Šternberk combines impressive church dimensions and monastic culture with an exhibition about time and trails through the town and surrounding countryside. When planning a stay, there are several themes to choose from: architecture and history, outdoor activities, or a mix of both. Concrete differences, such as the lengths of the Prabába trail options and the wide range of cultural offerings, can help you decide.

Church dimensions, the castle and monastic culture

The Chrám Zvěstování Panny Marie is 65 metres long. The nave reaches a height of 30 metres, while the towers are 60 metres high—twice the height of the nave. These dimensions give a tangible impression of the building’s proportions. Šternberk Castle also offers architectural details: a cylindrical tower and the remains of the main palace’s fortifications have been preserved.

The Šternberský klášter offers insights into history and architecture as well as visual art and music, from the Gothic period to the present day. Tours include, among other things, the J.-K.-Handke picture gallery, an exhibition on the town’s history, the tower clock, a wine gallery and the monastery cellars. Demonstrations of various musical instruments are also part of the programme, including organ music in the church. If you are planning a tour, check the latest dates in advance.

Another way to explore the theme of time is to visit the permanent Expozice času. Its scope ranges from the origin of the universe to atomic clocks, and it is aimed primarily at children, young people and families. Visitors can test their knowledge of the solar system in an interactive game and use models to try out how mechanical clocks work. The “Klikotoče” visitor guide also offers a view of the town’s conservation area. A highlight of local sports history is the first independent hill climb race named Ecce Homo, held in 1921.

Trails, cycling and nature

The Prabába educational trail offers two options: an easier 1.5-kilometre route and a more challenging 4.5-kilometre route. Both have relatively little elevation gain, making them clearly distinct in length and stated difficulty. The nine stops cover forest life, regional history, and local tales and legends. The trail starts and ends in Šternberk at the crossroads near the former Na kiosku inn.

Another option for getting active is the Hvězdná cycling route, number 6104. It connects Olomouc and Šternberk over 14 kilometres and is suitable for cyclists and inline skaters of all ages. If you include this route in your travel plans, you can consider it a separate activity alongside the shorter or longer educational trail options.

Těšíkovská kyselka adds another nature-focused dimension to a stay. It is located in Těšíkov, a district of Šternberk, and is an iron-rich mineral spring, documented as a natural acidulous spring since 1669. Its surroundings serve as a starting point for hiking trails in the foothills of the Nízký Jeseník. Tyršovy sady also features the “Město a hvězdy” playground, with two rope climbing frames and an unusual climbing wall.

Planning your journey and accommodation

Šternberk is on the Olomouc hlavní nádraží–Uničov–Šumperk railway line. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current timetable for your travel dates. When looking for hotels in Šternberk, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: cultural attractions in town, trails and outdoor activities, or a combination of both. This way, you can plan your accommodation around the experiences that matter most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Horka Nad Moravou, Babice U Šternberka, Luběnice, Hrubá Voda, Majetín, Olomouc, Senička, Pňovice.

View the broader travel overview: Olomouc District.