Krnov is one of those hidden gems of northern Moravia that tourists often unfairly overlook. This town at the confluence of the Opava and Opavice rivers, in the foothills of the scenic Low Jeseník Mountains, is definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring Krnov, Czech Republic.
Thanks to our family, who have lived in the Jeseníky Mountains for years, we’ve had the chance to explore this region thoroughly. We have to say that while Bruntál is worth a quick coffee stop, Krnov will genuinely impress you with its historic centre and its growing number of modern establishments.
Few people know that this town of nearly 25,000 inhabitants was once one of the most important industrial centres of the entire Habsburg Monarchy. The first written mention of Krnov dates back to 1240, when it was founded at a strategic crossroads of trade routes connecting the Baltic Sea with Italy. In the mid-19th century, the town experienced a rapid boom thanks to the textile industry – it was home to dozens of textile companies, and Krnov rose to the top ranks of textile production in the entire monarchy, earning it the nickname “Silesian Manchester.”
Besides the textile industry, Krnov became famous for manufacturing the king of instruments – pipe organs, with production launched in 1844 by the Rieger company. And last but not least, some may remember that the legendary soft drink Kofola – often considered the Czech answer to Coca-Cola – has its roots right here.
TL;DR
- Krnov is famous for organ manufacturing and Kofola, the iconic Czech soft drink that started being produced here in the 1990s.
- Visit the historic centre with the town hall and the 67-metre-high twin towers of St. Martin’s Church
- Don’t miss the unique synagogue, stunning views from lookout towers, and the majestic pilgrimage church on Cvilín Hill
- Explore medieval frescoes in the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest building in town – St. Benedict’s Church
- Take advantage of e-bike and scooter rentals to discover the surrounding trails
- Recommended accommodation: Apartmán mezi stromy and Hotel Cvilín
Where to stay in Krnov – best tips
Krnov is small, so you don’t need to worry too much about location. If you prefer modern accommodation, check out the relatively new Apartmán mezi stromy. Among the top-rated options is also Hotel Cvilín, which may not look as luxurious as the apartments but offers excellent value. You can also browse more options on Booking.com.
20 things to see and do in Krnov
Let’s dive into everything you can see and do in Krnov. And if that’s not enough, stop by the local tourist information centre, where you’ll find so many materials you’ll want to stay for a week.
1. Historic centre with the town hall and savings bank
The centre of Krnov is dominated by a stunning town hall building with a 52-metre-high tower, which was ceremonially opened in 1903. On the tower, you can admire the coat of arms of Krnov, documented as early as 1311, though unfortunately its exact meaning has been lost to history. During the summer season, you can join a guided tour of the town hall tower, which offers beautiful views of the entire city.
The town hall is directly adjoined by an Art Nouveau savings bank building from 1906–1907, whose pride and joy is a historic café. An interesting fact: Czech director Dušan Klein filmed several scenes here with the well-known Czech actor Václav Postránecký for the film Konto Separato.
2. Monumental St. Martin’s Church with twin towers
This Gothic gem, first mentioned in 1281, is impossible to miss. Its two 67-metre-high towers form the unmistakable silhouette of the town. Interestingly, the second tower was added only in the 16th century and was called the “Town Tower” because it served the town watchman, who guarded the peace and safety of Krnov’s residents until 1900.
Inside the church, you’ll find beautiful organs from 1904, built right in Krnov by the renowned Rieger company. During the summer months, you can climb the church tower and enjoy panoramic views.
3. Krnov Synagogue
The Krnov Synagogue, built in 1871, is a true rarity. It is the only accessible synagogue in the entire Moravian-Silesian Region and one of the few that survived the Nazi era. The Neo-Romanesque building with Oriental elements is part of the “10 Stars” project, focused on revitalising Jewish heritage sites in the Czech Republic.
Inside, you can admire a permanent exhibition dedicated to prominent Jewish industrialists and entrepreneurs. Particularly unusual are the synagogue’s two towers – a feature that is extremely rare in the Czech lands.
4. Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady of Sorrows on Cvilín Hill
This Baroque masterpiece rises on the so-called Front Cvilín Hill at an altitude of 441 metres above sea level. More than 200 steps lead up to the church, but the climb is absolutely worth it!
The pilgrimage tradition of this site dates back to the 17th century. Between 1722 and 1729, an imposing Baroque church with two towers was built here, and it remains a popular pilgrimage destination to this day. The surroundings of the church feature a Way of the Cross consisting of 13 small Empire-style chapels from the early 19th century. The area around the church offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
5. Medieval frescoes in the Church of the Holy Spirit
This unassuming church hides an unexpected treasure. During renovations in the 1980s, unique medieval frescoes from the 15th century were accidentally discovered here. The collection consists of 27 paintings depicting biblical events from both the Old and New Testaments.
In terms of their scope, age, and artistic technique, this set of wall paintings is a unique testament to medieval art in this part of Silesia.
6. The oldest building in town – St. Benedict’s Church
St. Benedict’s Church in the Kostelec district represents the oldest surviving building in Krnov. Its eastern section is an original Romanesque structure that was decorated with highly valued frescoes in the mid-13th century. These were supplemented with additional paintings at the end of the 15th century. The church received its current Baroque appearance between 1769 and 1772.
Inside, you can admire a unique collection of wall paintings documenting several stages of medieval decoration, making it an exceptional heritage site.
7. Climb the Liechtenstein Lookout Tower on Cvilín Hill
On the northern slope of Front Cvilín Hill stands a 29-metre-high Liechtenstein Lookout Tower, built between 1902 and 1903. This cylindrical Romantic-style structure is topped with a viewing platform with battlements, offering stunning views of the town and the wider area. On a clear day, you can see not only all of Krnov but also the Polish border region and the panorama of the Jeseníky Mountains. The tower is open from May to October in fair weather.
8. Ruins of Cvilín Castle (Šelenburk)
At the summit of Rear Cvilín Hill, at an altitude of 423 metres above sea level, stand the ruins of the medieval Cvilín Castle, also known as Šelenburk or Lobenštejn. The first mention of the castle dates to 1253. It is a Gothic-style fortress with a massive cylindrical defensive tower – the largest of its kind in Czech Silesia.
According to legend, a treasure belonging to a robber knight is hidden beneath the castle ruins, but it can only be claimed by someone who spends three nights at the castle and faces the monsters that dwell there. The ruins are freely accessible year-round and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
9. Municipal Museum in Flemmich Villa
This Neoclassical residence was built in 1914 according to a design by Viennese architect Otto Prutscher for local textile manufacturer Theodor Flemmich.
Today it serves as the municipal museum, where you can admire both the architecturally significant building itself and its interesting exhibitions on the town’s history. The villa is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is one of the architectural gems of the town. The museum hosts regular exhibitions and is open every day except Mondays.
10. Try Kofola in its hometown
You might not know this, but the famous Czechoslovak soft drink Kofola has its roots right here in Krnov. It was developed as an alternative to Western cola drinks in the 1960s, and its production later became firmly established here.
When visiting Krnov, don’t miss the chance to try this iconic beverage in its hometown. Local cafés and restaurants often serve draught Kofola, which many say has the best taste of all.
11. Burgher and brewing-right houses
The houses on Zámecké Square and Hobzíkova Street date mainly from the second half of the 16th century and are built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Some still preserve their original arcades, ground-floor vaults, and stucco decorations.
Many of these houses held the so-called brewing right – the right to brew and sell beer. In 1535, there were an impressive 162 houses with this right in the town, which speaks volumes about the exceptional prosperity of Krnov at the time. A stroll through these historic streets will transport you back to the days of the town’s former glory.
