Planning Your Climb: St Moritz Church Tower

The Church of St. Moritz is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Moravia. Its most famous feature is the massive south tower. This tower offers a 360-degree view of the entire city. You can see the main square and the distant mountains on clear days. It is a must-visit for anyone who loves photography or history.

The interior of the tower is just as interesting as the view. It features a rare double spiral staircase. These two stone stairs wrap around each other without meeting. This design allowed people to go up and down without crossing paths. It is a brilliant piece of medieval engineering that still works today.

Before you start your climb, consider the physical effort. There are many steps to reach the top gallery. You should check the st-moritz-church-tower-olomouc-stairs-count to know what to expect. Most visitors find the climb manageable if they take their time. The reward at the top is well worth the sweat.

11 Best Things to Do in Olomouc

Olomouc offers a mix of grand monuments and quirky local spots. You can spend days exploring the narrow streets and hidden courtyards. There are also plenty of unusual things to do in Olomouc for curious travelers. Here are the top experiences you should not miss during your visit.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: St. Moritz Church Tower
• Best for families: Veteran Arena Museum
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best free: Holy Trinity Column

1. Name: St. Moritz Church Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic panoramic view of the city. The double spiral staircase is a unique architectural marvel. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: North of the Upper Square. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Visit during the golden hour for the best lighting.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Baroque art. It is the largest free-standing Baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the city. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the column.
3. Name: Olomouc Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: The clock was redesigned in the 1950s in a socialist-realist style. It features workers and scientists instead of saints. You can read more about the socialist astronomical clock Olomouc to learn its history. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Center of the Upper Square. Tip: Watch the clock strike noon to see the figures move.
4. Name: St. Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This cathedral has the second tallest church spire in the Czech Republic. The Neo-Gothic interior is breathtakingly beautiful. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (crypt has a small fee). Getting there: Short walk from the city center. Tip: Visit the Romanesque Bishop’s Palace located right next door.
5. Name: Olomouc Baroque Fountains Type: Sight Why go: The city is famous for its collection of six ancient Baroque fountains. There are also modern additions like the Arion Fountain. Check out the unusual fountains and statues in Olomouc for a full list. Best for: Casual walkers. Where: Scattered across the main squares. Time: 1 hour for a full circuit. Cost: Free. Getting there: On foot. Tip: The Arion Fountain is a great spot for kids to play in summer.
6. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a rich collection of religious art and historical artifacts. The building itself is part of the former Olomouc Castle. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Near St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk or take a tram to the Cathedral stop. Tip: Do not miss the ornate golden carriage of the bishops.
7. Name: Veteran Arena Museum Type: Museum Why go: This is one of the largest private car museums in the country. It focuses on pre-war Czechoslovak vehicles. You can find more details about visiting veteran arena museum Olomouc online. Best for: Car enthusiasts and families. Where: Sladovní street. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram number 4 or 6. Tip: The museum also has a collection of vintage radios and telephones.
8. Name: Civil Defense Shelter Type: Experience Why go: Take a tour of a Cold War-era bunker hidden under a city park. It offers a chilling look at the city's modern history. Learn more about Olomouc civil defense shelter tours before you go. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Bezručovy Sady. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (booking required). Getting there: Walk to the park near the city walls. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cold underground.
9. Name: Tasting Olomouc Tvarůžky Type: Experience Why go: This is a local ripened cheese with a very strong smell and low fat. It is a culinary staple of the region. Read about tasting Olomouc stinky cheese tvaruzky for the best spots. Best for: Foodies. Where: Local restaurants and specialized shops. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Very cheap. Getting there: Available throughout the city. Tip: Try it fried or on top of a local beer-bread.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Day trip Why go: A beautiful Baroque pilgrimage basilica overlooking the city. It offers peaceful walks and great views. Best for: Nature and spirituality. Where: 8 km from the city center. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Free to visit grounds; bus fare needed. Getting there: Bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: There is a zoo nearby if you are traveling with children.
11. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This fairytale castle looks like it came from a movie. It features drawbridges, towers, and a massive knight's hall. Best for: Romantic trips. Where: 35 km from Olomouc. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate for tours. Getting there: Bus or car is best. Tip: Check the tour schedule in advance as they fill up quickly.

Practical Tips for Your Olomouc Visit

When planning your trip, consider the time of year. Summer is great for festivals and outdoor dining. However, spring and autumn offer cooler weather for climbing St Moritz Church tower Olomouc. Winter can be magical with the Christmas markets in the Upper Square. Always check the local weather before heading to a viewpoint.

Olomouc is a very walkable city. Most major sights are within 15 minutes of each other. If you need to go further, the tram system is efficient and easy to use. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via a mobile app. For more information, visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal for maps and schedules.

Consider getting the Olomouc Region Card if you stay for two days. It offers free entry to many museums and public transport. This can save you a lot of money on entry fees. It is available at the information center in the Town Hall. Always carry some cash for smaller shops and tower donations.