Šumperk, known in German as Mährisch-Schönberg, combines city history with views, exhibitions and leisure activities. When planning your trip, you can choose a focus: architectural history and collections, views from above or activities involving water. If you are looking for a hotel, this selection can help you organise your interests for your stay.
City History and Exhibitions
The park complex of Pavlínin dvůr, located in central Šumperk, offers a special connection to the city’s history: Muzeum Šumperk uses more than half of its buildings. Pavlínin dvůr was declared a cultural monument in 1971. The museum also houses the permanent exhibition “Příroda a dějiny severozápadní Moravy.” Here, a protected park complex and an exhibition on the nature and history of north-west Moravia come together.
The “Expozice Čarodějnické procesy” exhibition offers a different focus. Its guidePORT™ audio guide is narrated by the voice of the inquisitor Jindřich František Boblig z Edelstadtu. The audio guide concept thus places a named historical figure at the centre of the interpretation.
The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Kostel Zvěstování Panny Marie) originally belonged to a Dominican monastery. According to the order’s chronicle, it was founded in 1293. The church has an accessible crypt; access arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check before visiting. Interactive family tours entitled “Tajemství klášterní lékárny” are also offered there. If you plan to join this tour, check the dates in advance.
At the Jiří Jílek Gallery, you will find a permanent exhibition of sculptures, paintings and drawings by Jiří Jílek. A solo exhibition has also been held there every month since 1993. Alongside its permanent collection, the gallery therefore has a recurring exhibition programme.
Views and Routes Through the City
The town hall tower offers views of Šumperk and the Hrubý-Jeseník Mountains, including Praděd. The viewing platform is 29 metres above the surrounding ground. After taking the lift, there are still 71 steps to climb. If you include the tower in your plans, you can take this specific number into account when deciding; facilities may change.
The “Po stopách Malé Vídně” walking tour takes in remarkable buildings dating from the late 19th century, when Šumperk was at the height of its prosperity. The audio tour of the same name is available in Czech, Polish, German and English. If you would prefer a guided tour, contact the Šumperk Information Centre: it offers city walks that introduce key stages in the city’s history and important monuments. Tours and dates may change; check what is on offer if you plan to take a walk at a specific time.
For a cycling tour, the Čarodějnická cyklotrasa is a separate option: it passes through Šumperk and stops at Geschaderův dům. This lets you choose between a walk focused on history and a cycling route with a named stop in the city.
Leisure and Events
At Aquacentrum Šumperk, the paddling pool has a water cannon and a water curtain. It also has a 97-metre-long water slide, featuring a ride through a “black hole” and glowing, colourful rings. These details give you a specific idea of the water attractions listed there.
The Bratrušák summer swimming complex has a children’s playground with a slide, swings and a roundabout. For a different kind of outing, there is Blues Alive: since its launch in 1996, the festival has been held at Dům kultury Šumperk in Šumperk. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Šléglov, Horní Studénky, Potůčník, Leština, Mírov, Hanusovice, Kamenná, Svébohov.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Šumperk.
