Hradec Nad Moravicí: Castle, Park and Nature

Hradec nad Moravicí offers a variety of highlights for a stay: castle history and church architecture sit alongside themed trails, viewpoints and an expansive landscaped park. This gives you the chance to decide in advance whether you are mainly looking for historic interiors, a route with set stops, or impressions of nature and the landscape.

Castle Complex and Historic Buildings

Hradec nad Moravicí Castle evolved from a Gothic Přemyslid castle through the Renaissance and Baroque periods into an Empire-style castle. The complex includes the White Castle, the White Tower and a gate at the Neo-Gothic Red Castle. The main tour takes in the reception rooms and the interiors of the princely apartment. As specific tour dates may vary, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

The Church of St. Peter and Paul offers another chapter in the town’s history. It dates from the 16th century and was consecrated in 1597. Its tower is 37 metres high; its three bells are considered the oldest in the Opava area. A visit therefore brings together different historical themes: the development of the castle complex and the history of a church building.

Landscape and Viewpoints

The castle park covers around 130 hectares and is one of the largest landscaped parks in Silesia. Bezručova vyhlídka is the highest point in the park and offers views of Opava and the river valley. Another viewpoint is the Šance Tower on the edge of Jakubčovice, a district of Hradec nad Moravicí. It stands at an elevation of 522 metres; from there, the view extends over the Opava area, the Jeseníky Mountains and the Beskids. The Šance observation tower and the adjoining sunbathing area are freely accessible year-round. Please observe the posted safety restrictions.

Educational Trails and Routes

The town’s educational trail runs from the railway station past the state castle and the Stations of the Cross on Calvary Hill to the cemetery. It has 21 stops in total, twelve in the town and nine in its districts. The sequence of stops helps with navigation along the route, which leads from the railway station past several historic sites to the cemetery.

The educational trail to the castle is 277.9 metres long. It has four rest areas with wooden benches, rubbish bins and information boards. The trail is open year-round, free of charge, and accessible on foot via several entrances from the surrounding roads. Check the current access conditions for the trail again before you travel. The details on its length, rest areas and access provide specific guidance for this trail, distinguishing it from the longer sequence of stops on the town’s educational trail.

Nature Themes and Guided Tours

The Bukový chodník runs through quiet woodland and offers views of Hanuše, Žimrovice and the distant horizon. Visitors may spot rare plants and animals along the route. The Za školou educational trail in Žimrovice also focuses on nature: at eight stops, it provides information about the geology, flora and fauna of the Meleček Valley. The trails offer different ways to explore—from woodland and potential wildlife sightings to learning about a valley.

From April to October, guided tours of the Weisshuhn Canal are available. They include a tasting inspired by the food and drink of workers in the paper mills. Tour content may be adapted, and seasonal dates may also change. This offer complements the historical and landscape highlights with a tour connected to the history of paper workers.

Discover more destinations: Dobroslavice, Březová, Štítina, Zlatníky, Kyjovice, Stěbořice, Oldřišov, Jezdkovice

For the overview of the wider area: Opava District.