A Western Bohemia holiday will completely win you over with its variety and spa-town elegance. You’ll find no fewer than three spa towns inscribed on the UNESCO list, plus some of the best beer in the world, majestic castles and arguably the quietest forests in the entire country.

Whether you long to relax with a glass of healing mineral water in hand, or you’d rather lace up your hiking boots, this corner of the country offers the perfect retreat. You can wander along the colonnades, admire historic landmarks or lose yourself in deep woodlands.

I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip. You’ll discover where to go for romance, where to keep the kids entertained and which places would be a huge shame to miss.

TL;DR

• The Spa Triangle (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně) has been on the UNESCO list since 2021.
• Karlovy Vary impresses with its famous Hot Spring and its film history linked to the Bond movie Casino Royale.
• Pilsner Urquell offers brewery tours with a tasting straight from the lager cellars.
• Techmania Science Center in Plzeň has a flat admission of around €12 (280 CZK) and is an ideal choice for families in any weather.
• Bečov nad Teplou Castle hides the Reliquary of St Maurus, the second most valuable goldsmith treasure in Czechia.
• The SOOS Nature Reserve surprises you with bubbling mud volcanoes and comfortable boardwalks suitable for pushchairs.
• DinoPark in Plzeň is only open from April to October and can be combined with a visit to the excellent local zoo.

When to visit Western Bohemia

Western Bohemia is beautiful all year round, but every season has its own special charm. If you long for quiet walks along the spa colonnades and want to avoid the biggest crowds, I recommend heading out in spring. This is when the parks in Mariánské Lázně and Karlovy Vary burst into gorgeous shades of blossoming flora, and the healing springs are nowhere near as packed with tourists as in the sweltering summer.

The main spa season runs through the summer, when the towns come alive with a bustling social scene. In early July, Karlovy Vary regularly hosts its famous international film festival, which completely transforms the town. The atmosphere is fantastic and full of energy, but bear in mind that accommodation tends to be hopelessly sold out months in advance and prices can climb. The summer months are also the best time to visit the castles and châteaux, which offer plenty of extra programmes and have extended opening hours.

Autumn, on the other hand, is absolutely ideal for hiking and discovering natural beauty away from civilisation. The Slavkov Forest and the Bohemian Forest offer breathtaking scenery full of colourful leaves that passionate photographers and lovers of silence will especially appreciate. And if you’re planning a family holiday and want to visit the DinoPark in Plzeň, remember that this popular park is only open from April to October. You can spend those damp autumn days perfectly under the roof of Plzeň’s Techmania.

The winter months attract lovers of snowy slopes and winter fun above all. The Ore Mountains, led by their highest peak Klínovec, which rises to 1,244 metres, provide excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. After a full day of sport, there’s nothing better than warming up in nearby Jáchymov, where you can experience the beneficial effects of the world-unique radon spa first-hand.

Where to stay in Western Bohemia

If you want to experience the true spa atmosphere and let yourself be pampered a little, Karlovy Vary is a safe bet. An absolute legend here is the Grandhotel Pupp, which has been running since 1701 and whose corridors remember many a famous face. The renowned Bond movie Casino Royale was filmed here too, so over an evening drink you’ll feel like a genuine film star. For those who love maximum indulgence, a great choice is Carlsbad Plaza Medical Spa & Wellness, where guests rave about the huge wellness centre and top-notch spa care.

The fairy-tale-looking Hotel Savoy Westend will instantly charm you with its unique architecture towering above the town. Also worth a mention is the Hotel Imperial, which offers classic elegance and an absolute one-off in the form of its own funicular that takes you from the town centre straight up to your accommodation. Anyone looking for a quieter spot close to nature will surely appreciate Parkhotel Richmond with its beautifully maintained garden.

In nearby Mariánské Lázně I recommend checking out Ensana Nové Lázně, where you’ll feel the wonderful atmosphere of the interwar era and the rich history of the old spa houses. The traditional Hotel Esplanade stands proudly right above the main colonnade and offers lovely views of the surroundings. Hotel Harmonie, meanwhile, is made for romantic getaways for two, as it combines modern wellness with traditional healing treatments.

If you prefer the buzz of a bigger city and technical landmarks, Plzeň offers plenty of great options. The best bet is to find a hotel or a cosy apartment right in the historic centre around Republic Square, where the choice of accommodation is genuinely dense. From this strategic spot you can comfortably walk to the famous brewery, into the mysterious historic underground and out for a great dinner, without having to deal with complicated transport or late-night taxis.

Western Bohemia holiday: 15 most beautiful places

Let’s take a look together at the most interesting places in Western Bohemia that you definitely shouldn’t miss on your trip. I’ve included famous spa towns, mysterious castles, picturesque nature and technical marvels, so there really is something for everyone on this list.

1. Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is the uncrowned king of Czech spa culture and since 2021 it has rightfully boasted an inscription on the UNESCO list as part of the transnational Great Spa Towns of Europe. The town will instantly charm you with its elegant promenades, gorgeous architecture and the ever-present smell of warm spa wafers, which you simply have to buy on your very first stroll. Getting here is easy too, as the town is well connected by motorway.

The biggest draw is undoubtedly the famous Hot Spring, the warmest and most powerful source in the whole town. It shoots up to an impressive twelve metres and its temperature exceeds an incredible seventy degrees, so caution when tasting from the traditional spa cup is definitely wise. The spring is protected by the modern glass Hot Spring Colonnade, which forms an interesting contrast to the historic buildings.

As you stroll around you’ll come across three more important colonnades that form the architectural backbone of the town. Often considered the most beautiful of all is the Mill Colonnade with its grand Corinthian columns. But the delicate cast-iron Park Colonnade and the beautiful wooden Market Colonnade are definitely worth seeing too. The town is also famous for producing the herbal liqueur Becherovka, jokingly nicknamed the thirteenth healing spring.

Above the town rises the popular Diana lookout tower, which you can easily reach by funicular right from the legendary Grandhotel Pupp. A short walk away you’ll also find the famous Deer Leap viewpoint with its iconic chamois statue. You shouldn’t miss the Pupp itself, as its elegant spaces from 1701 shone in the well-known Bond film Casino Royale.

💡 Tip: I recommend checking the admission and funicular tickets on the website before your trip so you have up-to-date information on opening times.

2. Mariánské Lázně

Mariánské Lázně is another gem inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO list and, unlike bustling Karlovy Vary, it feels a little calmer and more intimate. The town is sensitively set within gorgeous sprawling parks and surrounded by dense forests, giving it an incredibly romantic and relaxed atmosphere. By car it’s only about forty-five minutes from Karlovy Vary.

The town’s main symbol is the beautiful nineteenth-century cast-iron colonnade, in front of which stands the famous Singing Fountain. This fountain plays world-famous melodies at regular intervals, and in the evening its musical show is complemented by very impressive light effects. Crowds always gather around the fountain, so I recommend arriving a little early for the evening performance.

Right in the town and its immediate surroundings there are more than forty mineral springs, while in the wider area travellers can discover over a hundred. No wonder these healing springs were once favoured by such notable historical figures as the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the powerful British king Edward VII.

💡 Tip: Just above the town lies the popular miniature park Boheminium, an absolutely perfect stop for families with children, who can see dozens of Czech landmarks in one place.

3. Františkovy Lázně and SOOS

Františkovy Lázně completes the famous Spa Triangle inscribed on UNESCO and is the smallest and quietest of the three towns. Its huge charm lies in its perfectly cohesive Empire-style buildings, which glow in a typical yellow colour and create a very soothing, visually clean environment. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking total relaxation without the tourist crowds.

The town is laced with beautifully kept flat parks that are absolutely ideal for slow strolls, resting on benches and easy walks. As you wander the centre you’ll surely come across the famous little statue of František, with whom just about every visitor has to take at least one lucky photo.

Just a short distance outside the town hides an absolute natural wonder: the SOOS Nature Reserve. It’s a vast peat bog of European significance where you can watch bubbling mud volcanoes, technically called mofettes, with your own eyes. Carbon dioxide constantly escapes from these tiny craters, and the whole scene resembles a rugged lunar landscape.

💡 Tip: A very comfortable wooden boardwalk runs through the reserve, so you can get up close to this unique quirk of nature safely, even with small children or a pushchair.

4. Plzeň and Pilsner Urquell

Plzeň is the beating heart of the whole region and the town that made Czechia famous around the world thanks to its unmistakable golden brew. The local Pilsner Urquell brewery has been brewing beer to its original recipe since 1842, and a visit is an absolute must for every traveller. The town is also very well connected by direct express train.

The tour of the historic brewery is one of the most visited attractions in the whole country. Its highlight is the very finale in the extensive cool cellars, where adult visitors are treated to a tasting of excellent unfiltered lager poured straight from the huge oak lagering tanks. Given the enormous interest from foreign and local tourists alike, it’s far better to book your tickets well in advance online.

Besides the brewery, the town boasts a gorgeous historic centre dominated by the Gothic Cathedral of St Bartholomew on the sprawling Republic Square. Its slender tower stands an impressive 102 metres tall, making it the tallest church tower in all of Czechia, whose gallery you can climb in good weather.

💡 Tip: Lovers of history and architecture definitely shouldn’t miss the local Great Synagogue, which is the second largest in Europe and the third largest in the whole world.

5. Loket Castle

If you love places with a good dose of dark medieval atmosphere, the majestic Loket Castle will completely thrill you. It towers on a prominent rocky spur that is almost fully encircled by the Ohře River, which in the past rightly earned it a reputation as an impregnable fortress. The sight of the castle silhouette reflected on the water’s surface is truly breathtaking.

The history of this place is incredibly rich and its cold stone walls have witnessed a great deal. During his travels through the Czech lands, the famous German poet Goethe often stayed here, deeply inspired by the local romantic scenery and wild nature for his further literary work. The little town below the castle, with its winding lanes, positively invites you to an afternoon coffee and a dose of historic atmosphere.

Interestingly, the photogenic quality of the ancient castle and adjacent town didn’t escape the eyes of Hollywood filmmakers either. The opening scene of the popular Bond film Casino Royale was shot here, so you can walk the very same streets as legendary agent 007, played by Daniel Craig.

💡 Tip: Since this is a very popular landmark, check the current opening hours and ticket prices on the official website in advance so you’re not disappointed on arrival.

6. Bečov nad Teplou

The château in Bečov nad Teplou is a fascinating place that hides a treasure of incalculable value, and crowds of tourists head here from all over Europe. In one spot, an original medieval castle blends uniquely with an elegant Baroque château, which in itself makes for a gorgeous architectural spectacle and a showcase of masterful building.

The main reason people come here, though, is the stunning Reliquary of St Maurus. This richly decorated Romanesque chest full of gemstones and gold is, after the St Wenceslas crown jewels, the second most valuable goldsmith treasure in the whole of Czechia. Its precise craftsmanship still takes your breath away after many centuries.

The story of the treasure’s rediscovery reads like a gripping detective novel. For many decades the reliquary lay buried beneath the floor of the château chapel, where the original owners hid it at the end of the war. It saw the light of day again only in 1985, still considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the last century.

💡 Tip: The reliquary tour is extremely captivating and the guides really know how to build the suspense, but tickets for this particular route tend to sell out very quickly in high season.

7. Kladská and the Slavkov Forest

If you need to escape the bustle of the spa colonnades and recharge, the Slavkov Forest offers the perfect refuge full of silence and clean nature. The heart of this protected area is the picturesque hamlet of Kladská, set amid deep woodlands and looking as if it had fallen out of some rugged Nordic fairy tale.