12. Minorite Convent with the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
This imposing complex is inseparably linked to the town’s history. The Minorites (members of the Order of Friars Minor) came to Krnov in the second half of the 13th century. Under the rule of the Lutheran Hohenzollerns, they were expelled and didn’t return until after 1623.
The subsequent Baroque reconstruction gave the complex its present appearance. Inside the church, you can admire magnificent fresco decorations by painter Josef Stern from 1766. Although the convent once served as a hotel, it is now back in the hands of the Minorite order and offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s spiritual history.
13. Walk along the Swedish Wall with Neptune Fountain
The Swedish Wall is one of the preserved sections of the original town fortification system. It got its name from the Swedes who besieged Krnov during the Thirty Years’ War. It is a Renaissance arcade brick wall with lunette battlements.
In front of the wall stands a fountain with a statue of Neptune from 1750, which was relocated here from the chateau park in Slezské Rudoltice. This spot creates a unique atmosphere and serves as a reminder of the town’s turbulent history.
14. Rent an e-bike and explore the surroundings
The Tourist Information Centre in Krnov offers a great service – rental of e-bikes, scooters, and trekking poles.
Take advantage of this opportunity and set out to explore the beautiful surroundings. The area around Krnov offers numerous cycling trails of varying difficulty that will take you through the picturesque foothills of the Jeseníky Mountains or to the Polish border. E-bikes are the ideal choice for tackling the hilly terrain without excessive effort.
15. Visit the lookout tower on Ježník Hill
Krnov’s second lookout tower is located on Ježník Hill at an altitude of 552.5 metres above sea level. The current 17.5-metre-high timber-frame structure was built in 2001, but it is already the third tower of its kind on this site.
The lookout tower, which is freely accessible year-round, offers lovely views of the town and surrounding landscape. A trip to Ježník can be combined with a walk along local forest paths or cycling trails.
16. Experience the KRRR! Film Festival
If you have the chance to visit Krnov in April, don’t miss the unique KRRR! film festival. It is one of the rare opportunities in Europe to watch films in 70mm format on a 105-square-metre curved screen.
This exceptional cinematic experience is offered in only four cities across Europe, and Krnov is one of them! The festival takes place at the local Mír 70 cinema, housed in an impressive Neo-Baroque building from 1903.
17. Visit the Evangelical Church
This Neo-Gothic gem with a 52-metre-high tower was built between 1901 and 1903. The church was constructed in response to the growing number of Protestants in Krnov at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The land for the building was purchased from Prince Liechtenstein, and the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone took place on 28 June 1901. The church interior is more restrained than its Catholic counterparts, but this only highlights its architectural beauty and unique acoustics.
18. Relax in the historic café of the Art Nouveau savings bank
The Art Nouveau savings bank building from 1906–1907 boasts a beautiful historic café that has preserved its original character.
Over a cup of coffee and a dessert, you can admire the unique interior with its original decorations and the atmosphere of the early 20th century. The café has become a favourite meeting spot for locals and tourists alike and has even been used as a film location.
19. Climb the Town Hall Tower
During the summer tourist season, you have the opportunity to climb the 52-metre-high tower of the Krnov town hall. From the gallery, you’ll enjoy a unique view of the historic town centre and surrounding landscape.
The tower is a replica of the tower of Vienna’s 18th district, Währing, and on its clock face you can see the historic town coat of arms. Regular tours run during the summer season, and group tours can be arranged through the tourist information centre.
20. Take the kids to the Méďa Leisure Centre (Shooting House)
Travelling with children? Then definitely visit the Shooting House (Střelecký dům), home to the Méďa Leisure Centre. This architecturally significant building from 1904–1907 was designed by the famous Krnov-born architect Leopold Bauer and originally served the local shooting association.
Today, you’ll find various activities here for both children and adults. On the building’s gable, you can admire life-size statues of medieval marksmen. The building is surrounded by an expansive garden that once served as a shooting range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you spend in Krnov?
1–2 days is more than enough, but we recommend combining it with exploring the Jeseníky Mountains.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
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