Planning Your Olomouc Skyline Tour

Olomouc is very walkable and easy to navigate. Most viewpoints are located around the two main squares. You can reach most spots on foot within minutes. This makes it easy to visit several towers in one afternoon.

Before you start, check these quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: St. Moritz Church Tower
• Best for families: Town Hall Tower
• Best free view: Bezručovy Sady Walls
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum

Keep in mind that many towers have narrow stairs. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb. Most towers operate seasonally, so check local signs. The golden hour before sunset provides the best lighting for photos.

Top 10 Panoramic Viewpoints in Olomouc City Center

The following list includes the most famous towers and hidden gems. Each location offers a unique perspective of the city. Make sure to check the how many steps to climb guide for physical prep.

1. Name: St. Moritz Church Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the highest accessible medieval tower in the city. Best for: 360-degree city views. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Look for the unique double spiral staircase inside.
2. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: Experience Why go: This tower overlooks the Holy Trinity Column. Best for: Seeing the Astronomical Clock from above. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (includes guided tour). Getting there: Located in the very center of the city. Tip: Tours are often scheduled at specific times daily. This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area.
3. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the tallest church spire in Moravia. Best for: Views of the eastern side of the city. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to modest fee for tower access. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main square. Tip: Visit the crypt below after seeing the view.
4. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Terrace Type: Museum Why go: It offers a view of the old city walls and the river. Best for: Art lovers and history buffs. Where: Next to St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Museum ticket required. Getting there: Located in the Olomouc Castle grounds. Tip: The terrace is often quiet and great for sketches.
5. Name: Bezručovy Sady Walls Type: Viewpoint Why go: View the botanical gardens and the park from the medieval ramparts. Best for: Nature lovers and budget travelers. Where: Southern edge of the old town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the stairs near the Church of St. Michael. Tip: This is the best spot for a morning walk.
6. Name: Church of St. Michael Domes Type: Experience Why go: See the city through the three iconic domes. Best for: Unique architectural photography. Where: Žerotínovo Square. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Donation suggested. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Lower Square. Tip: The interior is one of the most beautiful baroque spaces.
7. Name: Palacký University Library (Armoury) Type: Experience Why go: The courtyard and upper windows offer a scholarly view of the town. Best for: Quiet atmosphere and historic architecture. Where: Biskupské Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Five-minute walk from the Cathedral. Tip: Respect the students studying in this quiet zone.
8. Name: Theresian Gate Type: Sight Why go: View the entrance to the city and the surrounding greenery. Best for: Seeing the transition from old to new town. Where: Palachovo Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the Upper Square. Tip: The brickwork is very photogenic during sunset.
9. Name: Museum of Art Tower Type: Museum Why go: A modern perspective on a very old city. Best for: Fans of contemporary art and viewpoints. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Museum admission. Getting there: Located on the main street between the squares. Tip: Check out the "Lookout" installation for a framed view.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček (The Holy Hill) Type: Day trip Why go: It provides the ultimate panoramic view of the entire city from afar. Best for: A half-day escape into nature. Where: 8km outside the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Bus fare only. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Visit the zoo nearby if you have extra time.

Essential Tips for the Best Views

Most towers in Olomouc are old and made of stone. They can be slippery when it rains. Always check the weather forecast before planning a climb. High winds may cause some towers to close for safety.

Opening hours usually follow a seasonal pattern. Most towers are open from April to October. During winter, access might be restricted to weekends. Always verify times at the local information center in the Town Hall.

Bring a zoom lens for your camera. The details on the baroque rooftops are incredible. You can see more travel details on the Visit Czechia website. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this Moravian star.