Planning Your Walking Route for Olomouc Baroque Fountains

The city of Olomouc built these fountains to show its wealth. They also served a practical purpose for water. Today, they are the highlight of any visit. This walking route for Olomouc baroque fountains is designed to be efficient. You will not have to backtrack often. The entire walk takes about three to four hours. This includes time for photos and short breaks. You can start your journey at the Town Hall.

At a glance:

• Morning: Upper Square fountains and the Arion turtle.
• Lunch: Local Moravian cuisine in the city center.
• Afternoon: Lower Square fountains and the UNESCO column.
• Evening: Sunset walk through the nearby park.

Before you start, wear comfortable shoes. The streets are made of historic cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet. You should also check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for local events. Many festivals take place near the fountains in summer. If you love history, you will also enjoy other unusual fountains and statues in Olomouc throughout the city.

Morning: The Grand Fountains of the Upper Square

Start your morning in the Horní náměstí, or Upper Square. This is the heart of the city. First, find the Caesar Fountain. It is the largest fountain in Olomouc. It depicts Gaius Julius Caesar on a horse. Legend says he founded the city. The statue looks toward the Michalský Hill. It is a powerful symbol of the city's Roman myths.

Day 1 Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Spend your first few hours here. Visit the Hercules Fountain next. It stands near the Town Hall. Hercules is shown fighting the Hydra. This fountain represents the city's strength and resilience. The detail in the stone is incredible for its age. Take your time to walk around the base. You will see many small decorative elements.

Finally, visit the Arion Fountain. This is a modern addition from 2002. It fits perfectly with the older baroque style. It features a large bronze turtle. Children love to play on this statue. You can learn more about the legend of the Arion fountain turtle nearby. It is a great spot for a family photo. Estimated time for this section is 90 minutes.

Afternoon: Exploring the Lower Square and Beyond

After lunch, walk to the Dolní náměstí, or Lower Square. This square is quieter than the first. Here you will find the Neptune Fountain. It was the first of the six baroque fountains built. Neptune holds a trident and stands on sea horses. It is a classic example of early baroque art. The craftsmanship is very impressive. It has stood here since 1683.

Day 1 Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Just a few steps away is the Jupiter Fountain. Jupiter is shown holding a thunderbolt. This fountain was updated in the 18th century. It replaced an older statue of Saint Florian. The square also features the Marian Plague Column. You might want to read about the Marian Plague Column vs Holy Trinity Column to understand their differences. Both are vital to the city's skyline.

The last stop on your main walking route for Olomouc baroque fountains is the Mercury Fountain. It is located on a street leading away from the square. Mercury is the protector of merchants. This fits the city's history as a trade hub. Finally, visit the Holy Trinity Column. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. It is a magnificent end to your walking tour.

Essential Logistics for Your 2026 Visit

Visiting Olomouc in 2026 is a great choice. The city is very walkable and safe. Most of the fountains are within 500 meters of each other. You do not need a car for this route. If you stay outside the center, use the trams. They are frequent and very cheap. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile apps. The city is most beautiful from May to September.

During winter, the fountains are often covered to protect the stone. You can still see the statues, but no water flows. For the best experience, visit during the day. The sunlight hits the stone beautifully in the morning. Evening lighting is also very romantic. Most fountains are located in public squares with no entry fees. This makes it a perfect low-budget activity. Always keep a map or GPS handy. The small side streets can be confusing at first.

Where to Eat and Stay in Olomouc

The best place to stay is near the Upper Square. This keeps you close to all the main sites. There are many boutique hotels in historic buildings. For a unique snack, try the local cheese. It is called Olomoucké tvarůžky. It has a very strong smell but a unique taste. You can enjoy tasting Olomouc stinky cheese at several specialized shops. It is a true Moravian tradition.

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): For dinner, look for traditional Czech pubs. They serve hearty meals like goulash or roast pork. Many restaurants have outdoor seating in the summer. You can eat while looking at the fountains. After dinner, take a walk through Bezručovy sady. This park runs along the old city walls. It offers a peaceful end to your busy day. The views of the cathedrals from here are wonderful at sunset.