Right on the shore of the dark Kladská pond stands a beautiful hunting lodge, built in the past in the style of traditional Norwegian timber houses. Its unique architecture contrasts beautifully with the surrounding trees and the mirror-like water surface, together creating an incredibly photogenic scene for nature lovers and photographers.

Right from the pond runs a very easy nature trail that guides you through the mysterious world of the local peat bogs. The whole route is sensitively made of wooden boardwalks, so it’s maximally comfortable, you won’t get your shoes wet, and even small children or active seniors seeking peace and quiet can manage it with ease.

💡 Tip: The trail around the peat bogs is very quiet and completely flat, so it’s a great way to rest after more demanding mountain hikes and enjoy absolute silence far from civilisation.

8. Domažlice and the Chodsko region

Chodsko is a proud and distinctive region that still carefully guards its unique traditions, ancient dialect and specific culture. In the past, the local inhabitants, the so-called Chods, were tasked with vigilantly guarding the country’s border, for which the Czech rulers granted them a range of special royal privileges and great independence.

The natural centre of the whole region is the picturesque town of Domažlice, whose elongated historic square is lined with beautifully restored arcaded houses. The greatest attention, however, is drawn to the local cylindrical church tower, which is visibly leaning to one side, making it a great rarity for photographers and a favourite spot for tourists.

Visiting this region, you’ll feel the living folklore at literally every turn, whether you hear the traditional bagpipes playing or spot locals in richly decorated costumes. If you come here in mid-August, you can experience the renowned Chodsko Festival, full of folk music and unbridled dancing.

💡 Tip: A visit to Domažlice simply can’t be complete without tasting the traditional richly decorated Chod pastries, generously spread with quark, poppy seeds and plum jam.

9. Švihov Water Castle

Švihov Castle is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved water castles in the country, and a visit will reliably transport you deep into the dark past. It stands out above all because it still has a fully preserved and functioning moat that surrounds the inner castle core on all sides and gives the place a stunning photogenic quality.

This ingenious defensive system made Švihov a very hard-to-conquer and feared fortress in its day. Today you can calmly stroll around the water and admire the mighty stone ramparts that, in clear weather, are beautifully reflected in it and make for great compositions for your holiday snaps.

If the sight of the inner courtyard reminds you of a well-known Czech winter fairy tale, you’re not mistaken. The famous Three Wishes for Cinderella was filmed right here at Švihov and its immediate surroundings, which is sure to delight not only young visitors but also nostalgic adults who grew up on this film.

💡 Tip: Admission and exact guided tour times often change throughout the year, so check everything online before setting off for the landmark.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Western Bohemia

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Grandhotel Pupp

Legendary hotel from 1701, filming location for the Bond movie Casino Royale, witnessed famous personalities.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Carlsbad Plaza Medical Spa & Wellness

Offers a huge wellness center and top-quality spa treatments for maximum pampering.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Savoy Westend

Fairy-tale looking hotel with unique architecture towering over the city.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Imperial

Classic elegance with its own funicular that takes you from the center directly to the accommodation.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Parkhotel Richmond

Quiet location close to nature with a beautifully maintained garden.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Ensana Nové Lázně

Amazing First Republic atmosphere and rich history of old spa houses.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

10. Rabí and Velhartice

As you wander the picturesque foothills of the Šumava region, you’ll come across two exceptional castle gems that you definitely shouldn’t skip. The first is the majestic Rabí, the largest castle ruin in Czechia, whose enormous size and massive walls will literally take your breath away at first sight.

Strolling through this sprawling medieval complex, you can easily imagine just how huge and militarily important this castle once was. From its highest preserved tower there’s also a gorgeous panoramic view of the wide surroundings, which is definitely worth the little effort of climbing the stairs.

Just a short distance away lies the picturesque and very well-preserved Velhartice Castle, famous above all for its unique Gothic architecture. Its greatest pride and absolute one-off is a mighty stone bridge that connects the two main castle towers high above the ground in a very unusual way, giving the landmark its unmistakable look.

💡 Tip: The two castles lie very close together and can be comfortably done in a single afternoon, so you can create a perfect castle circuit.

11. Kynžvart Château

Kynžvart is an incredibly elegant Neoclassical residence, inseparably linked in history with one of the most prominent figures of European politics. For many years it belonged to the famous Austrian Chancellor Metternich, who turned it into a highly representative venue for the secret meetings of the era’s global political elite.

On the guided tour of the beautifully furnished interiors you’ll admire the extensive historic collections the influential chancellor gathered during his lifetime. The château library and especially the famous cabinet of curiosities hide objects from all over the world that clearly testify to the owner’s enormous influence, wealth and unquenchable passion for travel.

Among the very rarest treasures is an item you might not even expect amid the flood of antiques. The collections here carefully preserve, under strict conditions, one of the oldest surviving photographs in the world, a so-called daguerreotype, which Metternich received as a gift directly from its famous inventor.

💡 Tip: The château is surrounded by a vast, carefully maintained English park that is ideal for long, peaceful walks after finishing the interior tour.

12. Jáchymov and Klínovec

Jáchymov is a mountain town with an incredibly varied and at times very harsh history, tucked away in a deep valley of the Ore Mountains. It went down in the world history of medicine as the place where the first radon spa in the world was founded, which to this day very successfully helps people with complex musculoskeletal conditions.

In the more distant past, the town was famous far and wide for its huge silver mining and the minting of coins called thalers. It was from this famous Joachimsthaler that, through gradual linguistic evolution, the globally known word “dollar” arose, a truly fascinating historical detail that few suspect before visiting. Also worth exploring is the nearby Svornost mine, which proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously working mine in all of Europe.

Directly above Jáchymov rises the majestic Klínovec mountain, which at 1,244 metres is the highest peak in the entire Ore Mountains. Although the town lies in the Karlovy Vary Region, geographically and touristically it belongs perfectly naturally to Western Bohemia and offers great conditions for skiers as well as summer hikers.

💡 Tip: You can be comfortably taken to the very summit of Klínovec by a modern cable car if you want to spare yourself the steep climb and go straight to enjoying the breathtaking views.

13. Manětín

The little town of Manětín may not be among the most famous and most visited tourist destinations, but anyone who once comes here tends to be utterly enchanted. For its unique, well-preserved architecture it is often and quite rightly nicknamed the Baroque pearl of Western Bohemia, a title this place undoubtedly deserves.

As you calmly stroll through the local lanes and the historic square, you’ll instantly understand why. The whole town is literally dotted with countless gorgeous Baroque statues that richly adorn and line the access paths, old bridges and the spacious grounds right in front of the local château.

The Manětín château itself forms the natural centre of the whole town, and a detailed tour gives you a great sense of the everyday life of the nobility of the time. It’s a magical place where time has stood still and a wonderful calm reigns, worlds away from the hectic bustle of large tourist centres and packed colonnades.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for a beautiful historic spot without the ever-present tourist crowds, Manětín is an absolutely perfect choice for a quiet afternoon full of history and peace.

14. The Bohemian Forest and Přimda

The Bohemian Forest (Český les) is an overlooked mountain range that stretches right along the state border with Germany and is very often called the quieter brother of the far better-known Šumava. Here you’ll find utterly untouched nature, deep dark woodlands and mysterious abandoned villages, which makes it a real paradise for lovers of solitude and long, undisturbed wanderings through the wilderness.

On one of the prominent hills of the Bohemian Forest stands proudly the ruin of Přimda Castle, which holds one very important historical first. According to historians, it is the oldest surviving stone castle on the territory of Czechia, its rich and turbulent history reaching back to the first half of the twelfth century.

The path to the ruin does lead up a steeper, wooded hill, but the ancient atmosphere of the mighty stone tower is definitely worth the physical effort. From the windy hilltop there’s also a lovely view over the surrounding forests and the endless border zone, where you won’t meet a soul.

💡 Tip: It’s best to check the admission prices and exact opening hours on the website before you set off up the hill to this historic rarity.

15. The Plzeň Historic Underground

Once you’ve admired the architectural beauty of Plzeň above ground, you definitely shouldn’t miss what lies beneath it. Under the historic centre lies one of the most extensive underground labyrinths in all of Central Europe, measuring an impressive twenty kilometres and forming a fascinating world all of its own.

This incredibly intricate system of narrow passages, deep cellars and old wells gradually took shape from the fourteenth century onwards. Local burghers built it right beneath their houses so they had somewhere cool to store food and barrels of maturing beer, or to find a safe, quickly accessible refuge for their families in times of war.

Today part of this mysterious underground is safely open to the public, and with an expert guide you can descend into the dark, cool corridors. During the hour-long tour you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts about the town’s history and see with your own eyes how ingeniously the whole sandstone system was once connected and used.

💡 Tip: Deep underground it stays quite chilly even in the height of summer, with temperatures around six degrees, so don’t forget to pack a light jacket or a warmer jumper.

Western Bohemia with kids: the best family tips

Travelling with children calls for slightly different planning, but Western Bohemia is superbly prepared for little travellers. I’ve picked out the best places for you where kids are guaranteed to have fun while you enjoy your holiday to the full too.

Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark

The local zoological and botanical garden in Plzeň is one of the best and most beautiful in the country, and you can easily spend a whole day here watching animals. Basic year-round admission for an adult comes to around €10 (240 CZK), while children aged three to fifteen, students and seniors pay around €7 (170 CZK). If you’re going as a family, a good-value ticket for four people (two adults and two children) costs around €32 (780 CZK), and for five people you’ll pay around €37 (910 CZK). The ticket price includes a small contribution to animal conservation programmes, which you can decline at the till if you wish.

If you’re coming between April and October, don’t miss the neighbouring DinoPark full of giant moving dinosaur models, as outside those months the park is completely closed to the public. A combined ticket to both areas costs around €18 (430 CZK) for an adult and around €13 (320 CZK) for a child, while a family with two children pays around €58 (1,410 CZK). A huge advantage is that if you buy your tickets online or from a machine, you can use the fast priority lane at the lower entrance with your QR code and avoid the long queues.

Techmania and the 3D planetarium

Techmania Science Center in Plzeň is an absolute lifesaver for rainy days, and the huge former Škoda factory hall gives children space to touch everything and try out all sorts of physics experiments without worry. Basic admission is around €12 (280 CZK) per person and applies uniformly to all visitors aged four and up, so there’s no distinction between children, adults or students. Smaller children up to and including three years enter all exhibitions completely free.

Families or larger groups can cleverly use the group admission, where four people pay around €43 (1,040 CZK) together, five people around €47 (1,140 CZK) and six people around €51 (1,240 CZK). A huge advantage is that all the stunning screenings in the 3D planetarium are already included in the basic price; you only pay a small fee of about €1 (30 CZK) for the required seat reservation in the hall. You have to make this reservation at least half an hour before the film starts, because if you arrive late you won’t be allowed into the cinema for safety reasons.

Boheminium: Czechia in miniature

When you head out to admire the architecture in Mariánské Lázně, be sure to take the kids to the very popular Boheminium park, which is located up above the town. This spacious, carefully maintained park is full of perfectly crafted models of Czech landmarks at a uniform scale of one to twenty-five, which children usually love, as they can see the castles nicely from a bird’s-eye view.

In a single hour you and the whole family can walk across pretty much the whole of Czechia, from Karlštejn Castle to the Ještěd transmitter near Liberec. The park grounds are also beautifully set within the surrounding forest, so you’ll enjoy a pleasant walk in the fresh air while the children examine the detailed models from every angle. It’s simply a wonderful way to introduce them to Czech history and geography without them getting bored.

