10 Things You Have To Do In Olomouc

Prague and Kraków should be on every Central European tour. But don’t forget the eastern Czech city of Olomouc, a hybrid of the two, handily located midway on the main railway route between them. Long overshadowed by the more famous pair, the former Moravian capital oozes history. And few other provincial cities boast so many elegant spaces, complemented by an array of graceful fountains.

Olomouc isn’t just a city of museums: there are plenty of lively bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. And when it comes to eating and drinking, you can while away the hours in a classic Central European café or choose from a wide range of pubs and restaurants. Here is a selection of 10 of the most important city activities.

Spot the fountains

Olomouc is deservedly famous for its fountains, most spectacularly the six Baroque cascades, named mostly after mythological figures and adorning the squares and spaces across the Old Town. The latest was added in 2002, on Horní námestí, in the form of the Arion Fountain (Ariónova kašna), and joins the Hercules and Caesar Fountains. On nearby Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) you’ll find the Neptune and Jupiter Fountains. Spotting the other water features and guessing where they will pop up is also a fun activity for kids.

Discover churches with surprises

Some of the churches in Olomouc have some secrets. Plain on the outside, apart from the trio of cupolas, St Michael’s (sv. Michala) has a surprise for the visitor. Inside, the cavernous nave fizzes with details: angels abound, and look out for the silver relief of sheep on the gilded pulpit. Externally, the squat Church of St Maurice (sv. Mořice) appears plain, like a brooding fortress, but the interior, like that of St Michael, is a different matter. The soaring candy-stripe pillars soar heavenward and brighten the medieval interior.

Olomouc Cheese | © Eating Prague Tours

Be daring and try the local delicacy

Parma has ham, Burgundy has champagne… and Olomouc has Olomoucké tvarůžky, the local cheese. This strong-smelling dairy product comes in small disc shapes, sometimes with holes. Yellow, opaque and made from skimmed cow’s milk, you’ll either love it or loathe it. The cheese divides families and prompts many a quick exit from the dinner table when it makes an appearance! By now, you’re probably curious about it so why not give it a try? If the taste leaves you feeling underwhelmed and perhaps perplexed, console yourself with the fact that tvarůžky is very low in fat!