Why Olomouc Parks and Gardens Are Worth Visiting

The green spaces in Olomouc are not just random patches of grass. They follow the line of the old city fortifications. This creates a unique "Green Ring" that separates the old town from newer districts. Most of these parks are within easy walking distance of the main squares.

Walking through these gardens feels like a journey through time. You will see medieval walls, Baroque statues, and modern sculptures. The city takes great pride in maintaining these areas. They are perfect for a morning jog or a slow afternoon stroll. Visiting these spots is among the best places to relax in Olomouc during your trip.

The parks also host major cultural events throughout the year. The most famous is the Flora Olomouc flower show. This event transforms the city into a colorful sea of blossoms. Even outside of festival dates, the variety of plant life is impressive. You can find everything from exotic palms to local Moravian wildflowers.

11 Best Olomouc Parks and Gardens to Explore

Olomouc offers a diverse range of green spaces for every type of traveler. Here are our top picks for the best Olomouc parks and gardens to visit in 2026.

1. Name: Smetana Gardens (Smetanovy sady) Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest and largest park in the city. It features a stunning long lime tree avenue. Best for: Long walks and photography. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Upper Square. Tip: Read our Smetana Gardens walking guide for the best routes.
2. Name: Bezruč Gardens (Bezručovy sady) Type: sight Why go: It sits directly under the massive city walls and the cathedral. The rocky cliffs create a dramatic backdrop. Best for: History lovers and views of the city walls. Where: East side of the old town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the stairs from Michalský výpad. Tip: Look for the hidden botanical collection inside the city wall greenhouses.
3. Name: Čech Gardens (Čechovy sady) Type: sight Why go: A quiet and elegant park with beautiful flower beds and a monument to the Red Army. Best for: A quiet read or a peaceful picnic. Where: West of the city center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Palacký University. Tip: It is less crowded than Smetana Gardens on weekends.
4. Name: Botanical Garden and Rosarium Type: experience Why go: It features over 600 varieties of roses and a large collection of alpine plants. Best for: Flower enthusiasts and couples. Where: Near the Crown Fortress. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee during peak season. Getting there: Take tram 1 or 7 to the Envelopa stop. Tip: Visit in June to see the roses in full bloom.
5. Name: Crown Fortress (Korunní pevnůstka) Type: sight Why go: An old military site turned into a green cultural hub. It blends history with open lawns. Best for: Families and history buffs. Where: Adjacent to the city center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to enter the grounds. Getting there: Located on 17. listopadu street. Tip: Check the local calendar for open-air concerts held here.
6. Name: Flora Olomouc Exhibition Grounds Type: experience Why go: This is the heart of the city's floral culture. It hosts massive international exhibitions. Best for: Seeing rare plants and garden design. Where: Inside Smetana Gardens. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Tram stop Výstaviště Flora. Tip: Check when is the Flora Olomouc flower exhibition before you plan your trip.
7. Name: Park under the Olomouc Castle Type: sight Why go: Offers a unique perspective of St. Wenceslas Cathedral from below. Best for: Scenic views and steep walks. Where: Below the Wenceslas Square area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the path from the Archdiocesan Museum. Tip: Visit the Olomouc Museum of Art nearby after your walk.
8. Name: Palacký University Botanical Garden Type: experience Why go: A scientific garden with greenhouses containing tropical and subtropical species. Best for: Education and rainy day nature visits. Where: Near the university campus. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Short walk from the main train station. Tip: The greenhouses are a warm escape during cold winter months.
9. Name: Park Malého prince (Little Prince Park) Type: activity Why go: A modern, playful park inspired by the famous book. It has great playgrounds. Best for: Families with young children. Where: Neředín district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 2 or 7 to the final stop. Tip: It is a great spot to see how locals live outside the center.
10. Name: Svaty Kopecek (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: While technically a hill, the surrounding forests and paths are perfect for nature lovers. Best for: Hiking and panoramic views. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free (bus fare only). Getting there: Bus 11 from the main train station. Tip: Visit the Svaty Kopecek pilgrimage site while you are there.
11. Name: Litovelské Pomoraví Type: day trip Why go: A protected landscape area with river forests and wetlands. Best for: Cycling and bird watching. Where: North of Olomouc. Time: Half-day or full-day. Cost: Free. Getting there: Train to Horka nad Moravou or Litovel. Tip: Rent a bike in the city to explore the flat trails.

Practical Tips for Visiting Olomouc Green Spaces

Most Olomouc parks and gardens are open all year round. However, the best time to visit is from late April to October. This is when the flowers are in bloom and the fountains are running. You can find more details on the Visit Czechia Olomouc page for seasonal highlights.

Cycling is allowed in most large parks, but please stay on the marked paths. The city is very flat, making it easy to see multiple parks in one day. Many parks also have small cafes where you can grab a coffee or a local beer. These spots are very popular with university students in the afternoons.

If you are traveling with a dog, most parks are welcoming. Always look for signs regarding leash laws, especially in the Botanical Garden. Keep the parks clean by using the many waste bins provided. This helps maintain the beauty of the city for everyone.