With a pushchair around SOOS and the colonnades

Travelling with the smallest children in a pushchair can sometimes be a big logistical challenge, but the spa towns are made for exactly this. The wide colonnades in Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně are completely flat, barrier-free and beautifully maintained, so you can push a pushchair here without any problems and without needless bumping. What’s more, if you want to head up to the Diana lookout tower in Karlovy Vary, just load the pushchair onto the local funicular and spare yourself the steep climb.

A very pleasant surprise for families is the SOOS Nature Reserve near Františkovy Lázně. The entire nature trail across the marshy peat bogs and past the bubbling mofettes is made of a wide wooden boardwalk, so it’s completely accessible with a pushchair. Little explorers will be thrilled by the bubbling mud, and you’ll enjoy a relaxed walk without having to lift the pushchair over roots and big stones, which in ordinary forests is often a real ordeal.

Where to eat in Western Bohemia

As you stroll through the spa towns, a gorgeous sweet smell will hit you on every corner. Indulgence is a must here, and warm Karlovy Vary spa wafers bought straight from the hatch are simply a treat you mustn’t deny yourself on holiday.

In the little cafés by the colonnades you’ll find an endless array of delicious sweet desserts, homemade cakes and tasty spa pastries that go perfectly with an afternoon coffee after a busy day. If you head a little further south to the Domažlice area, be sure to look out for the traditional Chod pastries, richly topped with quark, poppy seeds and plum jam.

Lovers of the golden brew shouldn’t forget the iconic Pilsner beer, while visitors to Karlovy Vary often appreciate the famous herbal liqueur Becherovka, jokingly called the thirteenth spring. As for the local meaty classics, travellers in the local pubs very often praise the Plzeň goulash or the traditional roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, which is simply part of Czech culture and which you’ll come across at every turn in local restaurants.

Practical tips: transport, the spa season and reservations

Travelling to Western Bohemia is very comfortable these days and the region is easy to reach. There are regular direct express trains to Plzeň, and by car you can comfortably reach Karlovy Vary by motorway, which takes about an hour and a half and spares you from getting lost on back roads. If you’re driving in from Austria or Switzerland, remember you’ll need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) for those countries.

If you want to visit the whole Spa Triangle, the main towns can be covered over a long weekend. The transfers between them aren’t demanding at all; for example, the drive from Karlovy Vary to Mariánské Lázně takes just about forty-five minutes by car, so you can set up your base in one of the towns and take trips into the surroundings.

During the main summer season and the Karlovy Vary film festival, accommodation tends to be sold out well in advance. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, I recommend heading to the Bohemian or Slavkov Forest instead, where you’ll find peace and quiet even in the middle of summer and enjoy nature in silence.

Where to go next

• What to see in Karlovy Vary: 12 tips
• Mariánské Lázně: what to see and do
• Best thermal spas in Czechia: 12 tips
• 20 tips on where to holiday in Czechia

Frequently asked questions

Western Bohemia is a region people constantly ask me about, so I’ve put together the most common questions for you. Here you’ll find quick answers on how long to stay in the region, where to go with children and when the best time to visit is.

East Bohemia is a surprising corner of the country where sandstone rock towns, the highest mountain in Czechia and magnificent baroque sculptures all bump into one another. It’s a region most people don’t think of first when planning a holiday — and then they don’t want to leave. You’ll find mysterious valleys full of history alongside modern adrenaline attractions high up in the clouds.

If you’re planning a family holiday or a romantic long weekend, I’d really encourage you not to skip this region. You simply can’t fit everything into a single visit. The scenery flips from sandstone spires to mountain ridges within a few dozen kilometres, and the towns will surprise you with just how much baroque and Art Nouveau they’ve packed in.

When planning your trip, it’s worth knowing that some places require advance online booking, otherwise you won’t get in at all during high season. I’ve gathered the most important up-to-date details for you so you can avoid the disappointment of a closed gate. Set off with a clear head and enjoy a holiday full of stunning views, fragrant gingerbread and pure relaxation.

TL;DR

• The Adršpach Rocks require a booking: You have to buy tickets online for a specific time slot. If they’re sold out online, you can’t buy them on site either.
• Dolní Morava saves you money online: The difference in price for a family buying through the registered e-shop versus on site is huge for the packages — definitely buy in advance.
• The Sněžka cable car takes prams: There’s a special fee for carrying a pram, but bicycles aren’t transported up.
• Grandmother’s Valley is ideal for families: The route from Ratibořice chateau to Viktorka’s Weir is officially barrier-free and great for prams.
• The Pardubice water slides are on a break: The AQUA zone at the Pardubice Aquacentre is closed for renovation from mid-July 2026 — only the pools and summer beach are running.
• The safari park saves your wallet: On weekdays during May, June and September, children under 15 ride the Safaribus completely free.
• The Rozkoš reservoir isn’t for walking: The loop around the water largely follows a road and isn’t walkable — come here for the great swimming instead.

When to Visit East Bohemia

East Bohemia has something to offer all year round, but the main tourist season runs from May to September. The spring months are absolutely ideal for visiting historic towns and chateaux, because nature is just waking up and the monuments start opening their gates at weekends. May and June also offer pleasant temperatures for hiking without having to push through crowds of holiday day-trippers.

During the summer holidays, you have to expect big crowds of tourists at the best-known spots. In Adršpach and on Dolní Morava especially, you simply won’t manage without careful planning and early starts. On the other hand, the summer months are the best choice for swimming in the Rozkoš reservoir or visiting outdoor water parks. It always pays to have a plan B up your sleeve in case of unexpected summer storms.

The autumn months are absolutely ideal for visiting the rock towns and the Krkonoše Mountains, because the trees blaze with colour and temperatures are pleasant for long hikes. Parents with children especially praise September, when the heat has eased but the tourist attractions and castles are still open. Always check the current opening hours on the official websites in advance, though, as many monuments shorten their hours after the holidays.

Winter in East Bohemia mainly attracts lovers of downhill and cross-country skiing in the Orlické Mountains and the Krkonoše. Špindlerův Mlýn or Pec pod Sněžkou turn into bustling winter resorts with perfect facilities for all ages. If you’re heading here for culture in winter, bear in mind that many castles and chateaux in the region close their gates completely for the winter and only come to life again with the arrival of spring.

Where to Stay in East Bohemia

Choosing the right base is key so that you don’t have to spend hours in the car driving between trips. Based on travellers’ reviews, I’ve picked out great places across the whole region that stand out for their approach to guests or a fantastic location. I’ve deliberately included different price categories so you can choose exactly to suit your budget.

For visiting the rock towns, Penzion Čtyřlístek in Teplice nad Metují is very popular. In reviews, guests repeatedly single out the owners, who apparently downright spoil their guests, and the superb breakfasts. An alternative in the same area is Podskalí Adršpach, which families praise for its seasonal outdoor pool and strategic location close to the rocks. If you’re looking for something special, try Apartmány Ve Mlýně, where you’ll pay from around €40 for two people and get to enjoy the charm of a renovated old sawmill.

In the Krkonoše, you’ll enjoy a wonderful rest at HOTEL PECR WELL in Pec pod Sněžkou. Travellers rave about the huge outdoor hot tub on the terrace, which offers unbeatable mountain views and is included in the room price. If you’re heading to Špindlerův Mlýn, parents are hugely fond of Amenity Hotel & Resort Špindlerův Mlýn, because it sits a short walk from the busy centre and has its own mini zoo with goats and deer. On Dolní Morava, Hotel Jiřinka is popular, with lovely apartments — just watch out for its restaurant, which often faces criticism in reviews over the quality of the food.

In Pardubice you can rely on the modern Hotel Euro, where a double room comes to around €120 a night and guests really praise the great mattresses and the location near the centre. In Hradec Králové, right below the White Tower, you’ll find the charming Hotel Vacek “pod Věží”, a smaller hotel with soul and excellent breakfasts. In Grandmother’s Valley, a huge hit is Penzion Na Statku – Babiččino údolí – Ratibořice, where an apartment for two costs around €80 a night in high season and comes with an indoor pool. For an unusual experience near the Safari Park, choose the glamping site Yurt In The Wood, where a night in a magical forest yurt starts at around €185.

Where to Holiday in East Bohemia: 15 Most Beautiful Places

Let’s take a look at specific tips on what to visit in this varied region. You’ll find everything from majestic mountains to rock labyrinths and romantic chateaux, so you can put together your dream itinerary very easily. I’ve prepared a list of the biggest draws for you, complete with practical details.

1. Adršpach-Teplice Rocks

This rock town is one of the most famous and most beautiful in the country, but its popularity comes at a price. The sightseeing loop is about 3.5 kilometres long, takes you roughly two and a half hours, and you should prepare to tackle around two thousand steps. You can only push a pram along the opening kilometre to the Small Waterfall — beyond that the steep steps really make it impossible, so small children have to go in a carrier.

The most important rule for a visit is clear: you must have your tickets bought online for a specific time slot. In the main summer season, an adult ticket costs €8 online and €10 on site, while family admission comes to €22 online and €29 at the ticket office. If the online capacity for a given day sells out, you simply won’t be able to buy tickets on the spot, so as a family you’d make the trip completely for nothing.

The walk itself among the giant sandstone towers is an incredible experience. The best-known formations include the Lovers, the Mayor and the Mayoress, and the iconic Sugar Loaf. In the very heart of the rocks there’s also a gorgeous little lake where you can take a boat ride and listen to the witty commentary of the local ferrymen.

💡 Tip: A romantic boat ride across the lake costs €4 for an adult and €2 for children, but you can only pay in cash. You buy the boat tickets right by the water in the rocks and the rides only run in the summer season.

2. Sněžka and the Krkonoše

A trip up the country’s highest mountain is an absolute classic that everyone should experience. If you don’t feel up to the demanding climb on foot, you can take the comfortable gondola cable car from Pec pod Sněžkou. In high season a return ticket costs €31 for an adult and €15 for children aged 5 to nearly 12, while the youngest children under five ride completely free.

Families with small children will be glad that the cable car officially carries prams too, for a flat fee of €6. Bicycles, unfortunately, won’t be taken up. The ride itself takes about a quarter of an hour, and you don’t get out of the cabin at the Růžová hora midway station — the staff only carry out random ticket checks there and you continue on.

From the summit of Sněžka you’ll get a breathtaking view over both Bohemia and neighbouring Poland. At the very top you can see the chapel of St Lawrence, the modern Polish hut, or the popular Czech Post Office building, from where you can send a postcard with a special stamp. Just don’t forget to pack warm clothing, because the weather here changes incredibly fast.

💡 Tip: The cable car operator strongly advises going in July and August either first thing in the morning before ten, or after three in the afternoon. Around midday, genuinely extreme queues form here and the wait stretches to hours.

3. Špindlerův Mlýn

This famous mountain resort doesn’t only come alive in winter — it offers gorgeous scenery in the summer months too. Travellers here are especially fond of easy-going walks through the Bílé Labe (White Elbe) valley, which even less fit hikers can manage. Depending on the variant you choose, the route is 11 to 12 kilometres long and largely follows a perfect paved asphalt surface.

It’s one of the best options for families, because the route is officially approved as a pram-friendly trail. Along the way you’ll pass several beautiful smaller waterfalls, and beyond the Balvanový Waterfall children will love a great rest spot with a playground. You can happily end the trip at one of the local mountain huts that are open year-round, where you can warm up.

Besides the Bílé Labe valley, at Špindlerův Mlýn you can also head to the source of the Elbe or on ridge hikes to Luční bouda. The town itself offers plenty to do, from a bobsleigh track and a rope park to a modern water park, so you won’t be bored even if you’re caught out by the typical rainy Krkonoše weather.

