Olomouc - a gem in the eastern Czech Republic

We had no expectations of the city of Olomouc at all. Perhaps because we hadn't even heard of the place until very recently. Wow, what a surprise! We can really, really recommend this little hidden gem. Cosy alleys, impressive historical buildings and a fantastic restaurant.

Table of contents

Olomouc is the old capital of the Czech Republic

Olomouc was the capital and largest city in Moravia since the 11th century, until the Swedes arrived in 1642 in the 30 Years' War. The Swedes and General Lennart Torstensson stayed in Olomouc for eight years, during which time the capital was moved to Brno. The entire city is uniformly baroque and the most significant cultural centre after Prague in the Czech Republic.

Town Hall in Upper Square (Horní naměstí)

Numerous bookshops and pubs

We visited the industrial city Ostrava last summer, also in the eastern Czech Republic, expecting perhaps another industrial city. What we found was something completely different!

Olomouc is a cosy town with narrow, winding alleys, grand churches and beautiful buildings. A lot of life revolves around the University and a large part of the population is made up of students. You can study all sorts of things here, but there is a strong focus on art and music.

25 000 students in Olomouc

Olomouc is an old student town and the University was founded in 1573, and since 1946 has been called Palacký University. This may explain what we noticed very quickly: the countless bookshops, antique shops and pubs. The focus on art and music might also explain all the music we heard, all the art shops and ... all the creative graffiti. This is a city that we immediately liked!

Spårvagn och kreativ "graffiti" i Olomouc (Lägg märke till kungens selfie-stick!)

UNESCO World Heritage Site Trinity Column

If you are interested in history, Olomouc has a lot to offer. There is a truly magnificent cathedral and several other impressive churches. You'll also find the 'Trinity Column' which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is by far the largest of its kind in this part of Europe. The column stands in one of the city's main squares, honouring the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The chimes in Olomouc

Another thing we have to tell you about is the big carillon, which "plays" once a day, with figures moving through the game. As you may know, there is a similar carillon in Prague, with angels.

The carillon in Olomouc was also originally equipped with angels, but it was destroyed on the last (!) day of the Second World War. The communists restored it, but of course thought that the figures should be workers and not angels. So even today, it's workers who move through the carillon every day... From a family that has been manually operating the clock for generations!

Uret i Olomouc — The chimes in Olomouc - with workers instead of angels!

Discover Olomouc

Kafeet Amadeus I Archdiocesan Museum

These magnificent golden carriages are on display and the museum also has a café called Amadeus. He was cared for in the lower square when he was ill in 1767 and had to stay in Olomouc. The museum is located by the cathedral.

Boat trip on the Moravia River

You can hire your own multi-person boat with an electric motor or take a boat trip for an hour on the River Moravia with food and drink.

St Wenceslas Cathedral

The huge cathedral in the old town, with three towers and the single tower, is the second highest in the Czech Republic. Prince Svatoduk started building the cathedral in 1104 and it was completed in 1141, but it has been rebuilt several times since then. You can find the cathedral at Václavské náměstí, 779 00 in Olomouc.

Bouzov fairy tale castle in Olomouc

The medieval Bouzov Castle is definitely one of the castles in Moravia not to be missed. This fairytale castle was founded in the 13th century and never fell into ruin.

Javoříč Caves of Olomouc

Just a short walk from Bouzov Castle are the amazing caves hidden in the thick vegetation.
It is one of the largest caves in the Czech Republic and can be found at Javoříčské jeskyně, Javoříčko 783 24 Slavětín.

Baroque monastery of Hradisko

This amazing monastery was first built in 1078 by Prince Otto Slicny but has had its enemies who destroyed the monastery: the Mongols in 1241, the Hussites in 1429, the Taborites in 1432 and the Swedes in 1642. Since 1802, it is the oldest and largest military hospital in the Czech Republic, and is located north of Olomouc Centre at Cl. Sušilovo nám. 4/4, Klášterní Hradisko.

Olomouc Archdiocesan museum

Here we were a few years ago and the complex is huge. The cathedral is built with the Bishop's Palace (Jindřich Zdík) on the right of the picture, St Barbara and St Anne chapel and the museum. This is where you stay if you visit the city.
In 1306, the last Czech king of the Přemysl family was assassinated here - Vaclav III in the cathedral dean's house. It is protected by UNECO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Minor basil for the Blessed Virgin Mary

This pilgrimage church is truly a landmark of the Olomouc landscape. Located 13 km outside the city centre, it is an incredibly grand building. 12 apostles and two saints adorn the roof. Behind the church and attached to it are a monastery and the chapel of the Virgin Mary, and nearby is the famous "Holy Hill". Go to Svatý Kopeček, in Olomouc.

