Leisure time
Located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, Olomouc is a city that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, recreational activities, and gastronomic delights. While it may not be as populous as the more well-known cities of Prague or Brno, Olomouc has a charm that is unrivaled, offering visitors and locals alike a tranquil and intimate environment that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
With three cinemas, two larger theatres, and several smaller ones, the city provides a diverse array of options for movie and theatre enthusiasts. These venues showcase a wide range of films and performances, from classic productions to contemporary and experimental works, ensuring that there is something to suit all tastes. Furthermore, Olomouc is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, and libraries, all of which contribute to the city's rich cultural landscape.
Olomouc's gastronomic scene is equally impressive, with a plethora of dining options available for those who appreciate fine food and drink. The city has experienced a recent surge in the number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, with many establishments offering a fusion of local and international cuisine.
Finally, Olomouc is an excellent destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities and physical fitness. The city is home to several parks, gardens, and natural reserves, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore the stunning natural surroundings. Additionally, there are several fitness facilities and sports centres, including the state-of-the-art Academic Sports Centre, which offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities, from swimming to yoga and aerobics.
Whether you are interested in exploring the arts, indulging in fine cuisine, or engaging in outdoor activities, Olomouc has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway
Theatres and Cinemas
Olomouc has established itself as a city with a vibrant theater and music culture, making it a premier destination for enthusiasts of these art forms. A notable venue to visit is the Moravian Theater Olomouc, renowned for its diverse program featuring opera, operetta, drama, and other specialized performances. Another prominent theater worth visiting is situated in the Šantovka mall.
For cinephiles, the largest cinemas in the region can be found in the Šantovka mall and the Olomouc City shopping center, which is affiliated with Globus. Additionally, a sizable cinema is located in the Olympia mall. Lastly, the Metropol cinema, situated near Horní náměstí, completes the list of prominent theaters in Olomouc.
Museums
The Regional Museum is the largest and most prominent museum in Olomouc, offering an array of historical and traditional exhibits that provide insight into the cultural heritage of the Moravian region. Visitors can explore the museum's vast collections, which cover a wide range of topics and showcase the region's rich artistic and cultural history.
Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant cafe culture of Olomouc at Telegraph Cafe and Cafe na Cucky. These cafes offer stimulating galleries that feature a range of artistic works and host a variety of English-friendly events throughout the year, including theatre shows, stand-up comedy, seminars, and other cultural activities
Religion
Olomouc is a city with many churches and other important religious buildings. A number of houses on Křížkovského street, including the building of the rector's office of the university, used to serve religious purposes. Even today, there are many places in the city where you can find a place for prayer in silence. If you are a religious or practising person, a list of churches and activities organised by them can be found below.
Catholic churches
In the city, there is a seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc. It’s located in Wenceslas Square (“Václavské náměstí” in Czech), near the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral with the second-highest church tower in the Czech Republic. There is also a local parish in the cathedral. The highest church officials in the Olomouc Archdiocese used to live in the Archbishop's Palace. It’s open to the public, more information about guided tours can be found on this webpage.
A great example of late Gothic architecture in Moravia is the Church of St. Maurice. Besides the interior, you can also visit the sculpture Christ on the Mount of Olives, which is located on the southern side of the church. There is a local parish in the church, too.
The most famous religious building from the Baroque period in Olomouc is St. Michael’s Church with its three cupolas, symbolizing the Trinity. Near the church, the Chapel of St John Sarkander is located. It is dedicated to a Czech saint Jan Sarkander who lived and studied in Olomouc in the 17th century. Not far from the Lower Square, you can find the Church of St. Catherine, which was built in Gothic style. All these three religious buildings belong to the same parish.
The history of the city of Olomouc is connected with the presence of Jesuits. The Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow, which belongs to the Jesuit Order, was built at the beginning of the 18th century. It’s a part of buildings once used by this Order, now many of them belong to Palacký University. The church is the seat of the Academic parish Olomouc, which is composed of students, academics, and other employees of the university.
There is another important church in the city, the Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. Although it’s not in the city centre, it can be considered as a dominant of Olomouc, because it’s located on the Holy Hill near the city and therefore it can be seen when you go towards Olomouc. More information about the church and parish can be found here.
