The fertile Haná plains stretch out before you filled with gold colored fields and rich soil. Olomouc region is about the Jeseníky Mountains where deep valleys hold some of the cleanest air in the country. You can explore the dark chambers of the Javoříčko caves where massive stalactites hang from the ceiling. White mountain spas provides a quiet place to rest after a day of climbing rocky summits. The Haná dialect is still spoken in the small villages where giant barns show the wealth of the local grain farmers. Visit the Holy Trinity Column in the central square to see the peak of baroque stone carving in the region.
History is carved into the stone of the many castles that guard the valley passes. The massive fortress of Bouzov looks like a movie set with its drawbridges and tall pointed towers. You can visit the high pumped storage plant at Dlouhé Stráně which looks like a lake on top of a mountain. The region is famous for its strong smelling cheese and vibrant local folk festivals. The road to the Jeseníky peaks winds past old stone quarries and thundering waterfalls hidden in the deep woods. Every mountain village has its own wooden chapel where the locals have gathered for centuries.
Road trips here offer a balance of flat easy drives and steep mountain climbs. You will find small village pubs serving local beer and traditional Moravian cakes. The scenery changes from rolling hills to high alpine meadows in just a few miles. It is a place of quiet strength and deep roots where the land provides both food and high altitude adventure. Stop at the roadside stands to buy fresh plums and jars of local honey straight from the farm. The mountain ridges are covered in a sea of green grass that stays bright well into the late autumn months.
Olomouc (region) highlights
- Holy Trinity Column: This site is the largest baroque sculptural group in Central Europe and sits in the heart of the region. It is a masterpiece of stone carving that anchors the Olomouc region hidden gems for every traveler.
- Bouzov Castle: This fairy tale fortress features red roofs and many tall towers that look perfect from the winding valley road. It is a favorite filming location for movies and offers a very romantic atmosphere for a quick stop.
- Dlouhé Stráně: This massive pumped storage plant features a lake on top of a mountain with a road that leads to the summit. It is an engineering marvel that offers incredible views of the Jeseníky Mountains road trip route.
- Javoříčko Caves: Explore the massive underground domes and delicate stalactites of one of the most beautiful cave systems in the land. The drive to the caves passes through quiet limestone hills and thick beech forests.
- Svatý Kopeček: This pilgrimage hill features a grand baroque basilica that can be seen from miles away across the Haná plains. The view from the church stairs looks back over the city and the gold colored fields of the lowlands.
- Helfštýn Castle: A massive medieval fortress known for its international blacksmithing festivals and modern glass architecture. It sits on a ridge above the Moravian Gate valley and offers a great climb with rewarding views.
- Praděd Peak: The highest mountain in Moravia features a tall television tower with a lookout platform at the very top. You can drive to the Ovčárna parking area and walk the rest of the way through high alpine meadows.
- Velké Losiny: Visit the oldest operating hand paper mill in Europe and a chateau with a dark history of witch trials. The local thermal spa features a unique pool and is surrounded by a beautiful mountain park.
- Rešov Waterfalls: These falls are hidden in a deep rocky canyon and are accessible via a scenic trail through the woods. The water cascades over mossy rocks and creates a cool retreat during the hot summer months.
- Šternberk Castle: This medieval stronghold features a unique collection of clocks and beautiful interior decorations from different eras. The town below has a long history of car racing and offers several scenic roads through the hills.
The local Four
History of Olomouc (region)
The fertile plains of the Olomouc region have been the crossroads of Moravia since the time of the Roman legions who built their northernmost camps in these golden fields. For over a thousand years this was a land of bishops and kings who transformed the landscape into a bastion of Catholic faith and baroque beauty. The skyline is dominated by the massive dome of the Svatý Kopeček basilica which has welcomed pilgrims from across Europe for centuries.
As you head north from the lowlands the terrain changes into the rugged and mysterious Jeseníky mountains which hold a darker history of ancient folklore and witch trials. These high peaks were once the site of intense mining and secret rituals performed in the shadow of the tall pine forests and cold mountain streams. Today the roads that wind through these mountains offer a journey into a wilderness that feels both ancient and untouched by the busy pace of modern life.
The Olomouc region is a place where the grandeur of a baroque fortress meets the simple beauty of a mountain spring. You can drive from the world famous astronomical clocks and stone columns of the historic centers into the cool silence of the Javoříčko limestone caves. It is a region that rewards the curious traveler with hidden gems that range from hand made paper mills to fairy tale castles perched on rocky cliffs above the river.