Quick Picks for Your Olomouc Trip

Planning a trip can be overwhelming. Olomouc offers many beautiful sights within a walkable distance. Here are our top recommendations for a perfect visit in 2026.

• Best Overall: Holy Trinity Column (Upper Square)
• Best for Families: Olomouc Astronomical Clock
• Best for History: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Baroque Fountains circuit
• Best View: Town Hall Tower Climb

Most of these locations are near the city center. You can easily see the main sights in one or two days. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.

A Deep Dive into Holy Trinity Column Olomouc History

The Holy Trinity Column Olomouc history began in 1716. A local stonemason named Václav Render wanted to build a grand monument. He wished to express gratitude for the end of a plague. Render dedicated his life and fortune to this project. He unfortunately died before the column was finished. Other local masters continued his work for nearly 40 years.

The column was finally consecrated in 1754. Empress Maria Theresa even attended the grand ceremony. It stands 35 meters tall and features 18 stone sculptures. These figures represent various saints and the Holy Trinity. The base houses a small chapel that visitors can sometimes enter. It is the largest group of Baroque statues in a single structure in Central Europe.

This monument is unique because it was built by local artists. Most other plague columns were designed by foreign architects. It reflects the strong identity of the Olomouc citizens. During the Prussian siege, the column was hit by cannonballs. Citizens pleaded with the Prussian general to spare the monument. Today, a golden replica of a cannonball marks where it was struck. You can learn more about the surrounding area in our Upper and Lower Square guide.

10 Must-See Sights Near the Holy Trinity Column

Olomouc is rich with culture and architectural beauty. Use this list to plan your itinerary around the historic center. Each site offers a unique look at Moravian life.

1. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO masterpiece and the heart of the city. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to 'Náměstí Hrdinů' and walk 5 minutes. Tip: Look for the golden cannonball on the column's shaft.
2. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: It features a unique socialist-realist design from the 1950s. Best for: Families and fans of quirky history. Where: North wall of the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located directly on the Upper Square. Tip: Be there at noon to see the mechanical figures move. Read more about the astronomical clock history.
3. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire city. Best for: Active travelers and view seekers. Where: Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the climb. Getting there: Enter through the tourist information center. Tip: Book a tower climb in advance during peak summer months.
4. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This Neo-Gothic cathedral has the second-highest spire in the country. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Take tram 2, 4, or 6 to 'U Dómu'. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the tombs of Olomouc bishops. Check our guide for visiting the cathedral.
5. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a vast collection of religious art and a golden carriage. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk from the 'U Dómu' tram stop. Tip: Visit the museum website for current temporary exhibitions. We also have a list of museum highlights.
6. Name: Baroque Fountains Tour Type: Experience Why go: Olomouc has a unique set of six Baroque fountains plus the modern Arion fountain. Best for: Casual walkers. Where: Spread across the Upper and Lower Squares. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the Upper Square. Tip: Each fountain depicts a figure from Roman mythology. Follow our fountain tour guide.
7. Name: Olomouc Cheese Shop Type: Experience Why go: Taste the famous 'tvarůžky', a pungent local ripened cheese. Best for: Foodies. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Low (pay per piece). Getting there: Look for the shop with the yellow sign on the square. Tip: Try it on bread with onions for the authentic experience. Learn more about tasting Olomouc cheese.
8. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Day Trip Why go: A stunning Baroque basilica with views over the Haná plain. Best for: Pilgrims and nature lovers. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Free for the church; bus fare required. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: There is a zoo nearby if you are traveling with kids. Plan your Svatý Kopeček trip here.
9. Name: Arion Fountain Type: Sight Why go: A modern 2002 fountain that complements the historic Baroque ones. Best for: Families and modern art fans. Where: Southwest corner of Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is steps away from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: Kids are allowed to splash in this fountain during hot summer days.
10. Name: Flora Olomouc Exhibition Grounds Type: Nature Why go: Beautiful botanical gardens and parks surrounding the old city walls. Best for: Relaxation and plant lovers. Where: Smetana Park area. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free for parks; fee for greenhouses. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the Lower Square. Tip: Check the dates for the major flower festivals in spring and autumn.

Practical Tips for Visiting Olomouc in 2026

Olomouc is very easy to navigate. Most visitors arrive by train from Prague or Ostrava. The journey from Prague takes about two hours on high-speed trains. Once at the station, you can take a tram to the center. Trams are frequent and very reliable.

The city is less crowded than Prague. This makes it a great choice for a relaxed weekend. Most locals speak some English, especially in shops and restaurants. It is polite to learn a few basic Czech phrases. A simple 'Dobrý den' (Good day) goes a long way.

For the best experience, visit between May and September. The weather is warm and the fountains are active. Many outdoor cafes set up on the squares during this time. Winter is also charming, especially during the Christmas markets. The official tourism portal provides updated event schedules for 2026.