Panoramic Views from Historic Towers

The skyline of Olomouc is defined by its impressive towers and spires. These high points provide the best way to see the city layout. You can capture the contrast between the red roofs and the green hills. Most towers are located within the compact historic center. This makes it easy to visit several spots in one afternoon.

Climbing these towers requires a bit of effort but the reward is great. You will see the intricate patterns of the cobblestone squares from above. The light hits the stone buildings beautifully during the late afternoon. Make sure to check the weather before you head up for the clearest shots. These elevated spots are essential for any photography enthusiast visiting Moravia.

Best Photography Viewpoints in Olomouc: The Full List

Here are the top spots to capture the beauty of this historic Czech city. Use this list to plan your walking route. Each location offers a unique perspective on the local culture and history. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens for the squares and a zoom lens for the architectural details.

• Best overall: Town Hall Tower
• Best for families: Svatý Kopeček
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best free: Holy Trinity Column

1. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest 360-degree view of the city center. Best for: Panoramic cityscapes and bird's-eye square shots. Where: Horní náměstí (Upper Square). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk to the center of the Upper Square. Tip: Book a tour at the Town Hall Tower to access the gallery.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: This is a massive UNESCO World Heritage monument with incredible Baroque details. Best for: Architectural close-ups and wide square shots. Where: Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located directly in the main square. Tip: Read a Holy Trinity Column guide to learn about the statues before shooting.
3. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Experience Why go: The neo-Gothic spires are the tallest in Moravia. Best for: Dramatic vertical compositions and interior shots. Where: Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit the St. Wenceslas Cathedral during the morning for the best light on the facade.
4. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Day trip Why go: This hilltop basilica offers a view of the entire city from a distance. Best for: Sunset shots and landscape photography. Where: 8km northeast of the city center. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Bus fare only. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Follow a Svatý Kopeček day trip guide to find the hidden forest paths.
5. Name: Bezručovy Sady Type: Nature Why go: This park runs along the historic city walls and a small stream. Best for: Combining nature with medieval fortifications. Where: Southern edge of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via stairs from the Upper Square area. Tip: Shoot from the botanical garden bridge for a classic park view.
6. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Experience Why go: The museum blends modern architecture with ancient Romanesque remains. Best for: Interior photography and artistic angles. Where: Near the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Standard museum ticket. Getting there: Walk toward the Cathedral district. Tip: Visit the Olomouc Museum of Art website for current exhibition details and check the museum highlights guide.
7. Name: Hradisko Monastery Type: Sight Why go: Known as the "Moravian Escorial," it is a massive and beautiful Baroque building. Best for: Grand symmetrical shots and reflection photography. Where: Northern part of the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: A short bus ride or 20-minute walk from the center. Tip: The view from across the Morava river is the most photogenic.
8. Name: Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It is a rare example of socialist-realist art on a medieval building. Best for: Cultural photography and unique details. Where: North side of the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the Upper Square. Tip: Capture the Astronomical Clock when it performs at noon each day.
9. Name: Arion Fountain Type: Sight Why go: This modern fountain features playful turtle statues in a historic setting. Best for: Street photography and family-friendly shots. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Just a few steps from the Town Hall. Tip: Use a low angle to get the turtles and the Town Hall in one frame.
10. Name: Crown Fortress (Korunní pevnůstka) Type: Experience Why go: A former military site that now hosts events and has green spaces. Best for: Industrial-meets-nature vibes and historic brickwork. Where: Near the city center parks. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the grounds. Getting there: Walk through Bezručovy Sady. Tip: Look for the old powder magazine for a moody, historic shot.
11. Name: Flora Olomouc Parks Type: Nature Why go: These parks are famous for their seasonal flower displays and greenhouses. Best for: Macro photography and colorful garden shots. Where: West of the historic center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free (greenhouses have a fee). Getting there: Walk from the city center in 10 minutes. Tip: Visit the Flora Olomouc parks during the spring flower festival.
12. Name: Upper Square Rooftops Type: Viewpoint Why go: Several cafes offer terrace views of the Holy Trinity Column. Best for: Relaxed photography with a coffee in hand. Where: Horní náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a drink. Getting there: Enter the buildings on the square's perimeter. Tip: Try the cafe in the Caesar building for a great perspective.

Golden Hour and Night Photography Tips

Olomouc transforms as the sun begins to set. The Baroque fountains and the Holy Trinity Column are beautifully lit at night. For the best results, use a tripod to capture the long exposures. The blue hour provides a stunning contrast with the warm yellow lights of the monuments. This is often the best time to capture the city's magical atmosphere.

You should also consider the seasonal changes in light. In winter, the Christmas markets add festive lights and colors to the squares. During summer, the long evenings allow for extended shoots in the parks. You can find more information on local events at the Olomouc Tourism Portal. Planning your shoot around these times will ensure you get the best photography viewpoints Olomouc can provide.