Olomouc zoo

Olomouc Zoo is very close to the Pilgrimage Church and is for the whole family. At CliDarwinova 222/29, Olomouc.

Chapel of St John Sarkander

In St John's Chapel, John Sarkander was interrogated and tortured to death in 1620. This was the exact location of the prison where he died, but he never admitted to the charges of betraying the people. He was canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1995 in Olomouc. The chapel is located at Mahlerova 19, in Olomouc.

Church of St Moritz in Olomouc

The unique church with the Gothic style in Moravia. It has the largest organ in Central Europe and a special tower built into the church. You can find it at 8th května, in Olomouc.

Vintage car museum in Olomouc

The Veteran Arena is a fun thing for the whole family with old cars and motorbikes in great condition. It is located on the other side of the river and takes about 30 min walk to Sladovní 103/3, Pavlovičky, in Olomouc.

Church of St Michael in Olomouc

The three domes of St Michael's Church are one of the most distinctive landmarks in the city. This beautiful baroque church was rebuilt from the original gothic church and was probably consecrated in 1251. The church was rebuilt to its current early baroque form in 1673-1686. The church is located at náměstí 1, in Olomouc.

Church of the Virgin Mary

An incredibly beautiful baroque church built between 1712-1716. A bird whispered in my ear that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played in the church a long time ago.
He had to stay here when he was ill, travelling through Moravia. If you want to visit the historical site, it is located on Denisova, in Olomouc.

Take the opportunity to shop cheaply

You have the large modern shopping centre Santovka at Polská 1, or Gallery Moritz at 8. Května 24 in the middle of town.

Living and eating in Olomouc

We have only been here in Olomouc for one day, but we can at least tell you about the places we have visited! We have stayed at Hotel Arigone, which is a cosy little hotel right in the centre, within walking distance of pretty much everything.

Hotell Arigone — Our room at Hotel Arigone

In the centre of the city, this great hotel is located at Univerzitní 20, Olomouc.

Restaurant Podkova in Olomouc

We had lunch at a restaurant called Podkova. Here we had a good green pea soup for starters and a really good fish with potato cake for the main course. We finished with a chocolate cake with cherries and cream. The restaurants are incredibly charming and recommended by us.

Take the opportunity to experience a good restaurant at Lorem Kozeluzska 945/31, Olomouc.

Restaurant Entrée

Last night we visited restaurant Entrance in Olomouc, and it was much more than a dinner - it was an experience! The restaurant has taken its inspiration from nature and the decor is spectacular. Modern black meets soft wood formations and winding green, as if you are in the future and in a forest at the same time, or perhaps in some kind of built-up version of the film Avatar.

Restaurang Entrée i Olomouc — Restaurant Entrée in Olomouc

Work in progress at the Entrée restaurant

The food is also inspired by nature. The menu is organised around three different themes - garden, sea and land. Or you can do as we did, and order one of their tasting menus. An absolutely fantastic experience!

Eight different creative savoury dishes were brought out and presented enthusiastically. Everything was both exciting and delicious. The dishes included goodies like char, pumpkin soup, truffles and venison, but also extra interesting things like sliced and marinated young walnut!

Hjort med olika tillbehör, bland annat marinerad ung valnöt — Venison with various accompaniments, including marinated young walnut (the round brown-black one).

En av efterrätterna ... — One of the desserts ...

This fantastic restaurant can be found at Ostravská 1, Olomouc. Tip: Book far in advance because it is very popular!

Things you (may) not know about Olomouc

Trinity column shot at?

During the Prussian War, enemies fired a cannonball into the side of the Column and were injured. It had taken 40 years to build and the locals were dismayed. They asked the enemy to stop firing near the column and they did just that. The cannonball sits there as a reminder to this day. The column stands in the upper square near the town hall.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Eleven-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed Symphony No. 6 in F major in Olomouc in 1767.

Wencel of Bohemia or Vaclav?

They are the same person but Wencel is German and Vaclav is Czech. Born in 907 and died on 28 September 935, he is the patron saint of the Czech Republic and Prague. Now you know why the cathedral is called St Wencel, and the St Wencel statue can be found in Olomouc.