💡 Tip: Head to Špindlerův Mlýn even in light drizzle, because the asphalt path through the valley doesn’t turn muddy and the trees give you partial shelter from the rain. It’s a great option for days when it’s too wet to go high onto the ridges.

4. Broumovsko and the Broumov Walls

If the crowds of tourists in Adršpach put you off, head out to discover the wild beauty of the Broumov Walls. This long ridge hides stunning rock viewpoints and romantic gorges, where you’ll meet only a fraction of the visitors. There’s no admission fee anywhere in the nature reserve and you can wander completely freely along the marked hiking trails.

The area’s biggest draw is the baroque Hvězda (Star) chapel and the picturesque adjacent Alpine-style wooden cottage. From here open up beautiful views over the whole Broumov basin, which many visitors say are literally breathtaking. The surrounding forests are also full of blueberries and unusual mushroom-shaped sandstone formations, the so-called Stone Mushrooms.

The whole area is threaded with a network of narrow paths that lead you through mysterious gorges, such as the popular Kovářova rokle (Blacksmith’s Gorge). These trails require sturdy footwear and sometimes a bit of clambering over rocks, so don’t head here with a pram. For active hikers, though, it’s an absolute paradise full of silence and peace.

💡 Tip: While wandering Broumovsko, definitely stop at the majestic monastery in Broumov. Its historic library and beautiful baroque interiors are worth a visit, and the guided tours also take you through the amazing monastery cellars.

5. Grandmother’s Valley and Ratibořice

A visit to the places connected with the famous work of writer Božena Němcová is like a journey back in time. Admission to Ratibořice chateau itself costs €8 for an adult, but children aged 6 to 17 pay a friendly €2.50. The route from the chateau towards Viktorka’s Weir is about two kilometres long, and the whole recommended family loop measures a pleasant five kilometres.

This central part of the valley is officially barrier-free and perfectly passable with a pram, and all the historic buildings along the way allow easy access. Just be very careful not to confuse this easy loop with the Grandmother’s Valley nature trail. That one is a full eight kilometres long, moderately demanding and absolutely unsuitable for prams.

During the walk you’ll see all the famous places from the book, including Rudr’s Mill, the Old Bleachery and the famous sculpture group of the Grandmother with her grandchildren. The surroundings of the Úpa river are beautifully kept and offer plenty of benches for a rest. The chateau park in Ratibořice is freely accessible and full of tall old trees.

💡 Tip: If you want to see the historic water mangle at the Old Bleachery in operation, plan your trip strictly for the summer holidays. This unique building is only open from the beginning of July to the end of August.

6. Kuks

The baroque Kuks Hospital is a monumental building that rises proudly above the valley of the Elbe river. It was founded by Count Špork, and today it draws visitors with its superbly preserved historic pharmacy and amazing frescoes. Admission prices are in the usual range for monuments in the country, but always check them on the official website before you set off.

In front of the hospital you’ll be captivated by a wide terrace lined with fascinating statues of the Virtues and Vices by the famous sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun. A stroll through the adjacent sprawling herb garden is balm for the soul, and in the summer months it smells incredibly intense. The beds are meticulously maintained and you’ll find medicinal plants that were already grown in Kuks at the height of its glory.

Nearby in the forest you’ll also find the so-called Braun’s Bethlehem, huge sculptures carved directly into the natural sandstone rock. A pleasant hiking trail leads to this unique forest sculpture park, and discovering the centuries-old, moss-covered statues has an almost magical atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Head to Kuks in autumn during the traditional grape harvest festival. The local little vineyard produces excellent grapes, and the atmosphere of the historic festivities in the courtyard, with a tasting of young wine, is absolutely one of a kind.

7. Hradec Králové

This city at the confluence of the Elbe and the Orlice boasts superb architecture and the title of “Salon of the Republic”. From the historic centre with its dominant White Tower, it’s just a short walk to the lovely Hradec city forests, which are literally a paradise for active recreation. You’ll find a ten-kilometre loop on perfect asphalt that’s absolutely ideal for families with prams or fans of inline skating.

If bad weather catches you out, the Hradec Králové Municipal Baths will save the day. Adults pay from €5.50 an hour here, and children from one year old up to 120 centimetres tall cost just €2.30. Inside you can let loose in a spacious pool with an artificial wave machine or on a great 82-metre water slide with light effects. There’s of course also a children’s pool and a whirlpool.

You’ll best enjoy the city centre on a walk along the embankment, which is adorned with beautiful Art Nouveau and Functionalist buildings. If you like history, definitely climb the aforementioned White Tower, from where there’s a fantastic view over the whole city — in good weather you can see all the way to the peaks of the Krkonoše and the Orlické Mountains.

💡 Tip: While walking through the city forests, don’t miss the Knights’ Fort (Rytířské hradiště). It’s a huge wooden children’s playground hidden right among the trees that kids absolutely adore and can spend hours in.

8. Pardubice and Kunětická hora

The city of gingerbread and horse racing will charm you with its Renaissance square and beautiful chateau with peacocks wandering freely. Just outside the city, Kunětická hora with its beautifully restored castle rises majestically from the flat landscape. Admission to the castle palace comes to €7.50, but a huge advantage is that children aged 6 to 17 have a reduced ticket of just €2 and the youngest go free.

Below the castle is the famous Gingerbread Cottage, but be very careful about visiting it. This attraction has no fixed opening hours and only opens on pre-announced dates for booked groups. If you head there blind without a reservation, you’ll almost certainly find locked doors and have to hastily come up with an alternative plan.

Pardubice itself is ideal for relaxed strolls, because the historic centre is beautifully restored and full of pleasant cafés. Pardubice Chateau offers not only guided tours but also extensive ramparts that serve as a peaceful park right in the heart of the city. It’s a great place to rest after a full day of sightseeing.

💡 Tip: The AQUA zone with water slides at the Pardubice Aquacentre is closed for renovation from mid-July 2026. The classic swimming pools and the outdoor summer beach, however, are running normally.

9. Dolní Morava and the Sky Walk

This mountain resort has transformed in recent years into a huge hub of modern attractions. Always remember that you have to buy tickets online with registration here, because on-site prices are significantly higher. For example, a complete family Sky Package (cable car, bridge and walk) comes to €106 online, whereas at the ticket office you’d pay a whopping €179 for it.

The biggest hit is the Sky Bridge 721 suspension bridge. A ticket costs from €16 online and €25 on site, but beware — the bridge route is one-way and prams are strictly forbidden. If you have small children in a pram, head instead to the neighbouring Sky Walk, which is completely barrier-free and admission starts from €14 online.

Beneath both of these airy attractions stretch the amazing Mammoth adventure parks full of water and climbing frames. Admission costs from €13, but children under 90 centimetres tall get in completely free. It’s a place where families can happily keep busy for a whole long day.

💡 Tip: For the Sky Bridge trip you don’t need extreme fitness, but you can’t suffer from vertigo. The walkway sways gently at 95 metres above the valley, and the transparent floor heightens the sense of height.

10. The Orlické Mountains and Neratov

The Orlické Mountains offer incredible peace and deep forests full of old pre-war military bunkers. The biggest magnet of the whole area is undoubtedly the reborn village of Neratov with its unique pilgrimage church. This church has an amazing glass roof dating from 2007, so during services you can watch the clouds drifting by — and the stars at night — right from the pews.

A huge advantage is that the church itself is open non-stop, day and night, so you can enjoy its magical atmosphere even at midnight, with no crowds at all. The viewing towers are then open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. There’s no admission fee, but you can drop a contribution into the collection box for the further restoration of this beautiful place.

The village also has a sheltered workshop and an excellent local brewery run by the Neratov association. The whole project helps people with disabilities integrate into normal life and gives this remote mountain village an incredibly strong human story that will grab you by the heart.

💡 Tip: Admission prices to the monuments in the area are in the usual range. Definitely buy some craft products from the locals, though, or have a beer in the local pub — you’ll be supporting a great social project.

11. Litomyšl

This picturesque town with an enormous cultural reach is on the UNESCO list and locals absolutely swear by it. Its heart is a gorgeous Renaissance chateau covered in thousands of sgraffiti, and next to it, in the chateau brewery, the famous composer Bedřich Smetana was born. Check the prices for guided tours in advance on the website, as they often change with the season.

Visitors also greatly praise walks through the sprawling Monastery Gardens, which are freely accessible and offer a fantastic view over the whole historic town. The gardens are full of modern sculptures, babbling fountains and perfectly trimmed lawns, where you can just sit down with a coffee and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Besides the chateau and gardens, Litomyšl also offers a beautiful old square with arcades, lined with picturesque townhouses. Also worth a visit is the unique House of the Knights (U Rytířů), which has a beautifully decorated stone façade and ranks among the loveliest Renaissance buildings in the country.

💡 Tip: The architecture in Litomyšl isn’t only historic but also very modern. The town is famous for the sensitive way it inserts modern buildings into its old fabric, which even leading architects from across the country admire.

12. Nové Město nad Metují and Opočno

Nové Město nad Metují will win you over with its beautiful square and chateau with original terraced gardens. The hidden ace of the whole area, though, is the romantic Peklo (Hell) valley along the Metuje river. This route to the tourist chalet is about five kilometres long and absolutely ideal for an easy walk with a pram or small children on a balance bike.

At the end of the valley, your reward is the Bartoň Refuge, designed by the famous architect Dušan Jurkovič. This log cabin is full of carved wooden devils, and outside you’ll find a sandpit, swings and a slide for the little ones. Nearby also lies the beautiful Renaissance Opočno chateau with rich collections of historical weapons.

The chateau in Nové Město nad Metují is worth a visit thanks also to the unique wooden bridge in the chateau gardens, again designed by Dušan Jurkovič. The town has an incredibly photogenic centre encircled by the river, so it’s worth spending a whole afternoon wandering the quiet lanes.

💡 Tip: You can drive to the hamlet of Peklo even with the smallest children along the narrow asphalt lane, so you can save yourselves the long walk there and back and get straight to relaxing by the refuge.

13. Toulovcovy maštale and Polička

The Toulovcovy maštale nature reserve is a maze of narrow sandstone gorges and passages that, according to legend, served as a hideout for a robber knight. It’s a great place for adventurous clambering with children, and there’s no admission fee to the rocks themselves anywhere. Be careful when planning your viewpoints, though, as the popular Borůvka lookout tower remains closed long-term due to necessary repairs.

Just a short walk from the rocks is the Pasíčka Rescue Station and Eco-centre, where they care for permanently disabled animals from local nature that can no longer return to the wild. It’s a lovely experience, especially for families who want to support a good cause. The nearby historic town of Polička is also worth a visit.

Polička boasts some of the best-preserved town walls in Central Europe, which you can walk with a guide. Another huge draw is the native room of the composer Bohuslav Martinů, located high up in the tower of the local church and offering a great view over the town.

💡 Tip: Toulovcovy maštale are more suitable for older, nimbler children — with a pram you unfortunately won’t get into the narrow sandstone crevices and onto the rocky forest trails at all.

14. Králický Sněžník and Králíky

The landscape around Králický Sněžník is rougher and more deserted than the famous Krkonoše, which will be appreciated most by lovers of silence and untouched nature. The scenery here offers deep forests and mountain meadows with beautiful views down into the valleys. The climb to the very summit, to the iconic little elephant statue, is fairly demanding, but your reward is the feeling of having conquered the roof of this remote region.

