Olomouc is a city in the eastern province of Moravia in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its 6 baroque fountains and the 18th-century Holy Trinity Column, a monument adorned with religious sculptures. On Wenceslas Hill are the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral and the Romanesque Bishop’s Palace. The Town Hall is a former merchant's house with vaulted rooms and an astronomical clock.
April to June – Spring blooms + university town buzz ๐ท
September to October – Warm colors and lively atmosphere ๐
December – Christmas markets in a magical, uncrowded setting ๐
Summer is quiet (students leave), but perfect for peaceful exploration
From Prague:
~2.5 hours by train (fast and comfortable)
From Brno:
~1–1.5 hours by train or bus
From Vienna or Kraków:
~3–4 hours by train or car
Closest Airport:
Brno Airport (BRQ) or Prague (PRG) for international flights
Holy Trinity Column – UNESCO-listed Baroque monument & city symbol ๐๏ธ
Upper Square (Horní námฤstí) – Central hub with fountains, cafes & city hall
Astronomical Clock – Communist-era twist on Prague's clock (yes, it moves!) ๐ฐ๏ธ
St. Wenceslas Cathedral – Stunning Gothic church with one of CZ’s tallest towers
Archbishop’s Palace – Seat of the Catholic Church in Moravia
Olomouc Castle & Fortifications – Explore this historic hilltop area
Baroque Fountains – Seven in total, themed after gods like Neptune & Hercules
Museum of Modern Art – Surprising mix of Czech and international art
Botanical Gardens & Rozárium – Perfect for a peaceful walk ๐น
Fort Science (Pevnost poznání) – Interactive museum, great for families and curious minds
Sip coffee or wine in one of the student-packed cafés โ๐ท
Try Olomoucké tvarลฏลพky – A local aged cheese with a very strong smell ๐ง
Bike along the Morava River or explore the city’s parks
Visit a wine bar and try Moravian wines – this region is full of them!
Join a free walking tour to uncover legends, hidden courtyards, and weird clocks
Enjoy the nightlife – bars and clubs stay busy thanks to university life
Day trip to Bouzov Castle, Helfštýn Castle, or Litomyšl
Luxury:
Theatre Hotel – Stylish, modern, and central
NH Collection Olomouc Congress – Upscale, great for spa & business trips
Mid-range:
Miss Sophie’s Boutique Hotel – Trendy with excellent location
Hotel Trinity – Comfort and character right in the old town
Budget:
Poets' Corner Hostel – Homey, friendly, with great local tips
Long Story Short Hostel & Café – Hip design + great brunch
Local must-tries:
Olomoucké syreฤky – Stinky cheese (ask for it baked or in potato pancakes!)
Svíฤková – Beef with cream sauce and dumplings
Moravian wine, Slivovice (plum brandy) ๐ท
Czech beer – Plenty of great options here too ๐บ
Top spots to eat:
Moritz Microbrewery – Great Czech food & craft beer
Entrée Restaurant – Gourmet experience with tasting menus
Café La Fee – Art nouveau style + great coffee & pastries
Podkova Wine Bar – For wine lovers ๐ท
Drápal – Classic Czech pub food in a cool atmosphere
Olomouc is often called “Little Prague without the tourists”
Strong university presence (Palacký University) = lively energy, modern cafés, and creative spaces
Rich in religious and Baroque architecture, music, and student-led events
Locals are proud of their heritage, but the vibe is relaxed, friendly, and unpretentious
Amazing blend of history, art, faith, and youthful soul