What is Olomoucké Tvarůžky Cheese?

Olomoucké tvarůžky is a traditional ripened cheese from the Moravia region. It is famous for its very strong scent and golden color. People have made this cheese near Olomouc for centuries. It is the only original Czech cheese with a protected status.

Many people love it because it is naturally low in fat. It usually contains less than 1% fat. This makes it a healthy snack for travelers. The taste is salty and sharp, which pairs perfectly with local beer.

The vending machine was created to give tourists a fun way to buy it. It offers several varieties of the cheese in small packages. You can find plain versions or those with caraway seeds. Buying from a machine is a quirky part of any self-guided walking tour in Olomouc.

How to Find the Olomouc Cheese Vending Machine

Finding the machine is simple if you know where to look. It is hidden inside a historic building. Follow these steps to complete your mission.

1. Go to Horní náměstí: This is the Upper Square in the city center. It takes about 15 minutes to walk here from the main train station. Typical cost: Free. Common mistake: Going to Dolní náměstí (Lower Square) by accident.
2. Locate the Town Hall: Look for the large building with the tall tower in the middle of the square. It is right next to the Olomouc Astronomical Clock. Time: 2 minutes. Common mistake: Looking for a standalone machine on the sidewalk.
3. Enter the Information Centre: Find the entrance marked "Informační centrum" on the ground floor of the Town Hall. It is usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Time: 1 minute. Common mistake: Trying to enter through the main museum doors instead.
4. Find the Machine: Walk past the souvenir counters. The vending machine is usually located against the back wall. It is bright and features cheese graphics. Time: 1 minute. Common mistake: Leaving because you don't see it from the doorway.
5. Purchase Your Cheese: Use the touch screen to select your product. Most items cost between 50 CZK and 150 CZK. Common mistake: Forgetting that the cheese needs to stay cool if you aren't eating it immediately.

What to Prepare Before Your Cheese Mission

Before you head out, make sure you are ready. The machine is popular and can sometimes have a line. Here is a quick checklist for your visit:

• Payment: Bring a contactless credit or debit card. Most modern machines in the Czech Republic prefer card over cash.
• Cooling: Bring a small thermal bag if you plan to travel far. The cheese smells very strong once the package is open.
• Timing: Visit before 5:00 PM to ensure the machine is still stocked.
• Hand Sanitizer: The cheese can be sticky, so have some wipes ready.

If you have a sensitive nose, be prepared. The Information Centre often smells faintly of the cheese. This is normal and part of the experience. You can check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for any temporary holiday closures.

Other Olomoucké Tvarůžky Tasting Locations

If the machine is empty, do not worry. There are many other Olomoucké tvarůžky tasting locations nearby. The most famous is the specialized shop on the corner of the Upper Square. It has a much larger selection than the machine.

You can also find the cheese in local restaurants. Look for "smažené tvarůžky," which is the cheese breaded and fried. This is a great way to try it if the raw smell is too strong for you. Many pubs serve it as a snack with bread and onions.

For a deeper experience, you can visit the Tvarůžky Museum in nearby Loštice. However, if you want to stay in the city, check where to buy Olomouc cheese in the city center for a list of grocery stores. These stores often have lower prices than the tourist machine.

Troubleshooting Your Cheese Quest

Sometimes things do not go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• The machine is empty: This happens on busy weekends. Walk 2 minutes to the specialized cheese shop on Horní náměstí instead.
• Card is declined: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions. Try using a physical chip instead of a phone tap.
• Information Centre is closed: Check the official hours online. If closed, go to the Billa or Albert supermarket in the city center.
• The machine is out of order: Notify the staff at the tourist desk. They can often tell you when it will be fixed.
• You can't find the Town Hall: Look for the 75-meter tall tower. It is the tallest point in the main square.
• The smell is too much: Buy a vacuum-sealed pack. Do not open it until you are in a well-ventilated area or your hotel.