Where to Buy Olomouc Cheese in City Center Shops and Eateries
Are you looking for where to buy Olomouc cheese in city center locations? This famous pungent treat, known as Olomoucké tvarůžky, is a must-try in Moravia. It is the only Czech cheese with a protected geographical status. You will find it in many Olomoucké tvarůžky tasting locations throughout the historic streets. This guide helps you find the freshest packs and most unique snacks.
Top shops for Olomouc cheese in city center locations
Finding the right shop is the first step to enjoying this local delicacy. Many visitors prefer official outlets for the widest variety of shapes and sizes. You can find everything from small coins to large rings. These shops often provide specialized packaging for travelers. Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal opening hours.
- Quick picks:
- Best overall: A.W. Tvarůžky Shop
- Best for gifts: Olomouc Information Centre
- Best for variety: Tvarůžková cukrárna
- Name: A.W. Tvarůžky Shop (Horní náměstí) Type: Official retail shop Why go: This is the flagship store of the main producer from Loštice. Best for: Buying bulk packs and souvenirs. Where: Upper Square near the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: $2 - $15 depending on quantity. Getting there: Walk to the center of Upper Square. Tip: Buy the vacuum-sealed packs if you are traveling by train.
- Name: Tvarůžková cukrárna Type: Cheese dessert shop Why go: They create incredible savory "desserts" using the cheese. Best for: A unique culinary experience. Where: Denisova street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: $3 - $6 per pastry. Getting there: A short walk from the Museum of Art. Tip: Try the cheese-filled "mousse" puff for a salty surprise.
- Name: Olomouc Information Centre Type: Gift shop Why go: They stock a reliable selection of cheese and related merchandise. Best for: Last-minute shopping while getting maps. Where: Inside the Town Hall building. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Standard retail prices. Getting there: Look for the entrance under the arcade at Upper Square. Tip: Pick up a cheese-themed cookbook here.
- Name: Hanácký statek Type: Local specialty store Why go: They focus on regional products from the Haná region. Best for: Finding artisanal versions of local snacks. Where: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk south from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: Pair your cheese with local Moravian wine sold here.
Best Olomoucké tvarůžky tasting locations and eateries
If you prefer to eat immediately, the city center has many excellent restaurants. Chefs in Olomouc use the cheese in soups, on burgers, or fried in batter. Tasting it prepared professionally is a great way to handle the strong aroma. Most traditional pubs will have at least one cheese dish on the menu. You can even find it as a topping on local garlic soup.
- Name: Moravská restaurace Type: Traditional restaurant Why go: They serve classic Moravian cuisine in an elegant setting. Best for: A full sit-down dinner with cheese specialties. Where: Upper Square. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: $15 - $30 for a meal. Getting there: Located on the north side of the main square. Tip: Order the tvarůžky-stuffed pork fillet for a hearty meal.
- Name: Hanácká hospoda Type: Local pub Why go: It offers a rustic atmosphere and very authentic local dishes. Best for: Tasting cheese in a casual, lively environment. Where: Lower Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: $10 - $20. Getting there: Situated directly on Dolní náměstí. Tip: Their fried cheese rings are a fan favorite.
- Name: Svatováclavský pivovar Type: Microbrewery Why go: They brew their own beer which pairs perfectly with the salty cheese. Best for: Beer lovers and social groups. Where: Mariánská street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Cathedral of Saint Wenceslaus. Tip: Ask for the "tvarůžkový chléb" (cheese bread) as a beer snack.
- Name: Drápal Type: Classic restaurant Why go: Known for high-quality Pilsner beer and traditional Czech food. Best for: A reliable, high-standard dining experience. Where: Havlíčkova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: $12 - $25. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the city center core. Tip: Try the cheese spread served with fresh rye bread.
Where to find cheese vending machines and markets
For a modern twist, look for a tvarůžky vending machine in the city. These machines keep the cheese at the perfect temperature for freshness. They are often located in high-traffic areas like malls or transit hubs. This is the fastest way to buy when shops are closed. You can also find more info on the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page.
- Name: Galerie Šantovka Vending Machine Type: Vending machine Why go: It is convenient and open during mall hours. Best for: Quick purchases while shopping for clothes. Where: Galerie Šantovka shopping mall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Low ($2 - $5). Getting there: Take a tram to the Šantovka stop. Tip: The machine is usually located near the supermarket entrance.
- Name: Billa Galerie Moritz Type: Supermarket Why go: It is the most central supermarket with a dedicated cheese section. Best for: Travelers on a budget. Where: Galerie Moritz, 8. května street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Very low. Getting there: Located near the Astronomical Clock. Tip: Look for the yellow boxes in the refrigerated dairy aisle.
- Name: Dolní náměstí Farmers Market Type: Outdoor market Why go: You can buy directly from smaller regional producers. Best for: Freshness and supporting local farmers. Where: Lower Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Variable. Getting there: Walk to the open space on Lower Square. Tip: Markets usually run on weekday mornings and Saturday mornings.
- Name: Potrefená husa Type: Modern pub/restaurant Why go: They offer a contemporary take on Czech classics. Best for: Those who want a modern vibe. Where: Opletalova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Just off the Upper Square. Tip: Their marinated cheese appetizers are excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Olomouc cheese unique?
Olomouc cheese, or tvarůžky, is a ripened soft cheese made from skimmed cow's milk. It is famous for its very low fat content (less than 1%) and its strong, distinctive aroma. It has a golden-yellow color and a slightly sticky surface.
Can I bring Olomouc cheese on a plane?
Yes, you can bring it on a plane, but it must be well-sealed. Because of its intense smell, vacuum packaging is essential to avoid bothering other passengers. Most shops in the city center offer travel-ready packaging for this purpose.
How should I store the cheese after buying?
Keep the cheese in a refrigerator at temperatures between 4°C and 8°C. If it starts to smell very strong, it is simply ripening further. For the best flavor, take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before eating.
Knowing where to buy Olomouc cheese in city center locations makes your visit much more flavorful. From the official A.W. shop to modern vending machines, there are options for every traveler. Don't forget to try a savory pastry at the cheese dessert shop for a truly local memory. After you finish your shopping, consider taking a self-guided walking tour of Olomouc to see the sights while you snack.
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Olomouc Tourism Portal — unverified: Official DMO site.
- Statutory City of Olomouc — unverified: Municipal government portal.
- Visit Czechia - Olomouc — unverified: National tourism board page.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — unverified: Official UNESCO designation page.
- Lonely Planet Olomouc — unverified: Major international travel editorial.
