Planning Your Olomouc Baroque Fountains Route

Most of the fountains are located in the historic city center. You can easily walk between them in a few hours. The route is mostly flat and very accessible for all travelers. Most fountains are active from April until late October. During winter, the water is drained to protect the stone. You should start your journey at the Upper Square. For a deeper experience, consider booking best guided walking tours Olomouc offers.

• Best overall: Caesar Fountain
• Best for families: Arion Fountain
• Best for history: Holy Trinity Column
• Best free activity: The entire walking loop

The city is very pedestrian-friendly. You will find many cafes and shops along the path. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets have old cobblestones. Many visitors prefer exploring in the morning to avoid crowds. Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal event updates. The route is beautiful at sunset when the stone glows. This walk is perfect for photographers and history lovers alike.

11 Essential Stops on the Olomouc Baroque Fountains Route

The following stops represent the best of the city's artistic heritage. Each fountain tells a story from ancient mythology. Follow this sequence for the most efficient walking path.

1. Name: Caesar Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous fountain in the city. The statue depicts Gaius Julius Caesar, the legendary founder of Olomouc. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the center of the Upper Square. Tip: Look for the dog statue sitting near Caesar's horse.
2. Name: Hercules Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: This fountain shows the hero Hercules fighting the Hydra. It symbolizes the city's strength against its enemies. Best for: Fans of classical mythology. Where: Upper Square, near the Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is located a short walk from the Caesar Fountain. Tip: Notice the detailed carvings on the base of the statue.
3. Name: Arion Fountain Type: Unique local experience Why go: This modern fountain was added in 2002 to complete the set. It features friendly bronze turtles and a poet on a dolphin. Best for: Families with children. Where: Upper Square, southwest corner. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the edge of the Upper Square. Tip: Children are allowed to play in the water here during summer.
4. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the tallest of its kind. It is the spiritual heart of the city's Baroque architecture. Best for: Everyone visiting Olomouc. Where: Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: You cannot miss it in the center of the square. Tip: Visit the small chapel located inside the base of the column.
5. Name: Neptune Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: It was the first of the six Baroque fountains built. It depicts the Roman god of the sea holding a trident. Best for: Seeing the oldest part of the route. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the Upper Square for five minutes. Tip: This is part of the UNESCO sites walking circuit.
6. Name: Jupiter Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: This fountain features the king of gods with a lightning bolt. It was the last of the original Baroque fountains completed. Best for: Completing the mythological set. Where: Lower Square, eastern side. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is just a few steps from the Neptune Fountain. Tip: The eagle at Jupiter's feet is a symbol of power.
7. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: Iconic sight Why go: While not a fountain, it is a key Baroque monument. It was built to thank the Virgin Mary for ending a plague. Best for: Religious history and art. Where: Lower Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It stands prominently in the Lower Square. Tip: Compare its design to the larger Holy Trinity Column nearby.
8. Name: Mercury Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: This fountain is considered the most artistically valuable. It shows Mercury, the protector of merchants and travelers. Best for: Art critics and students. Where: 8. května Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the Upper Square toward the tram lines. Tip: This fountain is often quieter than those in the main squares.
9. Name: Triton Fountain Type: Iconic sight Why go: It features a beautiful shell design with dolphins and water spirits. The sculptures are very delicate and detailed. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk five minutes east from the Mercury Fountain. Tip: The square also houses the city's library and a beautiful church.
10. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: Museum/indoor Why go: The Olomouc Museum of Art provides context for the city's history. It houses many religious and modern artworks. Best for: Rainy days and art lovers. Where: Denisova Street, near Republic Square. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Typical museum entry fee. Getting there: It is located right next to the Triton Fountain. Tip: Check out the view from the museum's upper windows.
11. Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: Day trip Why go: This "Holy Hill" features a massive Baroque basilica. It offers the best views of the city and surrounding countryside. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: 8 kilometers from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free (bus fare required). Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Follow the Svatý Kopeček hiking trail for a scenic walk.

Tips for Exploring Olomouc Baroque Fountains

To enjoy the Olomouc Baroque fountains route, plan for plenty of walking. The city center is compact, but the stones can be uneven. Many people enjoy the route as part of a larger historical city center walking loop. This allows you to see the town hall and astronomical clock too. If you visit in summer, carry a reusable water bottle. While the fountain water is not for drinking, there are many public taps. You can find many local restaurants near the Lower Square. They offer traditional Moravian food at very reasonable prices.

Photography is best during the "golden hour" before sunset. The light hits the sandstone statues and creates a warm glow. You should also see the fountains at night. Most are lit up with soft spotlights after dark. This creates a very romantic atmosphere in the squares. If you have extra time, explore the hidden streets and alleys Olomouc has to offer. You might find smaller statues and beautiful courtyards. Always check for local festivals which often take place in these squares.