On the Lower square, you can find the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which belongs to the Capuchin Order. This church is one of the first religious buildings built in the city after the occupation of the city by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War. Here you can find a list of church services.
Mass in English
From 1 October, the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kapucínská 115/2, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic) hosts masses in English each Sunday at 12:15 (p.m.) which you can attend. If you were to have any further questions regarding the mass, you can contact Ján Čukáš at cukasjan@gmail.com.
Evangelical churches
There are several evangelical communities in Olomouc. The community of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren is located in the Evangelical church on Blahoslavova street. Another community of the Church of Czech Brethren can be found on Mariánská Street, church services take place every Sunday at 10:00 am.
One evangelical community is located in the part of Olomouc called Pavlovičky on Pavlovická Street. Its name is the Church of New Hope.
Although it doesn’t serve the original purpose any more, it’s important to mention also the Red Church. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it was used by German Protestants until the end of World War II. Now it belongs to the Olomouc Research Library; lectures and exhibitions are held there. Updated information about these events you can find here.
Czech Baptist Church
There is also a Baptist Church in Olomouc, located on Třída Svornosti Street. Sunday services are translated into English and take place every Sunday at 9:30 am. More information you can find on this website or on Facebook page called Olomouc International Fellowship.
Czechoslovak Hussite Church
There is one Hussite Church in Olomouc, it’s located near the Heroes' Square (“Náměstí Hrdinů” in Czech). Although the Czechoslovak Hussite church was established just in the 20th century, it’s named after religious reformer Jan Hus, who lived in Prague and was burned at the stake in 1415. More information about the community of the church you can find here.
Orthodox Church
There is also one orthodox church in Olomouc. It’s located at Gorazd square (“Gorazdovo náměstí” in Czech), its name is the Church of St. Gorazd. Gorazd was one of the first bishops of the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia, who died during World War II as a martyr. The Orthodox Church community in Olomouc is part of the Olomouc-Brno Eparchy of the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
Student Christian Associations
In addition to the listed churches and chapels, there are also some Christian associations focusing on religious activities in Olomouc that are intended for students. University Christian Fellowship or Student Christian Movement Olomouc can be mentioned. For Catholic students, there is a University Catholic Movement in the city.
The Jewish Centre
On the site of the Jewish Centre you can find more information about regular services and prayers. There is also the possibility to order kosher catering, the community also offers apartment accommodation (up to 8 people).
Muslim community
There is a Muslim community in Olomouc called Al-Firdaus. On the website, you can find more information about Friday's prayers and community life, you can also book a study room there.
The night of churches
During one of the Friday evenings at the end of May or the beginning of June, you can visit churches and chapels throughout the Czech Republic and enjoy the atmosphere inside. Additionally, you can use the opportunity to take part in guided tours, listen to music or watch theatre performances. Programme, details and other information you can find on the website of the event. In 2023, the night of churches took place on 2 June.
Autumn Festival of Religious Music
Every September and October, the Autumn Festival of Religious Music takes place in different churches of Olomouc. You can enjoy beautiful architecture and hear famous songs of well known composers.
Nightlife
Education is the most powerful weapon. But sometimes you need to mitigate the consequences of studying (stress) and just have a drink (beer or lemonade).
Bonding with your peers can also have numerous benefits. By simply socializing with classmates, you can develop a support network that can help you navigate the challenges of student life. These connections can also lead to lifelong friendships and professional relationships. We list a number of pubs, clubs and karaoke bars in the text below.
Shopping
Explore a multitude of options when it comes to grocery shopping and retail therapy in Olomouc. Right in the heart of the city, you'll discover Galerie Moritz, a bustling hub of shops. Adjacent to Galerie Moritz is the Šantovka city mall, a vibrant destination offering an array of exciting activities like bowling, cinema, theatre, and a delectable food court.
If you're staying in or near the Neředín dormitories, check out the impressive Globus shopping centre, complete with its own attached mall called Olomouc City. This fantastic complex not only caters to your shopping needs but also features food counters and a cinema for your entertainment.
