Climbing the St Moritz Church Tower Stairs

The climb to the top of the St Moritz Church tower is a highlight for many. You will encounter exactly 206 steps during your ascent. These steps are arranged in a rare double-helix stone staircase. This design allows people to go up and down without meeting each other. The path is narrow but the stone work is impressive. It is a great way to experience Gothic engineering firsthand.

Before you start, ensure you have comfortable walking shoes. The climb takes about 10 to 15 minutes at a steady pace. Once at the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the city. You can see the Holy Trinity Column and the nearby mountains. For more details on the experience, read about climbing St Moritz Church tower Olomouc before you go.

10 Best Things to Do in Olomouc

Olomouc offers a rich mix of history and culture. From UNESCO sites to unique socialist monuments, there is plenty to see. Here are the top 10 experiences you should not miss.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for views: St Moritz Church Tower
• Best for families: Olomouc Zoo (Svatý Kopeček)
• Best free activity: The Fountains of Olomouc

1. Name: St Moritz Church Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the historic center. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: North of the Upper Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (usually under 100 CZK). Tip: Visit during the golden hour for the best light.
2. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: UNESCO Sight Why go: It is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the pillar. Learn more at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
3. Name: Socialist Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: It is a rare example of socialist-realist art on a medieval building. Best for: Fans of unique history. Where: Town Hall, Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Watch the figures move at exactly 12:00 PM. Read more about the socialist astronomical clock Olomouc.
4. Name: Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a world-class collection of religious art and a golden carriage. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Wenceslas Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (check for free entry days). Tip: Don't miss the Romanesque Bishop's Palace ruins inside.
5. Name: Bezručovy Sady Type: Nature Why go: A beautiful park that follows the old city walls and botanical gardens. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Edge of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
6. Name: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) Type: Neighborhood Why go: It is less crowded than the Upper Square and has beautiful fountains. Best for: Dining and coffee. Where: South of the Town Hall. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: Try one of the local cafes for a traditional Czech pastry.
7. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A fairytale castle that looks like it belongs in a movie. Best for: Families and couples. Where: 35 km from Olomouc. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Bus or car from Olomouc. Tip: Book your tour in advance during the summer months.
8. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Experience Why go: A stunning Baroque basilica with views over the Moravian plains. Best for: Spiritual seekers and hikers. Where: 8 km from the city center. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free (Basics) / Small fee for tours. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main station. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby zoo.
9. Name: Tvarůžky Museum in Loštice Type: Food Experience Why go: Learn about the famous "stinky" cheese unique to this region. Best for: Foodies. Where: Loštice (30 mins from Olomouc). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low. Tip: Try the cheese ice cream if you are feeling brave. Check out tasting Olomouc stinky cheese for more info.
10. Name: Helfštýn Castle Type: Day trip Why go: One of the largest castle ruins in Europe, famous for blacksmithing. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near Lipník nad Bečvou. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train to Lipník, then a short hike or bus. Tip: Check the calendar for the "Hefaiston" blacksmithing festival.