10 Best Parks for Relaxing in Olomouc City Center

The park system in Olomouc is unique because of its circular layout. You can walk through several different parks without ever leaving the green belt. Each area has a distinct character, from botanical collections to historic fortifications. Many locals use these spaces for daily exercise or afternoon coffee breaks. Here are the top spots to find peace and quiet.

• Best overall: Smetanovy sady
• Best for families: Čechovy sady
• Best for views: Svatý Kopeček
• Best for quiet: The Rosarium

1. Name: Smetanovy sady Type: iconic sight Why go: This is the oldest and largest park in the city. It features grand avenues and the famous Palm House. Best for: Long walks and grand scenery. Where: South of the city center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Lower Square. Tip: Visit the historic pavilions during the Flora Olomouc and city parks festival.
2. Name: Čechovy sady Type: experience Why go: A peaceful park known for its beautiful monuments and mature trees. It is less crowded than Smetanovy sady. Best for: Reading a book or a quiet picnic. Where: West side of the city center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from Palackého street. Tip: Look for the Litovel Bridge, one of the oldest in the region.
3. Name: Bezručovy sady Type: nature Why go: Located right under the massive city walls. It features a scenic stream and a botanical garden entrance. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Below the St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the university area. Tip: The rock garden here is particularly beautiful in early summer.
4. Name: Botanical Garden and Rosarium Type: experience Why go: This garden hosts thousands of rose bushes in a unique concrete landscape. It offers a modern contrast to the old city. Best for: Flower enthusiasts and couples. Where: Near the Crown Fortress. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee during exhibitions. Getting there: Walk through Bezručovy sady. Tip: Visit in June to see the roses in full bloom.
5. Name: Palm House (Palmový skleník) Type: museum/indoor Why go: A historic greenhouse filled with exotic plants and birds. It is a warm escape during cooler months. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Inside Smetanovy sady. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low fee. Getting there: Follow the main path in Smetanovy sady. Tip: Check the official Olomouc tourism portal for seasonal opening times.
6. Name: Korunní pevnůstka (Crown Fortress) Type: experience Why go: A former military site turned into a green event space. It blends history with open lawns. Best for: Learning about city defenses. Where: Eastern edge of the park ring. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (except during events). Getting there: Short walk from the tram stop 'U Dómu'. Tip: Visit the Science Museum located right inside the fortress grounds.
7. Name: Park pod hradbami Type: nature Why go: A narrow, quiet strip of green directly beneath the medieval fortifications. It offers a unique perspective of the city's height. Best for: A quick, quiet escape. Where: Near the Rectorate of Palacký University. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from Křížkovského street. Tip: This is one of the quietest spots in the entire center.
8. Name: Palacký University Botanical Garden Type: experience Why go: A quiet, academic garden with rare plant species. It is managed by Palacký University Olomouc. Best for: Botanical fans and students. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Usually free or very low cost. Getting there: Entrance via the park ring. Tip: Respect the research areas while exploring the greenhouses.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: A stunning hilltop with a Baroque basilica and forest paths. It offers the best panoramic views of the region. Best for: Nature hikes and views. Where: 8km from the center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free (bus fare required). Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Visit the nearby zoo if you are traveling with children.
10. Name: Poděbrady Lake Type: day trip Why go: A natural swimming lake surrounded by grassy beaches and forests. It is the ultimate local spot for summer relaxation. Best for: Swimming and sunbathing. Where: North of the city. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy bike ride or local bus. Tip: Rent a paddleboard to explore the lake from the water.

Planning Your Visit to Flora Olomouc

Timing is everything when visiting the parks in Olomouc. The city transforms during the major flower exhibitions. You should check when the flower exhibition is held before booking. These events bring thousands of visitors and incredible floral displays. However, the parks are beautiful even during the quiet off-season.

Spring and summer offer the most vibrant colors. Autumn brings golden leaves to the massive lime trees. Most parks are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The paths are well-paved and mostly flat. You can find more information on the Visit Czechia website. Always carry a bottle of water during the summer months.