Venture a little further from the city centre, and you'll come across the Olympia shopping mall, where you can indulge in a shopping spree and catch a movie in their spacious cinema. Additionally, the nearby Centrum Haná is easily accessible via tram from the city centre, with the last stop conveniently located at Nová Ulice.
UPoint - The Information Centre and Shop of Palacký University Olomouc
UPoint is a university shop in the heart of the city at Horní Náměstí. It offers a wide range of souvenirs and practical items.
Among the merchandise available, UPoint showcases a fashion brand of UP called UniWearCity. Created by graduates of the university, UniWearCity offers a collection of fashionable clothing items such as hoodies, socks, dresses, and t-shirts. These products allow individuals to show their affiliation with the university while staying stylish. UPoint also features publications from the university's publishing house as well as from Academic Publishing.
Whether visitors seek information, unique souvenirs, or academic publications, UPoint aims to cater to their needs and enhance their experience in the city.
Horní náměstí 205/12
| Monday - Friday | 09:00–17:00 (closed on public holidays) |
Sports
Here are some tips on which activities you can do in Olomouc, ranging from simple movement around the city using bikes to more extreme lead climbing. And there is much more so do not be scared to explore, ask, and search.
Academic Sports Centre (UP ASC)
Welcome to the vibrant world of the UP Academic Sports Centre (UP ASC). Located conveniently by the main entrance of the Palacký University Sports Hall, right next to the bike shop, our contact point eagerly awaits your visit. Not only can you purchase membership passes for our sports programmes, but our staff will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Explore a wide range of opportunities with the UP ASC. Each year, we curate a diverse range of courses designed to cater to all interests. Embrace the winter wonderland by joining our skiing lessons, where you can also master the art of snowboarding or experience the thrill of snowblading. For the adventurous souls, embark on breathtaking snowshoe hikes, and spend unforgettable nights in cosy hunting cabins.
Summer unveils a whole new realm of excitement at UP ASC. Dive in with their captivating adventure courses, offering adrenaline-fueled experiences like windsurfing and paragliding. If you're seeking a solo adventure, fret not! We offer ski and tent rentals, allowing you to create your own thrilling escapades.
Signing up for our courses is a breeze! Simply visit our user-friendly UP ASC website, where you'll find a comprehensive list of all the courses we offer. If you have any questions about the sports programmes, please check the Facebook page of the Academic Sports Centre or write an email to babeta.vankova@upol.cz or tomas.valenta@upol.cz.
Biking and scooters
Sharing bikes and scooters has become very popular recently. You can now download apps that will allow you to borrow bikes and scooters and move freely around the city or even ride to destinations outside of Olomouc. These destinations can include Poděbrady Lakes, Bouzov Castle, or Mariánské Údolí. The bikes and scooters are provided by Rekola, NextBike, Lime, Eagle, and Bolt.
However, be careful and look up the rules and regulations for using bikes and scooters, as there has been an increase in accidents recently, especially with scooters.
Swimming Pools and Spa
In case you are more interested in relaxing spas, there are several places in Olomouc where you can relax to your heart´s content. One of them is the Omega Sport Centre situated opposite the football stadium. They offer a variety of relaxing activities including a whirlpool, herbal or Finnish sauna, steam rooms and other means of relaxation. The next place where you can relax is Theresian Spa Hotel located at Palachovo náměstí. They also offer several types of saunas and also experience shower or whirlpool. Last but not least is Nutrend World.
Of the three, this one is further from the centre located at Chválkovice but is easily accessible by bus. It offers private spas and also ayurvedic massages or rituals cosmetics
If you are lucky and enjoy some sunny weather in Olomouc, you might be interested in going to the Olomouc Swimming Pool (both inside and outside pools are available) or check the Olomouc Aquapark which is easily accessible by trams direction to the final stop Nová Ulice. Another option is Poděbrady lakes where you can swim, sunbathe, get some beer or grilles meals and enjoy all the joys of lakes in the middle of meadows of Litovelské Pomoraví PLA.
Golf
If you are a passionate golfer, you have to check Golf resort Olomouc. It is located in Véska which is about 18 km from Olomouc and is accessible by bus. The golf course is in the middle of beautiful forests and, thanks to its location, offers stunning views of Olomouc and the surrounding towns and villages.
