10 Essential Walking Paths in Smetanovy Sady Olomouc

The park is designed with a mix of formal and natural landscapes. It is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. Most paths are paved and flat, making them accessible for everyone. You can easily spend several hours exploring the different sections. Here are the top picks for your Olomouc parks and gardens walk experience.

• Best overall: The Main Chestnut Alley
• Best for families: The Music Pavilion Trail
• Best rainy-day: The Palm Greenhouse Path
• Best free: The South City Walls Promenade

1. Name: The Main Chestnut Alley Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the park's central spine. It is a 700-meter-long path lined with massive chestnut trees. Best for: Photography and morning jogs. Where: Central axis of Smetanovy sady. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter from Vídeňská street. Tip: Visit in spring when the trees are in full bloom.
2. Name: The Palm Greenhouse Path Type: Indoor experience Why go: This path takes you through exotic flora. It is one of the oldest palm houses in Central Europe. Best for: Plant lovers and rainy days. Where: Near the Flora exhibition grounds. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee; check entrance fees for Flora Olomouc park walks. Getting there: Follow signs for "Sbírkové skleníky." Tip: Look for the giant water lilies in the tropical section.
3. Name: The South City Walls Promenade Type: Viewpoint Why go: This path runs along the medieval city fortifications. It offers great views of the historic center. Best for: History buffs and sunset views. Where: Northern edge of Smetanovy sady. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from the park or the city center. Tip: Stop at the small cafes built into the wall.
4. Name: The Music Pavilion Trail Type: Culture Why go: This circular path leads to a beautiful 19th-century gazebo. Local bands often play here in summer. Best for: Relaxing and people-watching. Where: Near the main entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 100 meters from the tram stop. Tip: Bring a book and enjoy the shade near the pavilion.
5. Name: The Rosarium Loop Type: Nature Why go: A fragrant path surrounded by thousands of rose bushes. It is very romantic in early summer. Best for: Couples and flower enthusiasts. Where: Adjacent to the main park area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Connected via a small bridge from the main alley. Tip: Visit in June for the best colors.
6. Name: Flora Olomouc Exhibition Grounds Type: Experience Why go: This path winds through the main event area. It is beautifully landscaped with seasonal displays. Best for: Seeing modern garden design. Where: Central park section. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free (except during flower festivals). Getting there: Follow the signs for "Výstaviště Flora." Tip: Check the calendar for the spring or autumn flower shows.
7. Name: The Alpine Garden Path Type: Nature Why go: A rocky path featuring mountain plants and small water features. It feels like a miniature mountain range. Best for: A quiet, secluded walk. Where: Near the botanical garden section. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the eastern side of the park. Tip: The rocks can be slippery after rain.
8. Name: Bezručovy sady Connection Type: Day trip/Nearby Why go: This path links Smetanovy sady to the neighboring Bezručovy sady. It follows the old moat. Best for: Longer walks through the city green belt. Where: Southern park exit. Time: 1 hour (full loop). Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the main fountain. Tip: This path is popular with local cyclists.
9. Name: Čechovy sady Perimeter Type: Nearby trip Why go: A quiet walk around the adjacent Čechovy sady park. It is less crowded than Smetanovy sady. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: West of the main park. Time: 25 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the road at the western park exit. Tip: Look for the monument dedicated to Božena Němcová.
10. Name: The Botanical Garden Walk Type: Museum/Nature Why go: A specialized path through scientific plant collections. It is managed by the university. Best for: Educational walks. Where: Eastern edge of the park system. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Follow signs for "Botanická zahrada." Tip: Check the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page for seasonal hours.

Planning Your Olomouc Parks and Gardens Walk

Walking in Olomouc is a year-round activity. Smetanovy sady is particularly beautiful in autumn. The leaves on the chestnut trees turn a golden yellow. In summer, the park provides a cool canopy. Most walking paths in Smetanovy sady Olomouc are well-lit at night. This makes it safe for evening strolls.

There are several cafes located within the park. You can stop for a coffee or a traditional Czech snack. Public restrooms are available near the Flora exhibition halls. Most paths are wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. The park is very flat, so it is not physically demanding.

Always stay on the marked paths to protect the flower beds. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Local residents often use the park for exercise. Be mindful of runners and cyclists on the main alleys. The park is a shared space for everyone to enjoy.