The Allure of Olomouc's Green Spaces

Olomouc is often called the "city of flowers." This is due to the long tradition of the Flora Olomouc exhibitions. The city is surrounded by a ring of parks. These green spaces follow the old medieval walls. They provide a natural buffer for the historic center. You can walk through several connected parks in one afternoon.

The Visit Czechia - Olomouc guide highlights the city's unique layout. The gardens are not just for tourists. Local students and families use them daily. This creates a lively yet calm environment. It is the perfect place to experience the local lifestyle.

If you enjoy quiet gardens and university courtyards, you will love this city. The blend of academic life and nature is special. Each season brings a new look to the landscape. Spring and summer are particularly vibrant in the Moravian region.

10 Must-See Spots: Botanical and Rose Gardens

Here are the best spots to visit for a complete garden experience. This list includes the main gardens and some hidden corners nearby. Each location offers something unique for your 2026 itinerary.

• Best overall: Botanical Garden Olomouc
• Best for romance: The Rosarium
• Best for families: Bezručovy sady
• Best free spot: University Courtyards

1. Name: Botanical Garden (Botanická zahrada) Type: nature Why go: It features diverse plant collections and quiet paths. Best for: Plant enthusiasts and photographers. Where: Bezručovy sady area. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Usually a small entrance fee during events. Getting there: Walk from the city center via the park paths. Tip: Visit the rock garden section for unique alpine plants.
2. Name: Rose Garden (Rosarium) Type: experience Why go: It houses hundreds of rose varieties in a modern geometric layout. Best for: Couples and flower lovers. Where: Near the Crown Fortress. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free or very low cost. Getting there: Take a tram to Náměstí Hrdinů and walk 10 minutes. Tip: Peak blooming season is usually in June.
3. Name: Bezručovy sady Type: sight Why go: This is the largest park surrounding the city walls. Best for: A long walk or a morning jog. Where: South side of the historic center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from many points near the Cathedral. Tip: Check out the best picnic spots in Bezrucovy sady Olomouc for a lunch break.
4. Name: Palacký University Courtyards Type: unique local experience Why go: These are hidden gems inside historic university buildings. Best for: Finding peace in the city center. Where: Various locations in the Old Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk near the Upper Square. Tip: Learn how to find hidden Palacky university courtyards before you go.
5. Name: Smetanovy sady Type: sight Why go: It features a beautiful long alley and a historic palm house. Best for: Seeing the grand scale of Olomouc parks. Where: Near the Flora Olomouc exhibition grounds. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (park access). Getting there: Tram lines 1, 4, or 6. Tip: The palm house is a great escape if it starts to rain.
6. Name: Flora Olomouc Greenhouses Type: indoor/museum Why go: See exotic plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Best for: Rainy days or winter visits. Where: Inside Smetanovy sady. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Tram to the Výstaviště Flora stop. Tip: Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal opening times.
7. Name: Crown Fortress (Korunní pevnůstka) Type: sight Why go: A mix of military history and green lawns. Best for: History buffs. Where: Adjacent to the Rose Garden. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter the grounds. Getting there: Walk from the city walls. Tip: Look for the Science Museum located inside the fortress grounds.
8. Name: Čechovy sady Type: nature Why go: A smaller, very quiet park perfect for reading. Best for: Relaxation. Where: West of the historic center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Palacký University buildings. Tip: This park is often less crowded than Smetanovy sady.
9. Name: Archbishop’s Palace Garden Type: unique local experience Why go: It is a beautifully maintained Baroque garden. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Wurmova street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entrance fee. Getting there: Near the Wenceslas Cathedral. Tip: Only open during the main tourist season (April to October).
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: Offers amazing views of the city and a grand basilica. Best for: Panoramic views and fresh air. Where: About 8km from the center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free (grounds). Getting there: Bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: There is a zoo nearby if you are traveling with children.

Planning Your Visit to the Gardens

When visiting the Botanical Garden and Rose Garden Olomouc, timing is key. Most gardens are at their best from May to September. June is the ideal month for the Rose Garden. The weather in Moravia is usually mild during these months. Always carry a light jacket for the evening.

Olomouc is very walkable. You do not need a car to see the gardens. The tram system is also efficient and cheap. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via SMS. Most park entrances are clearly marked with maps. This makes navigation very simple for first-time visitors.

Respect the local rules while exploring. Stay on the paths in the Botanical Garden. Do not pick the flowers in the Rosarium. Many of these plants are rare or part of research. Keeping the parks clean helps everyone enjoy them. You will see many locals enjoying the sun on the grass in Bezručovy sady.

Exploring Quiet Gardens and University Courtyards

The university plays a huge role in the city's vibe. Palacký University is one of the oldest in Central Europe. Its buildings are scattered throughout the Old Town. Many of these buildings have courtyards that are open to the public. They offer a different kind of green space.

These courtyards are often very quiet. They are perfect for escaping the midday sun. You might see students studying or professors chatting. It is a very authentic way to see the city. You can find more about these spots in our guide to local secrets in Olomouc.

The blend of academic history and nature is unique to Olomouc. It makes the city feel like a large campus. Take your time to explore the side streets. You never know when you will find a small garden behind a stone wall. These moments often become the best memories of a trip.