The town of Králíky and its wider surroundings are literally laced with a network of pre-war military fortresses. Many of these concrete bunkers are superbly restored today and serve as fantastic museums of the country’s military history. Admission prices vary depending on the specific fort and the difficulty of the tour, so I recommend studying the websites of the individual associations.

Among the best-known military monuments in the area are the Bouda artillery fort and the U Cihelny bunker. Tours of the underground passages are a fascinating experience, but don’t forget to bring sturdy footwear and a warm jacket, because the underground temperature stays just above freezing all year round.

💡 Tip: Above the town of Králíky rises the Hill of the Mother of God with a beautiful monastery, reached by an old Way of the Cross lined with tall trees. It’s an incredibly peaceful pilgrimage site with an amazing genius loci.

15. The Rozkoš Reservoir and Swimming

The Rozkoš reservoir near Česká Skalice is often, rather grandly, called the East Bohemian sea. Right off the bat, though, it must be said that this really isn’t a route suitable for prams or for peaceful walks. The whole loop is an incredible 23 kilometres long, largely follows a busy road for motor vehicles, and the main dam itself isn’t walkable at all.

So come to Rozkoš primarily for the great summer swimming. According to measurements by the public health authorities, the water at Velká Jesenice was in perfect condition throughout the 2026 season and rated grade one for swimming. You’ll find a very gentle concrete entry into the water, stalls with draught beer and refreshments, and a comfortable, spacious car park right by the beach.

Besides the beach at Velká Jesenice, another popular spot is the northern side of the reservoir, which offers slightly quieter nooks for anglers and water sports lovers. The reservoir is ideal for paddleboarding or windsurfing, because a pleasant wind very often blows across the vast expanse of water.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for all-round fun for the kids, head to the nearby Autocamping Rozkoš. They have a great outdoor swimming pool with a water slide, a summer cinema and a very popular minigolf course.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Eastern Bohemia

6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏡 Pension/B&B

Penzion Čtyřlístek

The owners pamper guests and serve great breakfasts according to traveler reviews.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Podskalí Adršpach

Praised by families for its seasonal outdoor pool and strategic location near the Adršpach Rocks.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏡 Pension/B&B

Apartmány Ve Mlýně

A renovated old mill with charm in Teplice nad Metují.

★★★★ from €40 for two people

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

HOTEL PECR WELL

Huge outdoor hot tub on the terrace with unbeatable mountain views, entry included in room rate.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🌲 Resort

Amenity Hotel & Resort Špindlerův Mlýn

Just outside the center, with its own mini zoo with goats and deer, popular with families with children.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Jiřinka

Beautiful apartments in Dolní Morava. Beware of the restaurant, which faces criticism for food quality.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

East Bohemia with Kids: the Best Family Tips

Travelling with children calls for a slightly different approach and a more careful choice of activities, so they don’t get bored and can handle it physically. I’ve picked out four specific areas and tips that, based on parents’ experience, work absolutely reliably. I’ve found the exact prices and current opening hours for you so you can plan everything without stress from unexpected surprises on site.

Safari in Dvůr Králové

A visit to this amazing park is one of the highlights of any family holiday, because here you’ll feel like you’re in real Africa. An adult pays €13 for a ticket and a child aged three to fifteen €11, the youngest get in completely free and there’s no parking fee either. A ride on the special open Safaribus costs €3 per passenger, but note that in May, June and September children under 15 ride completely free on weekdays. Safaribus tickets can’t be bought online in advance — you get them right at the boarding point inside the zoo grounds. If you leave your pram at home, the local rental in the zoo will happily lend you one for the whole day for €2 and a refundable deposit of around €40.

The Sky Walk and Sky Bridge

As I mentioned with Dolní Morava, this mountain resort is a huge draw for families with children, but you have to plan and buy strictly online. While prams aren’t allowed on the Sky Bridge 721 suspension bridge and the route is one-way, the neighbouring wooden Sky Walk is wide, gentle and completely barrier-free for everyone. Beneath both of these structures also stretch the amazing Mammoth adventure parks full of water, mazes and giant climbing frames. Admission costs from €13 for adults and older children, but tots under 90 centimetres tall get in completely free. Definitely don’t forget spare clothes at home, because in the water park the kids are guaranteed not to stay dry.

When It Rains: Museums, an Aquarium and Water Parks

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your holiday at all — you just need a good plan B up your sleeve. A great choice is the Merkur Construction Set Museum in Police nad Metují, which lies just twenty minutes’ drive from Adršpach and will save your rainy day. Adult admission costs €6, reduced €3.70 and family admission comes to €12, and they’re open every day. If you’d rather warm up in the water, the Municipal Baths in Hradec Králové offer a great 82-metre water slide and children’s pools, where children from one year old pay a friendly €2.30. In Pardubice, on the other hand, be very careful: the AQUA water-slide zone there is closed long-term for extensive repairs from mid-July 2026.

With a Pram Around East Bohemia

Finding a genuinely flat, comfortable path free of roots can sometimes be a tough nut in nature. Besides the aforementioned Grandmother’s Valley and the five-kilometre route to Viktorka’s Weir, parents highly recommend the Peklo valley near Nové Město nad Metují. The route to the Bartoň Refuge is five kilometres long and runs entirely along a pleasant flat path beside the river. In the Krkonoše, you can safely set off through the Bílé Labe valley from Špindlerův Mlýn, which is roughly a twelve-kilometre paved loop lined with waterfalls and playgrounds. For absolute certainty of flatness, choose the loops in the Hradec city forests, which are perfectly asphalted right for inline skates and prams. Conversely, steer well clear of the loop around Rozkoš or the deeper gorges in Adršpach, where you’ll only get a pram along the opening kilometre to the Small Waterfall.

Where to Eat in East Bohemia

This region offers plenty of interesting traditional flavours and local ingredients that you absolutely must taste during your holiday. An absolute classic is honest Krkonoše “kyselo”, a thick soup made from bread sourdough with potatoes, egg and mushrooms, which will definitely put you back on your feet after a long hike. Its sourness works beautifully with the softness of the egg, and it’s an absolutely ideal meat-free lunch option. If you’re after something really filling, try the golden-fried potato pancakes with a good dose of garlic and marjoram, which you’ll come across in almost every mountain pub.

In the mountains you of course can’t skip the fluffy blueberry dumplings drizzled with melted butter, a typical sweet symbol of the whole Krkonoše and the Orlické Mountains. Specific addresses? In the Peklo valley near Nové Město nad Metují stands the Bartoň Refuge, a log-cabin pub rebuilt in 1912 by Dušan Jurkovič, and it’s the loveliest destination for a walk in the area. In Neratov in the Orlické Mountains, the Neratov Brewery makes its own beer and employs people with disabilities, so the beer and lemonade come with a good story too. And in Špindlerův Mlýn, a classic is the year-round U Bílého Labe hut just beyond the waterfalls. Local cheeses from small mountain farms are a chapter in themselves, especially if you come across fresh goat’s cheese or honest curd, which make a great quick snack for a trip. In restaurants you’ll often find local beer specials from small breweries in the Orlické foothills, such as the one in Neratov, which perfectly complement any meal.

The sweet finishing touch has to be, of course, traditional Pardubice gingerbread. Its recipe, full of fragrant spices and honey, is carefully passed down through generations, and it tastes a little different in every small bakery. As for local meat specialities, the menus of traditional restaurants very often feature roast duck with cabbage or hearty game goulashes, which guests praise highly in reviews. If you head to Litomyšl, definitely also make for the town’s modern cafés, which rival the best spots in big cities and offer excellent speciality coffee.

Practical Tips: Bookings, Transport and Crowds

• Online purchases are an absolute must: Setting off to Adršpach without an online ticket in summer isn’t worth the risk, and if you go to Dolní Morava, buying on site will needlessly cost you hundreds of euros extra on a family package.
• Get up very early: Head to Sněžka or the popular rock towns so you’re ideally on site by around eight in the morning. That way you’ll avoid the endless queues for the cable car and the overcrowded car parks.
• Watch for closures and repairs on the websites: Attractions like the Borůvka lookout tower in the Maštale or the Pardubice water slides are closed long-term — always check the current status on the official pages before your trip.
• Pay in cash: In the mountains and at smaller local attractions, such as the romantic boats in Adršpach, they often don’t take cards at all, so always keep enough cash on you.
• Watch the opening hours: Some tourist magnets, like the famous Gingerbread Cottage near Pardubice, only work by prior reservation and have no fixed opening hours.
• The train works better than you’d expect: Pardubice is reachable by direct express train in under an hour from major hubs, and Hradec Králové in about an hour and a half. Even Adršpach is reachable by train, albeit with a few changes and roughly three hours, but the stop is right at the entrance to the rocks, so you don’t have to worry about a full car park.
• Don’t overestimate pram routes: Always check that a path really is suitable for a pram. For example, the Grandmother’s Valley nature trail is long and demanding, whereas the neighbouring route to Viktorka’s Weir is a lovely flat path.

Where to Next

If you enjoy travelling around the country, definitely take a look at 20 tips on where to holiday in Czechia, where you’ll find plenty more inspiration. From East Bohemia, you might then be interested in more detailed guides, such as the article What to See in Hradec Králové: 15 tips or the guide What to See in Litomyšl: 8 tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before travelling to this region, parents and tourists ask a lot of very similar practical questions. I’ve summarised the most common queries for you so you have all the important information nicely together and nothing catches you out.

For me, Northern Moravia and Silesia is a region of absolute contrasts that is guaranteed to grab you by the heart. It’s a land where the ridges of the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountains meet towering blast furnaces, so in a single day you can breathe the cleanest mountain air and then, that same afternoon, admire the raw beauty of industrial Ostrava. Trust me, you won’t find such a unique combination anywhere else in the country.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet in deep forests, love old castles, or want to show your kids giant mining wheels and technical marvels, this corner of the country has something for everyone. On top of that, the locals here wear their hearts on their sleeves and know how to make you feel welcome in a way you’ll remember for a long time.

I’ve put together a comprehensive overview with fifteen tips on what to see and do here. It covers everything from the majestic Praděd to Ostrava’s Dolní Vítkovice, and of course my favourite spots in the Wallachia region aren’t missing either. Make yourself a good coffee and let’s take a look together at the best of Northern Moravia and Silesia. ☺️

TL;DR

• Mountains and nature: Praděd, the highest peak in Moravia, offers the most beautiful views, while Lysá hora in the Beskydy will test your fitness.
• Industrial gems: Dolní Vítkovice and Landek Park in Ostrava are absolute world-class rarities you simply can’t miss.
• Family fun: The Pustevny cable car and the Ostrava zoo with its popular Safari Express will thrill travellers big and small.
• History and culture: Central Europe’s oldest open-air museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and the romantic Sovinec castle will whisk you back centuries.
• Technical wonders: The Dlouhé stráně pumped-storage power plant, sitting right on a mountain top, feels like an apparition and leaves every visitor breathless.
• Great food: Don’t leave without tasting genuine Štramberk gingerbread “ears” or a proper Wallachian frgál pastry with quark and plum jam.

When to visit Northern Moravia

Northern Moravia and Silesia have something to offer in every season, but it all depends on exactly what you expect from your holiday. Winter in the Jeseníky or Beskydy is ideal for lovers of downhill and cross-country skiing, because snow conditions here tend to be among the best in the country. Spring, on the other hand, favours wandering the awakening towns and industrial landmarks, when you can avoid the summer heatwaves and enjoy emptier streets.

