is located on the outskirts of Olomouc, it’s definitely worth a little detour to get there. Originally built in the 12th century as a Benedictine monastery, it’s now home to a local military hospital. The large complex with surrounding monastery gardens is one of the best and most important examples of Baroque architecture in Central Europe, and it surely is stunning.

Unfortunately, due to the hospital’s operations, access to the site is somewhat restricted, but there are guided tours of the interior and gardens. It’s best to secure the spot in advance, as this is a limited attraction.

Discover Olomouc street art scene

Another great thing about Olomouc is its street art scene. There are some good murals and smaller pieces all over the city, so if you enjoy this kind of art, you are in for a treat.

The most popular work is the mural of the British king Edward VII taking a selfie. It was created by the Portuguese artist MrDheo and is located on the building next to the Contemporary Art Museum. Across the street, you will also find a small passage, the so-called Lomena gallery, with numerous pieces painted on the walls.

You can find many more works all over Olomouc – the “Street Art” app is an excellent resource for their locations.

Visiting Olomouc – practical information

How to get to Olomouc

Olomouc is conveniently located on the main railway line between Prague and Ostrava (and beyond to Poland and Slovakia). There are frequent trains between Olomouc and Prague (2,5 hours), Ostrava (1 hour), and Brno (1,5 hours). You can also go directly to places like Krakow, Katowice, Warszawa (Poland), Zilina, or Kosice (Slovakia). You can check the current train schedule at the official website of Czech Railways here.

How to get around Olomouc

The train station is about 2 km from Olomouc Old Town. If you don’t feel like walking, there are trams that will take you all the way to the center (the tram stop nearest the main square is “U Sv. Mořice”). You can buy the ticket at the ticket machine at the tram stop. Once you are in the Old Town, all the best things to do in Olomouc are within walking distance from each other.

Where to stay in Olomouc

If you decide to stay overnight in Olomouc (which I highly recommend!), here are the recommended accommodation options:

• Miss Sophie’s Olomouc – Boutique Hotel (9.4/10)
• OREA Hotel Arigone Olomouc (8.8/10)
• Penzion V Ráji (9.1/10)
• and more!

Where to go next

From Olomouc, you can continue your trip to numerous other interesting destinations in the Czech Republic, such as Brno, Pardubice, Kromeriz, Ostrava, and many more. This is such an interesting part of Europe, offering more than just popular tourist destinations!

Further reading

I published many articles about the Czech Republic that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 2 Days in Prague Itinerary
• Holesovice – a mini guide to Prague’s coolest district
• 17 Great Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
• 13 Amazing Things to Do in Pilsen, Czech Republic
• Karlovy Vary Itinerary. What to Do in Karlovy Vary in 3 Days
• 20 Great Things to Do in Brno, Czech Republic
• What to See in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
• Visit Kromeriz, Czech Republic – the UNESCO Castle and More
• Visit Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic – the UNESCO spa town
• and more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

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