The Olomouc Region brings together diverse landscapes: the mountainous area around Jeseníky lies in the north, while the south is a flat landscape shaped by Haná. The Morava flows through the region. Haná, also known as Central Moravia, is renowned for its ethnographic character and cultural traditions; Jeseníky is associated with active recreation. When choosing the focus of your trip, you can therefore consider culture, plains and mountain scenery separately.
Landscapes and activities in the Olomouc Region
The landscape of the Jeseníky area includes deep forests, mountain lakes, rock formations, waterfalls, summer meadows and ski slopes for winter. Other natural features described include tundra, glacial cirques, bogs and mountain streams, as well as historic mountain villages. These offer a range of possibilities for a trip focused on nature experiences or winter sports.
Litovelské Pomoraví has a different character: this protected landscape area forms a narrow strip of floodplain forests and meadows along the Morava between Olomouc and Mohelnice. The publicly accessible Mladeč Caves are in the Třesín karst area. The Javoříčko Caves are also worth a visit for their stalactite formations.
Leisure activities in the region include water parks, natural swimming spots and rafting. An extensive network of cycling paths and ski slopes complements the castles, chateaux, ruins and museums. The Moravská stezka is worth considering for cycling: from Olomouc, it follows the Morava towards Kroměříž or north towards Litovelské Pomoraví. The route towards Litovelské Pomoraví is flat and suitable for families. Check current route conditions before setting out on a cycling trip.
Wellness is also part of the region’s offerings, including the Priessnitz healing springs and the thermal waters of Velké Losiny. Karlova Studánka and Lázně Jeseník are considered notable spa towns in the region. If you are planning more of a cultural trip, these themes can provide a different focus from mountain scenery, cycling or water activities.
Baroque, Haná traditions and regional culture
Olomouc is home to the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Moravian Baroque. Haná reveals another side of the region’s culture: the traditions and folklore of the area come to life at the Haná Open-Air Museum in Příkazy, which depicts the lives of the Haná people.
The region’s cultural sites include the Archbishop’s Palace, which is open to visitors, the Archdiocesan Museum, the Carriage Museum in Čechy pod Kosířem and the Regional Museum in Olomouc. Helfštýn Castle offers an architectural contrast, combining medieval and modern architecture. It is also a venue for events, including an exhibition of artistic blacksmithing. Bouzov Castle is also among the region’s recommended visitor attractions.
Olomoucké syrečky is a regional specialty. Another special place to visit is a handmade paper mill with a continuous history of operation dating back to 1596. Guided tours take visitors through a paper museum and production facilities; check current visitor arrangements before your visit. This lets you consider culture and craftsmanship as separate travel interests alongside the region’s landscapes and museums.
Getting there and finding your way when looking for a hotel
The region is accessible by car and train. Olomouc is an important railway hub; the main station is close to the city center. If urban culture is your main focus, this information can help you find your way around Olomouc. For a trip focused on nature or leisure, it is worth considering your planned activities when choosing the focus of your trip. Choose routes and places to visit according to your own plans, rather than relying solely on a list.
The Olomouc Region Card gives its holders free rides on Olomouc’s urban tram and bus services. Check the current card conditions before using it.
Discover more destinations: Přerov District, Prostějov District, Šumperk District, Olomouc District, Jeseník District, Pilsen, Prague, South Bohemian Region.
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