What Makes the Olomouc Astronomical Clock Unique?

The original clock dated back to the 15th century. It suffered heavy damage during the final days of World War II. In the 1950s, the local government decided to rebuild it in the prevailing style of the time. This resulted in the unique astronomical clock you see today.

Instead of saints or death figures, you will see a chemist and a blacksmith. The mosaics depict the "Ride of the Kings" and local folklore. It is a fascinating example of how art reflects political history. It remains a proud symbol of the city's resilience and evolving identity.

The clock performs its full mechanical display once a day. You should arrive at the Upper Square (Horní náměstí) before 12:00 PM. The show lasts several minutes as the figures rotate to folk music. It is one of the best free things to do in Olomouc during your stay.

11 Best Things to See Near the Olomouc Astronomical Clock

Olomouc is often called a "mini Prague" because of its beauty. It is much less crowded than the capital. You can easily walk between most of these sites. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for families: Olomouc Zoo
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best free activity: Viewing the Clock at Noon

1. Name: Olomouc Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: To see the world's only socialist realist astronomical clock. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from any central hotel. Tip: Stand near the fountain for the best angle of the 12:00 PM show.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Baroque masterpiece. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Town Hall. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the column. Read more about the Holy Trinity Column history before you go.
3. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: To get a bird's-eye view of the entire historic center. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Inside the Town Hall building. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Enter through the tourist information center. Tip: Check the climbing schedule as tours are often guided.
4. Name: Baroque Fountains Type: Sight Why go: Olomouc is famous for its collection of six unique water features. Best for: A relaxing city walk. Where: Scattered across the Upper and Lower Squares. Time: 1 hour for a full circuit. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the pedestrian streets between squares. Tip: Don't miss the modern Arion Fountain on the Upper Square. See our guide to the Baroque fountains of Olomouc.
5. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This neo-Gothic cathedral has the second-highest spire in the country. Best for: Spiritual and architectural interest. Where: Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the tombs of former bishops. Learn about visiting the cathedral.
6. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a world-class collection of religious art and a golden coach. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the center or take tram 2, 4, or 6. Tip: The museum is built on the remains of a medieval castle.
7. Name: Olomouc Cheese Tasting Type: Experience Why go: To try the famous "tvarůžky," a pungent local ripened cheese. Best for: Foodies. Where: Specialized shops on the Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located in the shops surrounding the clock. Tip: Try the cheese with fresh bread and local beer. Book an Olomouc cheese tour for the full history.
8. Name: Smetana Park Type: Nature Why go: It is the largest green space in the city with beautiful floral displays. Best for: Families and picnics. Where: Just outside the historic walls. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the Lower Square. Tip: Visit in spring for the Flora Olomouc flower exhibition.
9. Name: Olomouc Christmas Markets Type: Market Why go: Known as some of the most beautiful and authentic markets in the Czech Republic. Best for: Winter travelers. Where: Upper and Lower Squares. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Try the "punch" which is a local specialty here.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: Day Trip Why go: A stunning Baroque pilgrimage church with views over the Haná plain. Best for: Half-day excursions. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free to enter church; bus fare needed. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Visit the pilgrimage site and the zoo on the same trip.
11. Name: Olomouc Zoo Type: Activity Why go: A hilltop zoo with a unique observation tower and lemur walkthrough. Best for: Families with children. Where: Svatý Kopeček. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus 11 from the city center. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is hilly.

Practical Tips for Your Olomouc Visit in 2026

Olomouc is very accessible from other major cities. You can reach it by train from Prague in about two hours. The national carrier, České dráhy, offers frequent and reliable service. Check the official tourism portal for the latest event schedules.

The city is very affordable compared to Western Europe. Most central attractions are within walking distance. However, the tram system is excellent for reaching the train station. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile apps.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by the younger generation. However, learning a few Czech phrases is always appreciated. Try saying "Dobrý den" for hello. It goes a long way with the locals in shops and cafes.