Olomouc, Czech Republic (Oleksii Fadieiev - Adobe Stock)
Ironically famed for being a great “small town” and yet the sixth largest city in Czechia (more commonly known as the Czech Republic), Olomouc has quite a few ways to spend the day. This city is less than a two-and-half-hour train ride from the more-well known Prague. The city was founded in the 11th century and was the capital of the region of Moravia until the 17th century when it lost the title to Brno.
Olomouc boasts the second-largest Old Town in the country, with Prague having the largest. Within the Old Town, there is beautiful architecture in a variety of styles as well as the Orloj, the astronomical clock. Every day at noon you can catch the clock show. The Old Town is also home to the Holy Trinity Column, which has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and is “the largest group of Baroque statues within a single sculptural monument in Central Europe,” according to tourism.olomouc.eu.
Olomouc has a thriving arts scene. Art enthusiasts, or even those with curiosity, should check out the Museum of Modern Art which features a permanent collection of 20th-century art and a temporary exhibit about Czech Sacral Art through early April 2023. Olomouc is home to the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the oldest symphonies in Czechia. Lovers of opera, ballet and theater will want to catch a performance at the Moravian Theatre Olomouc which also hosts the Flora Theatre, one of the largest annual international theatre festivals in Czechia in May. The Music Theatre Olomouc is a smaller space that allows for newer, experimental and alternative shows to be shown to the public.
Families can spend a day at the Olomouc Zoo, which is home to dozens of birds, mammals, fish, invertebrates and reptiles. Aside from the animals, visitors can enjoy the 12-stop geologic trail and ride the cable car and safari train. The most adventurous can climb the 32-meter high observation tower and see the sights. The zoo supports several national and global projects dedicated to the preservation and protection of animals and habitats including Mobile Phone Recycling and The Czech Society for the Protection of Bats (ČESON). You can also help by adopting your favorite animal which helps cover the costs associated with caring for the animal.
Those looking to cool off or just get some aquatic adventures in can make their way to the Aqua Park. There is an indoor pool for year-round fun as well as an outdoor area open from June to October that includes water slides, a playground, a children’s pool and a multipurpose pool. Visitors looking to relax can enjoy some time in the sauna and get a massage after dropping the kids off at the Children’s Corner where there are plenty of toys and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Fans of flora and fauna should go to the Výstaviště Flora Olomouc. It features a botanical garden with 80 species of plants and trees. Since 2011, it has also been home to the “Garden of the Senses,” a garden exhibit geared towards those with visual impairments. The greenhouses have over 700 types of cacti, succulents and citrus trees. There are also several exotic animals paired with the exotic plants such as birds, snakes, fish and turtles. Kids can enjoy the many on-site programs and playgrounds.
The most courageous foodies must try tvargle, Olomouc’s famous cheese, known for being perhaps Czechia's smelliest cheese. The Czechs have been utilizing the same recipe since the 15th century. Less courageous foodies can also enjoy favorite traditional dishes such as potato dumplings and goulash. There are restaurants, pubs and breweries all over town ready to serve you regional dishes including Moravska Restaurace and Svatovaclavsky Pivovar.
No matter if you want to eat, swim, explore, learn or a combination of any or all of those things, Olomouc is the place for you to spend a day (or more).