The 1709 fire in Olomouc

The great fire destroyed 350 buildings and the interiors of many churches. It is a wonder that so much is still standing.

The train to Olomouc already in 1841

The first train arrives in the city - Olomouc becomes a station on The North Rail!

READ MORE: What to do in Prague - 30 tips for sights and experiences

This trip was a press trip. The images, texts and opinions are, as usual, our own.

Helena

26 November 2016 6:00

Czech Republic

city guide Europe, cityguide world, history, Motorhome trip Czech Republic, restaurants, attraction

Helena

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29 Comments

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Husis blog says:

Thanks for the new travel tips. The owners are busy writing down new destinations, with or without me, we'll see. Whether they ever get there remains to be seen but Olomouc is now on the same list as Prague.

26 November 2016 - 7:25

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Lennart says:

Czech Republic is just an amazing country!

26 November 2016 - 7:42

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Mr Steve says:

It is always exciting to follow in your footsteps. There is always something new to discover.
Restaurant Entrée, where I would love to enjoy a meal. Or perhaps I should say a dining experience.

26 November 2016 - 7:48

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Husisblog, we were really surprised by a nice and interesting little town! If you want you can enter Brno on the same line - also worth a visit! 🙂

Lennart, glad you like the Czech Republic too! We are pleasantly surprised all the time. And the prices are good!

Steve, glad you enjoy following our adventures! 🙂

26 November 2016 - 8:27

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Solan says:

Great murals...and as usual, great photos. Really good. Greetings from a southern French non Acsicamping for €13. 16 amps. Perfect for a Freedom car 🙂

26 November 2016 - 8:29

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Lanclin-Linnea says:

It seems really cosy 🙂 In the top picture I can see some herrnhutic poinsettias. I wrote about their exciting story in Lanclin's Christmas calendar last year 😉.

26 November 2016 - 8:53

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Ama de casa says:

Haha! Love the king with the selfie stick there 😀.

Really looked like a nice city! And then the restaurant, wow for both interior and food!

And cosy alleys are always nice! Well, as long as you're not in a vehicle... 😀.

Have a nice trip!

26 November 2016 - 9:07

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åsa in åsele says:

Thank you for letting me follow you 🙂 So nice pictures and good food 🙂 .

One question, what kind of industries are there in Olomouc, know that in Slovakia there are a lot of car industries.

Have a nice Saturday 🙂

26 November 2016 - 9:33

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Marina says:

So cosy! From what you have told me here, it really sounds like a place that attracts me. Thanks for the tip!

26 November 2016 - 9:46

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Solan, glad you like our pictures! And what a great campsite you found! It sounds perfect! 😉 (Especially if there is WiFi as well, but it may be possible to fix it in another way otherwise).

Linnea, I remember that you wrote about poinsettias last year, but I don't remember the word "herrnhutic" ... Now I might have to read up on it 😉 .

Ama de casa, haha, this time we had no vehicle at all but could get around on foot, perfect in narrow alleys 😉.

Åsa in Åsele, we understood that there are no large industries here at all. However, in Ostrava, which is not so far from here, there is a mining industry and the like.

26 November 2016 - 9:48

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Camilla says:

Seems cosy! Funny when you are pleasantly surprised by places you have no particular expectations of!

26 November 2016 - 9:54

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Goatfish says:

The Czech Republic, for me a completely blank slate, is very attractive when I see your pictures!
And the food - anything but meat and mash 😀 😀 oh my goodness, a formidable treat.
Have a good Saturday!

26 November 2016 - 10:17

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Role o Carina says:

Looks like you are having a great time in the Czech Republic!

Take care and enjoy.....

26 November 2016 - 14:25

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Elin is travelling says:

Olomouc - never heard of the city before. Thanks for the tip! I will probably go to the Czech Republic again and then I know where to go, to Olomouc. 🙂 By the way, a pretty funny name I think

26 November 2016 - 16:21

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BP says:

What a place! I am very impressed, I must say, mostly by the mural (in contrast to the tram - what a picture!!!) and the food. Sitting here and drooling. Oh the interior of the restaurant Entrée is so delicious, as well as the stucco in your hotel room. What a great trip!

26 November 2016 - 17:08

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Camilla, great fun! We really had no expectations at all 😉 .

Geddfish, no sausage and mash here not 😉 .

Rolle and Carina, thank you! There are many nice things to see and experience here!