Summer on the mountain ridges is absolutely magical, but bear in mind you won’t be alone at the most famous spots. If you head out in July or August, I recommend you use the early morning hours for mountain hikes to escape the biggest crowds and the afternoon storms. Autumn in the Jeseníky then turns wonderful golden shades and is probably the most romantic time to visit the spa towns.

There is one absolutely crucial thing to keep an eye on if you’re planning a summer visit to Ostrava. From 13 to 19 July 2026, Dolní Vítkovice is completely closed to the public because of the huge Colours of Ostrava music festival. That means during this period you won’t get into the blast furnaces or the Science and Technology Centre, so plan your family trip for a different summer week instead.

A long weekend definitely won’t be enough to see the whole region. To enjoy the mountains, towns and museums at a relaxed pace, set aside at least seven days for your holiday. Even then you’ll have to choose carefully — there are enough interesting spots here for several weeks, and leaving without any regret that you missed something is practically impossible.

Where to stay in Northern Moravia

Choosing the right base is key to exploring such a vast region. If you want to sample a bit of everything, the best strategy is to split your stay into a few nights in the mountains and a few nights in the city. Across the region you’ll find amazing mountain lodges with a view, luxury wellness hotels and interesting town accommodation with a touch of history.

Beskydy and Wallachia: If you like comfort and a well-earned rest after your hikes, Spa hotel Lanterna in Velké Karlovice is exactly that: a beautiful pool, luxurious wellness, and families return again and again — and that’s no coincidence. Its sister Wellness & spa hotel Horal in the same village offers a sprawling sauna world and is absolutely perfect for off-season stays too. Anyone who wants to stay right beneath the Beskydy giant will appreciate Hotel Freud in Ostravice, from which Lysá hora really is just a short walk away, and which works as a great starting point for trips to Pustevny too. Hidden in the middle of the forests is the mountain Hotel Sepetná, close to both the ski slopes and hiking trails. And if you long for evening romance in historic lanes, stay at Hotel Šipka in Štramberk, where you’ll have the picturesque little square below the Trúba tower almost to yourself.

Ostrava and Silesia: For exploring Ostrava’s industrial landmarks and cafés, Mercure Ostrava Center is very handy — from here you can walk to the Nová Karolina shopping centre and to the tram out to Vítkovice. More extensive facilities with its own wellness centre are offered by Harmony Club Hotel Ostrava, which works as a good anchor for longer sightseeing stays. A truly unique experience is then offered by Zámek Zábřeh on the edge of the city, where you swap classic city rooms for unusual sleeping in a chateau complex.

Jeseníky: Lovers of clean air and history should consider the Priessnitz Spa right in Jeseník, where you stay in majestic spa houses surrounded by forests. A great base for families is then Termály Losiny in Velké Losiny, because you’ll have a thermal park with sulphur water right under your nose and, a short drive away, buses head out to Dlouhé stráně.

Northern Moravia: 15 most beautiful places

Honestly — limiting myself to fifteen places was almost an impossible task, but I’ve assembled a varied mosaic of mountain peaks, technical curiosities and picturesque little towns for you, so you can build an itinerary exactly to your taste. Whether you long for demanding climbs or prefer soaking up the atmosphere with a coffee in hand, you’ll definitely find your thing here.

1. Jeseníky and Praděd

Say Jeseníky, and everyone immediately thinks of Praděd. At a respectable 1,491 metres, it is the highest mountain in Moravia and Silesia and, at the same time, the fourth-highest peak in the whole country. On its summit stands the iconic television transmitter with a viewing platform, which is, by the way, the highest-situated structure in the country.

Since the summit lies in the first zone of a protected landscape area, ordinary cars are, for understandable reasons, not allowed up here. If you don’t fancy walking the whole way from the valley, use the seasonal Ekobus, which runs from the Hvězda car park up to Ovčárna. From there it’s still a very pleasant, gentle stroll to the summit itself along a wide asphalt road, which even families with smaller children can manage.

The views from Praděd over the surrounding valleys are absolutely phenomenal in clear weather. Do bear in mind, though, that the weather here can change incredibly quickly, so even in the height of summer always pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear in your rucksack.

💡 Tip: From Ovčárna a beautiful ridge trail leads over Petrovy kameny all the way to Jelení studánka, which is much quieter than the climb to Praděd itself. I recommend walking it if you long for a deeper connection with nature away from the crowds.

2. Dlouhé stráně

This place looks like an apparition from a sci-fi film. The Dlouhé stráně pumped-storage hydroelectric plant boasts a huge artificially built reservoir that sits right on a levelled-off mountain top at over 1,350 metres above sea level. It’s the largest facility of its kind in Central Europe, with the biggest reversible water turbine on the entire continent.

Getting here, however, requires quite careful planning. It’s important to know that tours are booked exclusively online through their official form — no one will secure you a spot by phone or email. All visitors then meet down at the base at SkiAreál Kouty, right at the bus stop in front of Bar Lyžárna by the prominent orange sign.

You can choose from two tour options. The first loop takes about two hours and includes the power plant itself and a ride up to the lower reservoir. Loop number two takes roughly three hours, takes you all the way up to the upper reservoir, and runs only from May to November. Always double-check the entrance fee in advance on the power plant’s website.

💡 Tip: A heads-up for all families: the tour isn’t suitable for children under seven. Part of the programme involves watching through VR goggles, which simply isn’t built for the youngest visitors, so with small children head somewhere else instead.

3. Pustevny and Radhošť

Pustevny is probably the best-known mountain saddle in the Beskydy, and Lukáš and I always love coming back here for its unforgettable atmosphere. The main draw is a beautiful set of wooden buildings by architect Dušan Jurkovič, which represent the so-called Wallachian Art Nouveau style from the end of the nineteenth century.

You may remember that the Libušín lodge tragically burned down in 2014. Today, though, it has thankfully been completely restored and reopened to the public in all its glory. From Pustevny there’s a comfortable ridge walk to the monumental statue of the pagan god Radegast, where we of course stood and took photos too. The walk takes about forty-five minutes and continues all the way to the chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

You can comfortably ride up to Pustevny by cable car from Ráztoka. A return ticket for an adult bought online costs 300 CZK (about €12), while at the ticket office you’ll pay 320 CZK (about €13). Children aged five to eleven pay 190 CZK (about €8) online, and those aged four and under ride free. Remember that an online ticket is valid for six months, but a ticket from the office has to be used on the day of purchase.

💡 Tip: If you’re going up by cable car with equipment, a pushchair, dog or e-bike each cost an extra 60 CZK (about €2.50). You can ride back down the Knížecí cesta trail on a rented scooter, but they only lend children’s scooters from age ten.

4. Lysá hora

If Pustevny is an easy stroll, then Lysá hora is a genuine challenge for many hikers. At 1,323 metres, it is the highest and most massive peak of the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy, rightly nicknamed the Beskydy giant. On the very top you’ll find a meteorological station and a mountain lodge, where after the demanding climb everyone deservedly rewards themselves with good food.

The most popular and most common climbing routes lead from Ostravice or from the nearby village of Krásná. Be prepared for the trail being one relentless climb that will really give you a workout, but that feeling when you finally rise above the treeline and see the beauty is definitely worth it. The views from the summit rank among the most beautiful in all of Moravia.

Lysá hora is almost a religion among locals, and many come up to train every week. In good weather during high season the summit really is packed, so opt for an early start, otherwise you’ll be squeezing along the narrow paths with half the region.

💡 Tip: Don’t forget sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Especially in the summer months the climb along the open sections tends to be very exhausting, and you’d search in vain for any shade.

5. Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrava

From the mountains we now move to a fascinating industrial world unmatched anywhere in the country. Dolní Vítkovice is a vast complex of former ironworks and mines that has transformed into a pulsing cultural and educational centre. This complex is listed as European Cultural Heritage, and at every step you can feel the raw history of heavy industry.

The highlight of any visit is Blast Furnace No. 1, opened to the public and topped by the glass Bolt Tower viewing extension. The tower was named after the famous sprinter Usain Bolt, and the view from it over the whole of industrial Ostrava is truly breathtaking. The blast furnace tour itself, which includes a visit to this unique tower, costs an adult 295 CZK (about €12), while the reduced fare is 220 CZK (about €9) and families pay 800 CZK (about €33).

Architecture lovers will be thrilled by the former giant gas holder, ingeniously converted into the modern multifunctional Gong hall. A visit to the Gong gallery costs 120 CZK (about €5) without commentary, but if you have a ticket to the adjacent Science and Technology Centre, you can see Gong completely free. If you opt for a guided tour with expert commentary, you’ll pay 180 CZK (about €7.50), and you need to book it in advance.

💡 Tip: If you just want to ride up to the heights without the long furnace tour, choose the ticket straight to the Bolt Café for 320 CZK (about €13). This price already includes 160 CZK (about €6.50) worth of refreshments, so alongside the fantastic view you can treat yourself to a great coffee and dessert too.

6. Landek Park and the Ema slag heap

We’ll stay in Ostrava a while longer, because the city’s mining history offers more absolute gems. Landek Park in Ostrava-Petřkovice is, without any competition, the largest mining museum in the country, spreading out at the foot of Landek hill. It was on this very hill that archaeologists once discovered the famous Landek Venus figurine, which gives the place even greater historical weight.

The biggest thrill here is an authentic descent into the mine in a real mining cage, which is part of the so-called grand tour. Former miners guide you through, and an adult pays 295 CZK (about €12) for this unforgettable experience, the reduced fare is 220 CZK (about €9), and families pay 800 CZK (about €33). If you have less time, you can choose the small tour focused just on the engaging topic of mine rescue, which costs 150 CZK (about €6) for an adult. Children under six, by the way, get in free.

And once you’re soaking up that genuine Ostrava mining atmosphere, you absolutely have to see the Ema slag heap. This enormous burning heap of mining waste is still smouldering inside, with the temperature in its core holding around a thousand degrees Celsius. That’s precisely why snow never lies on it even in the harshest winter, and from its top one of the best views over the whole city opens up.

💡 Tip: At Landek Park, definitely take a ride on the original mining train that once carried miners to their shift. The ride costs just 60 CZK (about €2.50) and is an absolutely great addition to the whole trip, not only for kids.

7. Štramberk

This little town is one of my greatest favourites in the whole region. As Lukáš and I climbed the stone steps between the old timbered houses, we felt as if we’d landed in a fairy tale. No wonder Štramberk, thanks to its amazing urban heritage reserve full of wooden houses, is quite often nicknamed the Moravian Bethlehem.

Everything is dominated, of course, by the tall cylindrical tower called Trúba, which is in fact the only larger remnant of the original Strallenberg castle. A spiral staircase lets you climb right to the top, from where there’s a fabulous view over all those picturesque rooftops below you. A short walk from the centre you’ll then find the famous Šipka cave, where archaeologists discovered the jaw of a Neanderthal child, and which you can visit entirely freely.

Strolling the narrow streets, you’ll one hundred percent catch the incredibly tempting scent of gingerbread. That’s where they bake the famous Štramberk “ears”, which hold an EU protected geographical indication. They’re cones of thin spiced gingerbread and, luckily, completely vegetarian, so Lukáš and I took several bags home with a clear conscience to enjoy with our coffee.

💡 Tip: Entrance fees for the Trúba tower and the other smaller exhibitions occasionally change, so check them before your trip on the official town website to be sure. But definitely don’t skip a walk across the square, which has an unreal charm.

8. Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and the Wallachian open-air museum

Do you love folk architecture and traditions? Then Rožnov pod Radhoštěm will completely absorb you. The local Wallachian Open-Air Museum was founded back in 1925, which makes it the oldest open-air museum in all of Central Europe. Lukáš and I spent a whole afternoon here and there was still plenty to discover, because the grounds are truly enormous and beautifully maintained.

