Planning Your Visit to Olomouc Town Hall

The Olomouc Town Hall is the centerpiece of the Upper Square. It has served as the seat of local government for over 600 years. You cannot simply walk up the tower at any time. Access is strictly managed through guided tours organized by the local information center. These tours usually run twice a day during the main tourist season.

You should check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for current seasonal times. Tours typically start at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It is wise to book your spot at least one day in advance. The groups are kept small to ensure everyone can move safely on the narrow stairs. The tour includes a visit to the internal chapel and the tower guard's room.

Prepare for a physical challenge during your visit. There are 144 steps to reach the gallery. The staircase is spiral and becomes quite narrow near the top. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Avoid carrying large backpacks as space is limited. The effort is worth it for the 360-degree view of the city and the distant Jeseníky Mountains.

10 Essential Experiences Near the Town Hall Tower

Olomouc offers a mix of history, art, and local culture. Use this list to plan your perfect day in the city center. Most of these items are within a five-minute walk of the Town Hall.

• Name: Olomouc Town Hall Tower Type: Sight Why go: It provides the highest public viewpoint in the historic center. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 100 CZK. Tip: Look for the small windows in the guard's room for unique angles.
• Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It is one of the few socialist-realist clocks in the world. Best for: Fans of unique history and art. Where: North facade of the Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk to the side of the Town Hall building. Tip: Watch the Olomouc Astronomical Clock strike at noon for the full show.
• Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located 50 meters from the Town Hall. Tip: Visit the Holy Trinity Column Olomouc at sunset for the best lighting on the gold details.
• Name: Caesar Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most complex fountain in the city. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Upper Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Directly in front of the Town Hall entrance. Tip: Look for the statue of a dog, which represents the sculptor's own pet.
• Name: St. Moritz Church Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic church features a massive pipe organ and its own climbable tower. Best for: Those who want a different perspective of the city. Where: Near the Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the Town Hall. Tip: The double spiral staircase here is an architectural marvel.
• Name: Hercules Fountain Type: Sight Why go: It showcases the city's dedication to Roman mythology and Baroque art. Best for: Art students. Where: Upper Square, near the clock. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Steps away from the Astronomical Clock. Tip: This is a great spot to wait for your tower tour to begin.
• Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: It has the second-highest church spire in the Czech Republic. Best for: Religious history and Gothic architecture. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free (crypt has a fee). Getting there: 10-minute walk from the Town Hall. Tip: Explore the St. Wenceslas Cathedral Olomouc crypt to see the tombs of local bishops.
• Name: Bezručovy sady Type: Nature Why go: These gardens follow the old city walls and offer a peaceful escape. Best for: Families and relaxing walks. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Walk through the Olomouc parks and gardens to see the botanical greenhouse.
• Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a vast collection of sacred art in a renovated castle setting. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Near the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located in the Olomouc Castle grounds. Tip: Don't miss the golden carriage of the bishops on the ground floor.
• Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning Baroque basilica on a hill with views back toward the city. Best for: A half-day excursion. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Bus fare + optional donations. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Combine your trip to the Svatý Kopeček pilgrimage site with a visit to the nearby zoo.

What to Expect When Climbing Olomouc Town Hall Tower

Climbing Olomouc Town Hall Tower is an immersive historical journey. The tour begins inside the Town Hall, where you see the Gothic vaults. Your guide will lead you through corridors that most visitors never see. You will pass the entrance to the St. Jerome Chapel. This chapel features rare 15th-century ribbed vaulting and beautiful stained glass.

As you begin the ascent, the air becomes cooler and the stairs narrower. You will stop at the tower guard's room halfway up. In the past, a guard lived here to watch for fires or enemies. Today, it holds a small exhibit about the tower's history. You can see how the guards lived and worked centuries ago.

Once you reach the external gallery, the view is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see the entire city of Olomouc and the surrounding plains. You will look down directly onto the Holy Trinity Column. The red rooftops of the old town stretch out in every direction. The guide usually allows 10 to 15 minutes at the top for photos.

Exploring Beyond the Upper Square

After your climb, take time to explore the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí). It is less crowded but equally beautiful. Here you will find two more Baroque fountains and the Marian Plague Column. This area is perfect for enjoying a coffee or a local meal. Many restaurants here serve traditional Moravian dishes.

If you enjoy art, visit the Archdiocesan Museum Olomouc. It is located near the cathedral and offers deep insights into the city's religious past. The museum is part of the Olomouc Castle complex. This site has been inhabited for over a thousand years. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Central European history.

For those with more time, the surrounding region of Moravia beckons. You can visit local breweries or go for a hike in the nearby hills. Olomouc is a great base for exploring eastern Czechia. The city remains authentic and affordable compared to larger European hubs. Make sure to try the local smelly cheese, Olomoucké tvarůžky, before you leave.