Discover Olomouc: Nature, Culture and Hotels

The Olomouc Region brings together diverse landscapes and cultural destinations. The mountainous Jeseníky area lies in the north, while the flat Haná region is in the south; the Morava River flows through the region. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether nature, cycling, culture or relaxation should be the main focus. The region’s towns and activities offer a range of ways to explore these interests.

Key facts about the Olomouc Region

• The mountainous Jeseníky area lies in the north; the flatter Haná region is in the south, with the Morava River crossing the region.
• Nature options include Jeseníky forests, lakes, waterfalls and winter ski slopes, as well as the floodplains of Litovelské Pomoraví and the Mladeč Caves.
• Olomouc’s Holy Trinity Column is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the region also has museums, historic collections, Helfštýn Castle and Haná traditions.
• Olomouc is an important railway hub. The Olomouc Region Card gives cardholders free access to the city’s trams and buses; check current terms.
• NH identifies NH Collection Olomouc Congress as the winner of the Construction of the Year 2010 award for its design; this historical award does not confirm current room availability.

Landscapes and Nature in Olomouc

The Jeseníky tourist region is characterised by unspoilt nature, deep forests, mountain lakes, rock formations and waterfalls. Mountain meadows shape the landscape in summer, while ski slopes do so in winter. The region is also home to tundra, glacial cirques, peat bogs, mountain streams and historic mountain villages. If you are choosing a destination based on its natural features, you will find a very different landscape here from that of the flat Haná region in the south.

The narrow Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, with its floodplain forests and meadows, stretches along the Morava between Olomouc and Mohelnice. The publicly accessible Mladeč Caves are located in the Třesín karst area. The river landscape, floodplains and caves provide a distinct contrast to the mountain scenery of the Jeseníky. You can take these differences into account when choosing your destination, without reducing the region to a single nature experience.

Culture, Architecture and Regional Traditions

For a contemporary hotel-design example, NH identifies NH Collection Olomouc Congress as the winner of the Construction of the Year 2010 award for its design. This is a historical distinction, not confirmation of current room availability; check current details with the hotel.

The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Moravian Baroque art. Museums and historic collections also contribute to the cultural offering, including the accessible Archbishop’s Palace, the Archdiocesan Museum, the Carriage Museum in Čechy pod Kosířem and the Regional Museum in Olomouc. If you are interested in architecture or regional history, you can include these destinations in your plans.

Haná is associated with longstanding cultural traditions and folklore. Life in the Haná region is presented at the Haná Open-Air Museum in Příkazy. Olomoucké syrečky are a local speciality of the Olomouc Region. Helfštýn Castle offers a different architectural perspective, combining medieval and modern architecture. It is also a venue for events, including a showcase of artistic blacksmithing. Check event dates before visiting. The Javoříčko Caves are known for their stalactite formations.

Activities and Relaxation

Cycling routes and ski slopes are among the options for an active stay in the region. From Olomouc, the Moravská stezka follows the Morava towards Kroměříž or north to Litovelské Pomoraví. The flat section there is considered suitable for families. As local route conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting off. Other water-based activities in the region include water parks, natural bathing spots and rafting.

Wellness options include the Priessnitz healing springs and the thermal waters of Velké Losiny. Karlova Studánka and Lázně Jeseník are well-known spa towns in the region. This means relaxation and exercise can feature alongside nature and cultural destinations as distinct themes in your travel plans. If you are considering a stay in Olomouc, it may be helpful to decide on your preferred regional focus first, then compare the location of a specific hotel with your plans.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The Olomouc Region is accessible by car and train. Olomouc is an important railway hub; the main station is close to the city centre. For travel by tram or bus in Olomouc, the Olomouc Region Card gives its holders free access to the city’s tram and bus services. Check the current card terms before using it.

Explore the Subregions

Přerov District, Prostějov District, Šumperk District, Olomouc District, Jeseník District

Discover More Destinations

Moravian-Silesian Region, South Moravia, Hradec Králové

Back to the main travel overview: Czechia.

Frequently asked questions about the Olomouc Region

What is the difference between Jeseníky and Haná?

Jeseníky is the mountainous area in the north, with forests, mountain lakes, rock formations, waterfalls, summer meadows and winter ski slopes. Haná is the flatter southern region, associated with cultural traditions and folklore. The contrast can help you choose a base and activities that fit the kind of landscape you want to explore.

Which cultural and architectural sights can I explore in the Olomouc Region?

Olomouc’s Holy Trinity Column is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an example of Moravian Baroque art. You can also explore museums and historic collections, including the Archbishop’s Palace and Regional Museum, and to Helfštýn Castle, where medieval and modern architecture meet. Check event dates before visiting the castle, which hosts events including an artistic blacksmithing showcase.

How can I plan local travel around Olomouc?

Olomouc is an important railway hub, and its main station is close to the city centre. The Olomouc Region Card gives its holders free access to city tram and bus services; check the current card terms before relying on that benefit. For cycling, consider the Moravská stezka along the Morava, and check local route conditions before setting out.

Does NH’s 2010 design award confirm that rooms are available now?

No. NH identifies NH Collection Olomouc Congress as the winner of the Construction of the Year 2010 award for its design. That is a historical distinction, not evidence of current room availability or a particular rate. Check the hotel’s current information and confirm your dates, room type and terms before booking; the destination guide’s booking link is a comparison option, not an availability guarantee.