The museum is divided into three separate parts, each with its own specific atmosphere. The Wooden Town is the oldest and most accessible part, where you’ll see a beautiful town hall and old merchants’ shops. Here you’ll also find the Wallachian Slavín, which is an honorary burial ground for notable figures of the region, where, for example, the famous Olympic athlete Emil Zátopek, a native of nearby Kopřivnice, rests.

The next part is the Wallachian Village, which is a bit more hilly and shows the hard life of ordinary people in remote homesteads. The third area is the Mill Valley, where you’ll see with your own eyes functioning old forges, mills and sawmills powered by water. Current entrance fees vary depending on how many loops you want to visit, so I recommend checking their official website.

💡 Tip: If you want to avoid the uphill walking and have less time, focus only on the Wooden Town. It’s beautifully flat, you can walk through it very comfortably, and you’ll even find an excellent pub inside.

9. Kopřivnice and Tatra

Did you know that Northern Moravia even has a town that properly shook up the world automotive industry? Kopřivnice is inseparably tied to the famous Tatra brand, whose rich history began right here. For all fans of engineering and motoring, this place is an absolute must you can’t skip on a visit to the region.

A brand-new Tatra Truck Museum has recently opened here, housed in a huge renovated hall. You’ll find dozens of beautifully restored trucks, Dakar rally specials and military vehicles that will make your eyes pop. A short walk further into the town centre sits the classic museum, which focuses more on this iconic brand’s passenger cars and shows its complete evolution.

But Kopřivnice is far from being only about cars — this is where Emil Zátopek was born, and the local museum has a separate exhibition dedicated to him and his wife Dana, which is, honestly, quite moving. Better check the entrance fees for both institutions on the web before your trip.

💡 Tip: You can very easily move between both museums on foot. The town isn’t big and the walk takes just a few minutes, so feel free to leave the car parked in one spot.

10. Hukvaldy

A short drive from Kopřivnice rises the majestic Hukvaldy, which boasts the second-largest castle ruin in the whole country. Lukáš and I hiked up the hill and the space of the old fortifications really is enormous. You could easily spend an hour just wandering through all the courtyards and ramparts and discovering hidden nooks.

The path to the castle leads through a beautiful old deer park, full of ancient trees and where herds of fallow deer roam freely. It’s in this park that you’ll find the famous bronze statue of the Cunning Little Vixen, sitting on a boulder. All the tourists stroke her tail for luck, so it’s already polished to a lovely golden shine.

Hukvaldy is also renowned far and wide as the birthplace of the world-famous composer Leoš Janáček. His legacy is felt here at every step, and the grounds regularly host music festivals in his honour, which have unique acoustics. You’ll always find up-to-date entrance fees for the castle ruin on the castle’s official website.

💡 Tip: The chateau deer park is freely accessible and is an absolutely great spot for a long Sunday walk, even if you no longer feel like exploring the castle itself.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in northern Moravia

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Spa hotel Lanterna

Beautiful pool, luxury wellness in Velké Karlovice. Families return again and again.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Wellness & spa hotel Horal

Extensive sauna world in Velké Karlovice, ideal for off-season stays.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Freud

In Ostravice, just below Lysá hora, great starting point for Pustevny.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏔️ Mountain

Hotel Sepetná

Mountain hotel in the middle of forests, close to ski slopes and hiking trails.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Šipka

In Štramberk with a picturesque little square below Trúba, evening romance in historic streets.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Mercure Ostrava Center

Convenient for industrial monuments and cafés, walking distance to Nová Karolina and tram to Vítkovice.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability

11. Karlova Studánka and Bílá Opava

When you move back to the Jeseníky, under no circumstances should you skip Karlova Studánka. This picturesque spa village with its beautiful wooden Empire-style buildings looks like something out of a period film. Legend has it that here you breathe the absolutely cleanest air in all of Central Europe, which you’ll feel the moment you take your first deep breath.

The wild Bílá Opava river flows right through the village and forms a very wild waterfall above the spa. This is where the famous trail through the Bílá Opava valley begins, leading all the way up to the Ovčárna lodge below Praděd. It’s one of the most beautiful but also very demanding routes in the entire Jeseníky, full of wooden footbridges, slippery stones and steep ladders.

I’d like to strongly warn all families with small children, because this trail is absolutely impossible with a pushchair. It’s happened several times that someone got stuck there with a pushchair and had to make a difficult return, so choose a different, much more manageable route into the mountains instead.

💡 Tip: In Karlova Studánka itself, don’t forget to fill up on healing spring water from the local drinking fountains. What’s more, the spa architecture around you is freely on view without any entrance fee — all you have to do is stroll.

12. Velké Losiny

At the foot of the Jeseníky lies the unassuming village of Velké Losiny, which nevertheless hides several genuine European gems. The most significant is the local handmade paper mill dating back to the sixteenth century, one of the oldest still-functioning paper mills in all of Europe. To this day beautiful paper is still hand-crafted here in the traditional way, which you can see with your own eyes during a fascinating tour.

At the same time, Losiny is tied to a very dark chapter of Czech history. In the seventeenth century, brutal witch trials played out here at the local chateau under the fanatical inquisitor Boblig, which Otakar Vávra brilliantly captured in the legendary film Witchhammer.

After your historical excursions, definitely treat yourself to a well-earned rest. In the village you’ll find modern thermal baths that use the local healing sulphur springs. Bathing in warm water with a view of the mountain ridges is an absolutely great way to end the whole day. You’ll always find the exact entrance fees for both the paper mill and the extensive thermal baths on their websites.

💡 Tip: If you buy a small sheet of handmade paper with pressed meadow flowers at the mill, you’ll get an absolutely brilliant and original souvenir from your holiday.

13. Opava and Hradec nad Moravicí

Opava is the historical and cultural centre of Czech Silesia, and it will surely surprise you with its refined elegance. A beautiful green ring of parks winds around the whole historic core, and on the Upper Square rises the Renaissance town hall tower called Hláska. The city’s landmark, however, is the enormous Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is the largest brick building in all of Silesia.

Few people also know that in Opava you’ll find the Silesian Regional Museum, founded back in 1814, making it the absolute oldest museum in the territory of today’s Czechia. Just a short drive from Opava lies the majestic Hradec nad Moravicí chateau, made up of the romantic Red Chateau and the classicist White Chateau. Even Beethoven and Liszt took a liking to the chateau and, honestly, given the view, you can’t blame them at all.

A tour of Hradec nad Moravicí is also very friendly to families’ wallets. An adult pays 260 CZK (about €11) for the main tour, but children aged six to seventeen get a ticket for just 80 CZK (about €3). If you only want to stroll through the extensive chateau grounds without the interior, it’ll cost you a symbolic 60 CZK (about €2.50), and for climbing the White Tower you’ll pay a round 100 CZK (about €4).

💡 Tip: In Opava, don’t forget to admire the functionalist Breda department store from the outside. In its day it was the largest department store in the country, and it’s now gradually being given a well-deserved restoration.

14. Sovinec and the Rešov Waterfalls

If you want to escape the main tourist trails and enjoy slightly wilder nature, head out to explore the Nízký Jeseník range. Here, on a rocky promontory, rises the sprawling Sovinec castle ruin with a beautifully preserved system of fortifications. In the summer season it tends to be quite lively here, because the castle courtyards very often host various fencing and falconry festivals.

From the castle it’s then only a short way to the Huntava river, on which sit the highest waterfalls in the entire Nízký Jeseník. The Rešov Waterfalls tumble down a deep rocky gorge, and the whole trail around them is very adventurous. You’ll climb up narrow wooden footbridges and steep stairs right beside the roaring water, which is a really powerful experience.

This part of the region is absolutely ideal for those looking for a quieter atmosphere without packed car parks. You’ll best find the current entrance fee for Sovinec castle on its official website, while access to the Rešov Waterfalls is free all year round without any charge.

💡 Tip: For the waterfalls, I really recommend good trekking shoes. The wooden footbridges in the shade of the gorge tend to be very often slippery even in the summer months, and safety comes first here.

15. Velké Karlovice and the Javorníky

We’ll close our fifteen with a return to Wallachia, but this time to a much quieter corner of it. Velké Karlovice, tucked away in a valley between the Beskydy and Javorníky mountains, is a renowned base for a relaxed family holiday, where complete calm and a laid-back atmosphere reign, far from the crowds at Pustevny.

This long village is incredibly picturesque. Along the road and on the slopes you’ll see beautiful old timbered cottages, and in the middle of the village stands a unique wooden church of Our Lady of the Snows, built entirely without a single nail. In winter, family ski slopes work perfectly here, while in summer the valley is full of cyclists and hikers heading out to the ridges of the Javorníky towards the Slovak border.

If you’re looking for a place where you can really clear your head and slow right down, Velké Karlovice is a safe bet. You’ll find information about any entry fees to the small local museum on the municipal website, but the best things in Karlovice, like the views and the nature, are free anyway.

💡 Tip: Try hiking up to the ridge of the Javorníky to the wooden Miloňová lookout tower. From its top a fantastic panoramic view over the whole surrounding countryside opens up.

Northern Moravia with kids: the best family tips

Northern Moravia is a surprisingly rewarding destination for families with children. From mining adventures in Ostrava to cable cars and lookout towers to thermal pools, kids simply can’t get bored here. I’ve put together an overview of the most tried-and-tested tips that work one hundred percent.

Descending into the mine and the Science & Technology Centre

In Ostrava you’re set for fun several days ahead, and you definitely won’t be bored. Descending in a real mining cage at Landek Park is a huge adventure for kids, because they get to try on real miners’ helmets and walk through the dark tunnels of the former mine.

The Big World of Technology in Dolní Vítkovice is then an absolute smash hit full of interactive exhibits, where they can get hands-on with the laws of physics. A family ticket for two adults and three children to the Big World of Technology costs 1,140 CZK (about €47). If you want to explore the smaller U6 world too, a combined ticket is worth it, coming to 1,730 CZK (about €71) for a family. The Children’s World for the youngest, aged two to six, costs 105 CZK (about €4.50), and children under two get in completely free.

Bear in mind that both places won’t fit into a single morning. The mine descent at Landek Park takes a good two hours, including changing and the commentary, and the Science and Technology Centre is so vast that kids can easily last a whole afternoon there. It makes more sense to split them over two days, or pick one and leave the other as a reason to return. If you’re mainly interested in the mine descent, keep in mind the grand tour at Landek Park costs 295 CZK (about €12) for an adult and 220 CZK (about €9) for a child, while the shorter tour dedicated to mine rescue costs 150 CZK (about €6) and 110 CZK (about €4.50). You’ll find details on the Landek Park website and that of Dolní Vítkovice.

Ostrava Zoo and the Safari Express

Kids simply love this zoo, partly because it’s cleverly connected to an extensive botanical park and the animal enclosures here are very natural. A big hit here is a ride on the Safari Express, which takes you through the sprawling enclosures of animals from Africa, Persia and India.

The summer entrance fee for an adult is 180 CZK (about €7.50), children aged three to fifteen pay 120 CZK (about €5), and those under three go completely free. If you’re from the area or come here more often, a family annual pass for 2,150 CZK (about €88) is definitely worth it. The zoo is open every day of the year, and in summer until eight in the evening, but note that the ticket offices and pavilions close as early as six, so don’t arrive too late.

