Daily Schedule: When Does the Olomouc Astronomical Clock Perform?

The most important detail for your itinerary is the timing. The Olomouc astronomical clock performs only once per day. You must be at the Upper Square at exactly 12:00 PM (noon). If you arrive late, you will miss the show entirely. The performance lasts for approximately seven minutes. During this time, the mechanical figures begin their dance to local folk music.

The clock is located on the northern wall of the Town Hall. It is very easy to find in the center of the city. We recommend arriving at least ten minutes early. This allows you to find a good spot for photos. The area can get crowded during the peak summer months. For more help with your visit, see our Olomouc city guide.

During the performance, you will see figures of workers and scientists. These replaced the traditional religious saints in the 1950s. It is a unique display of the era's political influence on art. You can read more about the socialist realism history of the clock on our site. Watching the blacksmiths and chemists move is a highlight of any Moravian trip.

9 Best Things to Do in Olomouc Near the Clock

Once you have seen the noon performance, there is much more to explore. Olomouc is a compact city, making it perfect for walking. Here are nine essential stops for your visit:

• Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: This is a massive Baroque monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 1-minute walk from the clock. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the pillar.
• Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: sight Why go: It features the second-highest church spire in the Czech Republic. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the center. Tip: Visit the crypt for a quiet, atmospheric experience.
• Name: Olomouc Cheese Museum (Tvarůžky) Type: experience Why go: Taste the famous, pungent local cheese that Olomouc is known for. Best for: Foodies. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Short walk from the Town Hall. Tip: Try the cheese on a piece of fresh bread with onions.
• Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: museum Why go: It houses a world-class collection of religious art and a golden carriage. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Next to the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the clock. Tip: The museum is built on the remains of a medieval castle.
• Name: Bezručovy Sady Type: nature Why go: A beautiful park running along the old city walls and botanical gardens. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: Edge of the old town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the center. Tip: Find the entrance to the hidden civil defense bunker.
• Name: Upper Square (Horní náměstí) Type: neighborhood Why go: The heart of the city with fountains, cafes, and the Town Hall. Best for: People watching. Where: Central Olomouc. Time: Ongoing. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is where the clock is located. Tip: Visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal market dates.
• Name: Bouzov Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning, fairytale castle that looks like it belongs in a movie. Best for: Families and couples. Where: 30km outside the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus or car from Olomouc. Tip: Book your tour in advance during weekends.
• Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: viewpoint Why go: A grand Baroque basilica with incredible views over the Moravian plains. Best for: Scenic views. Where: Northern outskirts. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main station. Tip: There is a zoo nearby if you are traveling with kids.
• Name: Theresian Gate Type: sight Why go: A well-preserved brick gate that was part of the city's old fortress. Best for: Quick photo stop. Where: Palackého street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the clock. Tip: It looks especially beautiful when lit up at night.

For more ideas, check out the best things to do in Olomouc. This city offers a perfect mix of culture and relaxation without the crowds of Prague.

How the Olomouc Clock Differs from Prague

Many tourists compare this clock to the one in Prague. However, the Olomouc version is very different in style. The original medieval clock was damaged during World War II. When it was rebuilt, the communist government chose a new theme. They wanted to celebrate the working class instead of religious figures.

You will see mosaics of workers, peasants, and scientists. The colors are bright and the style is very graphic. It is a rare example of how art was used for propaganda. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre recognizes the square's importance. While Prague's clock is older, Olomouc's clock tells a unique story of the 20th century.

Practical Tips for Your Visit to Olomouc

Getting to Olomouc is very easy from Prague. Fast trains run every hour and take about two hours. The main train station is a short tram ride from the center. You can also walk from the station in about 20 minutes. Most of the historic center is pedestrian-only.

If you want to take photos of the clock, morning light is best. The sun hits the northern wall directly before noon. After the show, the square clears out quickly. This is the perfect time to grab lunch at a nearby cafe. You can find more details at the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page. Always check the weather as the performance is outdoors.