Hranice na Moravě: Culture between Castle and Nature

Hranice na Moravě combines cultural attractions in town with natural destinations in the surrounding area. The castle and museum, Jewish heritage, a pilgrimage site and an arboretum each offer something different. Outside the town, highlights include a nature reserve, the Hranická propast and the Zbrašov Aragonite Caves. You can tailor your stay to your interests, with architecture and history, a nature trail or excursions into the countryside.

Hranice Castle and Its History

Hranice Castle houses a museum. The exhibition “Hranice na mušce” features weapons from the Hranice depot; the display may change over time. The castle also has a courtyard with a unique glass roof. Its history of construction dates back to a fortress built in the 14th century and first mentioned in 1398. The courtyard and exhibition offer two different perspectives on a visit to the castle: the site’s architectural development and a glimpse of the weapons collection.

Jewish Heritage in Hranice

The synagogue recalls the Jewish community of Hranice, which arrived here in the early 17th century. The present building was constructed in 1863 in the then-Moorish-Byzantine style and served as a place of religious worship until 1940. At this site, you can explore both the community’s history and the architecture of the later building.

The Jewish Cemetery was declared a cultural monument in 1991. Its oldest surviving gravestone dates from 1684/1685. The cemetery has been open to the public since 1994; visits can be arranged on request through TIC Hranice, which lends visitors a key. As visiting arrangements may change, check with TIC in advance.

Kostelíček and the Arboretum

Kostelíček is a pilgrimage site in Hranice. The complex includes 14 Stations of the Cross chapels. The first written mention of Kostelíček dates from 1492. The chapels and the site’s long documentary history make it a destination in its own right for visitors interested in religious and regional history.

At the Middle Forestry School Arboretum, you will find unique woody plants and a botanical and geological educational rock garden. A nature trail about one kilometre long leads to nine stations with information panels. Topics range from woody plants, ornithology and beekeeping to botany, environmental education and the geological past of the Moravian Gate. This variety combines nature observation with insights into plants and the landscape.

Natural Attractions in the Surrounding Area

The Hůrka National Nature Reserve near Hranice protects unique karst formations as well as rare flora and fauna. It covers 37.45 hectares; the Hranická propast is part of the reserve. The propast is reported to have a measured total depth of 519.5 metres and a water depth of 450 metres. Scientific measurements may be refined by later research.

The Zbrašov Aragonite Caves nearby offer a different natural highlight. Their temperature remains a constant 14.5 °C throughout the year, making them the warmest caves in Czechia. They have been open to the public since 1926. Comparing the karst landscape with the caves reveals two different sides of the region: protected nature on the surface and a distinctive underground world.

Cycling Route and Getting There

The Bečva Cycling Path starts in Hranice beyond the bridge over the Bečva River and follows the river’s left bank to Týn nad Bečvou. You can enjoy excursions along the cycling path by bicycle, kick scooter or inline skates. Hranice is easily accessible by train, car and bus. If you would like to combine your sightseeing with a journey, check the timetables for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Olšovec, Bezuchov, Potštát, Lhotka U Přerova, Nahošovice, Provodovice, Oprostovice, Dřevohostice.

For the overview of the wider area: Přerov District.