Kremsier: Castle, Gardens and Culture

Kremsier (Kroměříž) lies at the site of a former ford across the Morava River and at the foot of the Chřiby hills. The gardens and castle form an exceptionally complete and well-preserved example of a European Baroque princely residence. Together, they give a stay a clear cultural focus: the castle’s collections take centre stage, while the gardens offer their own historic and scenic impressions.

Castle, Art and Collections

The Arcibiskupský zámek was built by the Archbishops of Olomouc as a summer residence. Its gallery displays works by important European painters from the 15th to the 18th century. The so-called Stará knihovna preserves around 88,000 volumes in three halls; there is also a music archive containing more than 6,000 Baroque compositions. The castle thus brings together paintings, book collections and musical sources. Visitors interested in different forms of European cultural heritage will find several types of collections here, rather than just a single focus.

The Muzeum Kroměřížska offers further points of interest. One exhibition covers the decisive events that shaped the development of Kroměříž between 1848 and 1948. In six exhibition rooms, you can also explore a cross-section of the work of Max Švabinský, who was born in Kroměříž. Alongside the history of the residence, the options therefore include the city’s development and the work of an artist associated with Kroměříž.

Historic Gardens and Special Details

The Květná zahrada has preserved its historic appearance to this day. A Foucault pendulum is located in the central space of its rotunda. It was installed in 1908 at the initiative of František Nábělek, a secondary-school teacher from Kroměříž, and demonstrates the Earth’s rotation through its movement. Visitor access to the rotunda may vary depending on the tour. If you specifically want to see the pendulum, check the access information for your visit in advance.

The Podzámecká zahrada covers 64 hectares. Its features include rare trees from around the world, three ponds, streams and romantic garden areas decorated with sculptures. It also has an animal area, with peacocks, swans, ducks and chickens roaming freely. The garden is open year-round and admission is free; temporary closures are possible. Check the latest access information before your visit.

Views, Forest Themes and Exercise

The summit of Barbořina offers impressive views of Haná, the Hostýnské vrchy and, in particular, the city of Kroměříž. A different nature theme is explored along the approximately 1 km Naučná stezka veverky Čiperky educational trail: it teaches children about life in the forest, including the animals that live there and what they eat. The approximate length is a planning guide, not an indication of a specific walking time.

The Šlajza recreation area includes a 1.5-kilometre running loop. It also has shelters, two fire pits for roasting sausages, benches and bicycle racks. Individual facilities may change, so check in advance what will be available during your visit. The places offer different experiences: Barbořina is known for its panoramic views, the trail for its forest knowledge, and Šlajza for its running route and recreational facilities.

Discover more destinations: Prasklice, Přílepy, Vítonice, Skaštice, Soběsuky, Loukov, Kyselovice, Nová Dědina

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kroměříž.