Skiing
If you become part of our university community for the winter semester, you may like the idea of going skiing. For that, we can recommend you a very close skiing slope called Hlubočky which is easily accessible by train. However, you should know that since it is in the middle of Haná region, it is not too steep. Otherwise, you can always check many other slopes and skiing resorts in Jeseníky and Beskydy mountains!
Climbing
For those of you who like to risk your lives for no apparent reason other than getting a little adrenaline boost, there are also two indoor climbing gyms. The first one is Pajkland – an old-school boulder bar right next to the centre (300 m2 climbing surface) – and the second one is Flash Wall which has 13 meters tall climbing wall (1200 m2 climbing surface) and a boulder area but is a bit further from the centre.
Flash Wall is more suitable for beginners but there are also routes for much more experienced climbers, whether it is lead climbs or boulder routes. It also offers lead climbing courses to learn how to belay properly.
Pajkland is suited for more advanced climbers because the routes here (even though often given quite a low grade) are pretty challenging. On the other hand, Pajkland offers a variety of boulders and bouldering structures, including cracks designed for crack climbing.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a country in the Central Europe. It is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Poland and Germany which makes all of these countries accessible by international busses (Regiojet and Flixbus) and trains (you can check the website of IDOS). In case you would like to get to know Czech Republic a little bit more, we offer you some tips you might enjoy in the three parts of it: Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia.
Bohemia
The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague which is about 2,5 hours by train from Olomouc. There is quite a lot to do so we consider it a must see! However, there are some other quite nice cities you might find photogenic such as Český Krumlov in South Bohemia region close to a Hluboká castle. In case you are interested in historical spa architecture, you might find Karlovy Vary and Mariánské or Františkovy lázně (spa cities) quite fascinating.
You can also visit a city called Kutná Hora with a very interesting temple. Another interesting and fun place to visit might be a Medieval Castle offering a medieval – styled hotel as well as a restaurant is in Dětenice. Do not be surprised though, if the waitresses and receptionists speak to you in Old English!
Despite the fact all of these places are very lovely to visit, we highly suggest you make them a weekend trip as they are quite far from Olomouc. You can check all the accommodation possibilities on the website of Booking.
Moravia and Silesia
The biggest city of Moravia is Brno which used to be its capital in the past. You can easily access Brno by bus in an hour. Another interesting city offering festivals in summers is Ostrava. In case you enjoy hiking in the mountains or skiing, you can always make a outdoor trip to Jeseníky or Beskydy mountains.
If you are a fan of history and would like to see a very original and traditional old village, there is one in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.
A little bit closer to Olomouc is a city called Kroměříž offering a beautiful castle with flowering gardens. We do, however, recommend you visit the castle in spring or summer once everything is blossoming. Another castle in which a lot of Czech fairy tales were filmed, is called Bouzov castle.
If you are a fan of wine tasting, you can make a weekend trip in the South Moravia which offers many wine cellars as well as beautiful castles such as Valtice, Lednice and Mikulov.
Olomouc
Olomouc has approximately 100 thousands inhabitants (the sixth largest city of the Czech Republic) and 20 thousand students making it a very students - like city. Palacký University was established in 1573 and is the second oldest university in the Czech Republic, right behind the Charles University in Prague. Apart from many activities for the students organised by Palacký University, you can also enjoy of the cultural side of the city, such as musems, theatres and cinemas, restaurants and bars, sports and many others!
When it comes to sightseeing, we definitely recommend to visit the historical heart of the city and see the Holy Trinity Column which is listed in the UNESCO and is located on the Upper Square. We can also recommend a nice walk in the parks with a visit to the Garden of Senses.
If you want to leave the city and enjoy a bit of nature, you can always walk or bike to the Poděbrady lakes or to Sluňákov ecological centre, or visit the ZOO of Olomouc on Svatý Kopeček accessible by a bus 11 from the train station.
In case you are interested in more science, you can visit Fort Science which is an interactive museum.
You can find more information on what to do in Olomouc in the section I want to do Culture / Sports.