Fairytale Castles and Medieval Ruins

Bouzov Castle is arguably the most romantic castle in Central Moravia. It sits majestically on a hill surrounded by lush forests. The castle features a fully furnished interior and stunning architecture. It was built in the early 14th century. Movie directors often choose this location for filming fairytales.

Visitors can choose from several guided tour circuits. The tours take you through the knight's hall AND private chambers. You should climb the watchtower for a breathtaking panoramic view. Plan your Bouzov Castle day trip early to avoid large crowds. Weekend events often include fencing shows and costumed guides.

Helfstyn Castle offers a completely different experience south of Olomouc. It is one of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe. The complex dominates the landscape above the Bečva River. Recent renovations have added modern steel walkways for accessibility. These walkways contrast beautifully with the ancient stone walls.

The castle is famous for its artistic blacksmith tradition. Blacksmiths from around the world gather here annually. You can explore the Helfstyn Castle ruins at your own pace without a guide. The site includes multiple courtyards and defensive walls. It is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Sternberk Castle lies just north of Olomouc. This fortress has stood since the 13th century. It was originally built to defend the trade routes. The interiors display valuable collections of art and historical furniture. The castle kitchen gives a glimpse into medieval life.

The town of Sternberk itself is charming and walkable. You can easily reach it by train from Olomouc main station. A visit to Sternberk Castle fits perfectly into a half-day itinerary. Don't miss the Time Exposition museum nearby. It explores the history of timekeeping and clocks.

Plumlov Castle stands out with its unusual architecture. It was never fully completed, leaving it with a unique façade. The building rises high above the Plumlov Dam. This creates a dramatic reflection in the water below. Cultural events and concerts happen here frequently in summer.

The nearby water reservoir is great for relaxation. You can swim or rent a boat during warm months. Combining the castle with the dam makes for a diverse day. It is one of the most relaxing spots in the region.

Mysterious Caves and Natural Wonders

The Javoricko Caves are a natural masterpiece hidden underground. They are located west of Olomouc in a scenic valley. The cave system is renowned for its rich dripstone decorations. Thousands of fragile stalactites cover the ceilings and walls. The Hall of Giants is particularly impressive to witness.

Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who explain the geology. The temperature inside remains constant throughout the year. You should bring a light jacket even in summer. Your Javoricko Caves exploration will take about one hour underground. Several hiking trails lead through the surrounding forests above ground.

The Mladeč Caves offer fascinating history and archaeology. These caves served as a settlement for early humans. Archaeologists have found bones and tools from the Cro-Magnon period here. The caves are located within the Litovel Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. This makes them easy to combine with other nature walks.

The interior structures are larger and more open than Javoricko. The "Temple of Nature" dome is a highlight of the tour. Visiting the Mladec Caves archaeological site is an educational experience. It connects natural beauty with deep human history. The nearby visitor center provides detailed exhibits.

The Litovel Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area is a green paradise. It follows the meandering Morava River through floodplain forests. The area is flat and perfect for cycling or easy walking. You can rent bikes in Olomouc and ride directly there. The path is scenic and safe for families.

The town of Litovel is known as the "Haná Venice." Branches of the river flow directly under the town center. It is also famous for its local brewery. You can tour the Litovel Brewery and taste fresh beer. This combines nature activity with local culinary tradition.

UNESCO Gardens and Historic Towns

Kromeriz is an essential stop for any cultural traveler. The town is located about an hour south of Olomouc. It is home to the Archbishop's Palace and majestic gardens. These sites are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list. The architecture preserves the grandeur of supreme religious power.

The Palace interiors are incredibly ornate and well-preserved. You can see the assembly hall where the Austrian constituent diet met. The on-site art gallery holds valuable European paintings. The library contains thousands of historical volumes and musical archives. It is a place of immense cultural weight.

The Gardens are the true highlight for many visitors. The Castle Garden is a sprawling English-style park. It features exotic trees and wandering peacocks. The separate Flower Garden is a masterpiece of Baroque landscaping. Discover the beauty of the Kromeriz Gardens UNESCO site during spring or summer.

The Flower Garden includes a colonnade and a rotunda. You can climb to the top of the colonnade for views. Geometric flower beds create colorful patterns on the ground. It is one of the most photogenic spots in Czechia. Plan to spend a full day exploring Kromeriz.

Unique Traditions and Modern Relaxation

Velke Losiny is located in the foothills of the Jeseniky Mountains. This town has a dark but fascinating history. It was the center of infamous witch trials in the 17th century. A local museum details these tragic historical events. The town also features a beautiful renaissance chateau.

The town is famous for its handmade paper mill. It is one of the oldest operating paper mills in Europe. You can see the traditional paper-making process in action. Afterwards, relax at the Velke Losiny Thermal Park. The thermal waters are naturally warm and healing.

The thermal park offers indoor and outdoor pools. It is suitable for visiting in any weather conditions. There are water slides for children and saunas for adults. It provides a perfect break from sightseeing tours. The mountain air adds to the rejuvenating experience.

Lostice is a small town with a strong aroma. It is the home of the famous Olomouc Tvaruzky cheese. This ripened cheese has a very distinct scent and taste. It is the only regional cheese specialty in the Czech Republic. Foodies travel here specifically to engage with this tradition.

You can visit the dedicated museum of cheese making. Exhibits show the history of production in the region. There is a company store selling various cheese products. Don't forget to visit the Lostice Olomouc cheese museum and bistro. You can even try eccentric items like Tvaruzky ice cream.

Spiritual Sites and Family Views

Svatý Kopeček, or Holy Hill, overlooks the city of Olomouc. It is a significant pilgrimage site in Central Europe. The Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary stands here. Its yellow façade is visible from miles away. The baroque interior is stunningly decorated.

The hill offers one of the best views of Olomouc. You can see the entire flat Haná region from the terrace. It is a peaceful place for reflection and observation. Pope John Paul II visited this basilica, elevating its status. Local bus number 11 goes directly here from the station.

Families will enjoy the expansive zoo located just behind the basilica. The zoo is set within a dense forest environment. It features a diverse collection of animals including giraffes and wolves. A visit to Svaty Kopecek and Olomouc Zoo is a full day of fun. There is also a lookout tower within the zoo grounds.

The shark aquarium is a popular attraction inside the zoo. Kids love the petting zoo area with farm animals. The paths are well-marked but can be steep in places. It is a great way to escape the city noise. You get culture and nature in one single trip.