Elin is travelling, no particularly famous city... but it's fun to discover lesser known gems too! 🙂

BP, glad you like the picture! The mural was soooo cool we thought 😉 And the food, oh yeah!

26 November 2016 - 17:40

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nils-åke says:

Interesting to follow

26 November 2016 - 18:19

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Travel Friday says:

Cosy, what hidden treasures there are out there...

26 November 2016 - 19:09

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Ruth in Virginia says:

The hotel room - WOW - smashing!
What a great city! - The restaurant entrance is fabulous.
Likes curves in architecture and home decoration.
Enjoying it to the fullest with you.

26 November 2016 - 20:37

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Rico says:

Hello there
Nice to have some new ideas for next year's continuation of the trip, which is planned to be on the "east side" (as you may know).
I hope you will continue to have the opportunity to be my tracker on that side.
Olomouc appeals to me after your nice description in combo with beautiful pictures, like the mural....
Postarat se o vás
Rico

26 November 2016 - 20:42

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Nils-Åke, glad you are following! 🙂

Travel Friday, that's what it does! There are so many more places to discover than the famous ones that everyone goes to.

Ruth in Virginia, glad you are enjoying it with us! 🙂 The restaurant was really amazing, both the decor and the food!

Rico, nice to hear from you from time to time! 🙂 We are happy to continue to "track dog" we like the eastern side of Europe!

26 November 2016 - 22:27

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Matts Torebring says:

What a city, what a destination, what experiences you make. We could go there by campervan!

27 November 2016 - 8:44

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Matts, yes it is interesting to experience new destinations that you don't know much about. We have travelled a bit by motorhome in the Czech Republic and would love to do it more!

27 November 2016 - 17:46

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Maria at Interior design says:

OMG seems absolutely wonderful and high class gastronomic as well:)

Today's Christmas tips for the sofa on the blog :)

Have a great week!

LOVE Maria

28 November 2016 - 16:51

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Denandraresan.com says:

We are keen to go there, although it will probably be in the summer. There is a really cool cave that you can take a boat ride in quite close, we will go anyway. Love the graffiti picture!

28 November 2016 - 18:40

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Maria, really food with class! Will check out your Christmas tips 🙂

Denandraresan, we can definitely recommend going there! We haven't heard of the cave, but it sounds interesting 🙂.

28 November 2016 - 22:43

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Elisabeth says:

A place worth exploring!

29 November 2016 - 21:40

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Dagmar Gustavsson says:

You forgot to mention that the Swedes occupied Olomouc for eight years.
Go here, rent a car and go to the countryside.

30 March 2017 - 16:33

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Sven says:

The carillon you show in the picture is a so-called astronomical clock from the 17th century.
It is quite unique...

28 October 2020 - 19:28

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Olomouc - a gem in the eastern Czech Republic

Olomouc is the old capital of the Czech Republic

Numerous bookshops and pubs

25 000 students in Olomouc

UNESCO World Heritage Site Trinity Column

The chimes in Olomouc

Discover Olomouc

Kafeet Amadeus I Archdiocesan Museum

Boat trip on the Moravia River

St Wenceslas Cathedral

Bouzov fairy tale castle in Olomouc

Javoříč Caves of Olomouc

Baroque monastery of Hradisko

Olomouc Archdiocesan museum

Minor basil for the Blessed Virgin Mary

Olomouc zoo

Chapel of St John Sarkander

Church of St Moritz in Olomouc

Vintage car museum in Olomouc

Church of St Michael in Olomouc

Church of the Virgin Mary

Take the opportunity to shop cheaply

Living and eating in Olomouc

Restaurant Podkova in Olomouc

Restaurant Entrée

Things you (may) not know about Olomouc

Trinity column shot at?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wencel of Bohemia or Vaclav?

The 1709 fire in Olomouc

The train to Olomouc already in 1841

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29 Comments

Husis blog says:

Lennart says:

Mr Steve says:

admin says:

Solan says:

Lanclin-Linnea says:

Ama de casa says:

åsa in åsele says:

Marina says:

admin says:

Camilla says:

Goatfish says:

Role o Carina says:

Elin is travelling says:

BP says:

admin says:

nils-åke says:

Travel Friday says:

Ruth in Virginia says:

Rico says:

admin says:

Matts Torebring says:

admin says:

Maria at Interior design says:

Denandraresan.com says:

admin says:

Elisabeth says:

Dagmar Gustavsson says:

Sven says:

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