The grounds are really vast and you won’t walk the whole thing with smaller children, so it’s worth grabbing a map right at the entrance and picking two or three areas. The paths are mostly paved and passable with a pushchair, just reckon with quite a significant elevation change between the different sections. Check the current opening hours and any pavilion closures on the Ostrava Zoo website.

When it rains: museums, aquaparks and the underground

Rainy days tend to be a big challenge on a family holiday, but here there really are plenty of indoor options. A great saviour are the exhibitions in Dolní Vítkovice, with one great trick that saves money. The Science and Technology Centre offers a so-called Happy Hour from 5 to 6 pm, when a ticket costs just 105 CZK (about €4.50) to the Big World and 95 CZK (about €4) to the smaller U6, which is an amazing saving on an early-evening programme compared to the usual 320 CZK (about €13).

In Kopřivnice, you can explore the giant Tatra museums full of trucks with the kids, or simply head off to warm up in one of the region’s many indoor aquaparks. The warm thermal baths in Velké Losiny are also a great choice, where the kids enjoy the water and you get some well-earned rest.

One warning, though, belongs in every rainy-day plan in Northern Moravia. From 13 to 19 July 2026, the attractions in Dolní Vítkovice are closed to the public due to the Colours of Ostrava festival, so if your holiday happens to fall on exactly this week, reckon with an alternative programme. A good alternative is then the mining museum at Landek Park or both Tatra museums in Kopřivnice, which operate independently of what’s happening in Ostrava.

By cable car to Pustevny with a pushchair

Heading into the mountains with a pushchair might sound like nonsense, but at Pustevny it works absolutely perfectly. You ride up comfortably on the chairlift from Ráztoka, paying a surcharge of just 60 CZK (about €2.50) to transport a pushchair. Up on the ridge a beautifully paved, wide path then awaits you towards the Radegast statue and the chapel on Radhošť, which is made for pushchairs and even balance bikes can handle it.

For older children you can rent scooters for the way down; a descent along the Knížecí cesta trail costs 220 CZK (about €9) with online booking. Just keep in mind that they only lend children’s scooters from age ten, and exclusively accompanied by an adult on another scooter.

One more practical thing worth knowing in advance. A ticket bought online is valid for a full six months, so you can buy it at leisure at home, but the one from the ticket office is valid only on the day of purchase. Prices also differ — an adult pays 300 CZK (about €12) online for a return ride, and 320 CZK (about €13) on site. You’ll find the timetable and current operations on the cable car website.

Where to eat in Northern Moravia

The regional cuisine in the north will fill you up so reliably that after lunch you’ll be wondering whether you can still conquer that castle. 😅 But it’s worth it. In Wallachia you absolutely must not skip the traditional frgály — huge thin pastries generously spread with quark, plum jam, poppy seeds or pears. They even have a protected designation, and we buy them at practically every stall.

Another classic that Lukáš and I have practically every time we come here is the delicious halušky with bryndza sheep’s cheese and potato pancakes. The locals also love traditional kyselica; they usually add sausages and bacon to it as a local speciality, but for us vegetarians a purely meat-free version of this hearty cabbage soup — which warms you up after every hike — can be arranged in many pubs.

In the Beskydy you’ll then come across the ubiquitous Ostrava beer Radegast, brewed nearby in Nošovice, and after a good meal the locals will happily offer you a shot of proper Wallachian slivovice plum brandy to aid digestion. And if you visit Štramberk, definitely have their famous gingerbread “ears” with a coffee or ice cream. They’re baked from thin dough, rolled into a cone, of course completely meat-free, and taste absolutely fantastic.

There are plenty of specific spots to drop into in the region. At Pustevny it’s worth stopping at Libušín and Maměnka, two of Jurkovič’s wooden buildings from the end of the nineteenth century, which today serve as an inn and a mountain hotel. Sitting in the carved interior with a view of the ridges is an experience in itself. In Ostrava the most interesting café is Bolt Café right on top of the blast furnace in Dolní Vítkovice. The ride up, including 160 CZK (about €6.50) worth of refreshments, costs 320 CZK (about €13), so you’re essentially paying for the view and getting the coffee thrown in.

Beer lovers will be delighted by the Radegast brewery in Nošovice below the Beskydy, where you can walk through the production and taste the beer straight from the source. You’ll find tour bookings and dates on the brewery’s official website. And at the Wallachian museum in Rožnov, several stalls with frgály and homemade baked goods operate during the season, so there you’ll eat practically on the go between the timbered cottages.

If you’re looking for specific tips on where to go, here are my tried-and-tested ones. When you’re in Ostrava, definitely drop into Hogo Fogo Bistro, where they make fantastic burgers and there are plenty of things for vegetarians too. In Rožnov pod Radhoštěm we were thrilled by the Valašská hospoda U Janíka right in the open-air museum, where they have the best kyselica far and wide. And in Štramberk don’t skip the café U Městského pivovaru, where along with fresh “ears” you can have an excellent coffee and enjoy a great atmosphere.

Practical tips: transport, bookings and crowds

The whole vast region is very well connected by rail, which makes travelling without a car considerably easier. Ostrava lies right on the main rail corridor, so you can get here incredibly quickly and comfortably by express train. From Ostrava’s stations, regular local services then connect towards the Beskydy, for example to Frýdek-Místek or Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, from where you can easily head out into nature.

If you’re travelling by car straight into the mountains, arm yourself in peak summer season with a good dose of patience. You can drive all the way up to Pustevny, but the car park tends to be hopelessly full on summer weekends as early as mid-morning. The safest bet is therefore to leave the car down in Ráztoka and use the cable car. You’ll find exactly the same parking problem at the popular Bílá Opava trail, where you have to arrive really early in the morning.

Want mountains, but without a queue for a selfie at every signpost? Head to the Nízký Jeseník. The areas around Sovinec castle or Velké Karlovice in the Javorníky offer beautiful, unspoilt scenery, yet keep a much sleepier and quieter character than the well-known peaks of the Beskydy. Always also check in advance for any traffic restrictions and closures along your route.

Where to go next

If you’re tempted to explore the local mountains in more detail, take a look at our article Beskydy and Wallachia: 20 tips on where to go, where you’ll find plenty of further inspiration. For those planning a trip to the Jeseníky, I recommend reading the guide Bruntál: 18 tips on what to see in the gateway to the Jeseníky. If you were drawn to the industrial history, definitely don’t miss the piece Ostrava: 12 tips on what to see and do, and for the history of Silesia head out with the help of the article What to see in Opava: 9 tips. And if you still don’t know where to go in summer, get inspired in our big overview 20 tips on where to holiday in Czechia.

Frequently asked questions

And because you keep asking me about Northern Moravia (and I love answering), here are the answers to the most common questions:

Two UNESCO sites, Baťa functionalist architecture and the charming wine cellars of Slovácko in a single region sound like the perfect combination for a varied holiday. This part of Moravia in the Czech Republic offers an incredibly diverse mix of experiences that will satisfy history lovers, admirers of modern architecture, and families with young children alike. You’ll find everything here, from deep caves to flat cycle paths tracing lazily flowing rivers.

The last time Lukáš and I tested the Olomouc Advent markets, we were completely enchanted by that genuine festive calm without the usual rush. The rest of the region, though, invites exploring during the warmer months, when the baroque gardens light up in full colour and the gates of majestic castles swing open. If you’re looking for a destination where you won’t be bored for a single moment, head out to discover the secrets of Haná and Wallachia.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll take a look together at the fifteen most beautiful places in Central Moravia that truly deserve your attention. I’ll show you where to find the best accommodation, how to plan a programme with kids, and which local treats you definitely shouldn’t miss.

TL;DR

• Historic gem of the region: Olomouc hides the largest baroque sculptural group in Central Europe and a unique astronomical clock in the spirit of socialist realism.
• Castle splendour: The Archbishop’s Château in Kroměříž boasts the country’s second most valuable picture gallery and gorgeous gardens on the UNESCO list.
• Architectural marvel: Zlín will amaze you with Baťa functionalism and the famous skyscraper with a director’s office built right inside the lift.
• Fairy-tale castles: Bouzov Castle is familiar from many beloved Czech fairy tales, while Helfštýn draws visitors with its modern glass roofing.
• Natural beauty: Litovelské Pomoraví offers flat cycle paths and the town of Litovel rightfully carries the nickname the Venice of Haná.
• Family fun: Kids will love the huge zoo at Svatý Kopeček or the interactive Fortress of Knowledge.
• Culinary experiences: You simply have to taste the genuine Olomouc cheese (tvarůžky) from Loštice and the sweet Haná pastries on your travels.

When to visit Central Moravia

Central Moravia is beautiful all year round, but you’ll enjoy it most from late spring to early autumn. During this time all the castles and châteaux are open in full operation, the château gardens in Kroměříž glow in every colour, and the weather practically begs you to take long bike rides along the Morava River. The summer months bring the warmest weather, but you’ll have to expect larger crowds of tourists at the most famous spots. If you long for more peace on a summer weekend, avoid the crowded gardens in Kroměříž and head instead to the quiet forests of the Chřiby hills or the picturesque Litovelské Pomoraví.

September is an absolutely ideal time to visit Slovácko, because the whole region comes alive with grand wine festivals and folklore celebrations. Uherské Hradiště hosts the renowned Slovácko Wine Festival, when the streets fill with people in colourful traditional costumes and everyone tastes burčák (young fermenting wine). At the end of August, Helfštýn Castle comes alive with a huge event called Hefaiston, an international gathering of artistic blacksmiths from all over Europe. Fans of heavy music should meanwhile mark the summer months in Vizovice on their calendars, home to the big international Masters of Rock festival.

If, on the other hand, you long for a romantic winter atmosphere, head to Olomouc in December for the famous Advent markets, which many travellers consider the loveliest in the whole country. To explore the best of the region I recommend setting aside at least a long weekend. Ideally, plan for a full five to seven days, so you can visit the architectural gems and natural wonders without needless rushing. The towns of Olomouc, Kroměříž and Zlín form a handy triangle on the map that can be comfortably driven around in just a few days.

Where to stay in South Moravia and the Central region

The choice of accommodation in Central Moravia is genuinely varied and depends mainly on which part of the region you primarily want to explore. Olomouc, Kroměříž and Zlín form a handy imaginary triangle that can be comfortably driven around in three to four days. Explore these specific hotel tips broken down by area — they consistently earn great guest reviews and offer the perfect base for your trips.

In the Haná capital I recommend the stylish Long Story Short, which offers a unique combination of a premium hostel and hotel with gorgeous rooms and a fantastic courtyard. Also very popular is Miss Sophie’s Olomouc, an incredibly cosy boutique hotel right in a historic building with a very friendly, family atmosphere. If you’re after a more luxurious rest after a long day of sightseeing, you’ll surely love Hotel Theresian. This exceptionally elegant hotel boasts a wellness centre right on the roof, from where you have the historic city centre laid out below you.

In Kroměříž you can stay right on the Great Square at the hotel U Zlatého kohouta, which, besides its own patisserie, offers a rooftop wellness with a bar. If you stay three or more nights, entry to this relaxation centre is completely free. A great alternative is Hotel Octárna, which offers total peace in beautiful surroundings, boasts an excellent restaurant, and has the big advantage of convenient, hassle-free guest parking.

When you move south to Zlín, definitely consider the historic Interhotel Zlín, housed in the original Baťa Community House right on Labour Square. For lovers of peace and quiet, Hotel Tomášov Zlín is ideal, set in a quiet part of the city on a hill with beautiful views over the broad valley. In Slovácko, choose Hotel Mariánský Dvůr in Uherské Hradiště — but remember that during the September wine festival it’s hopelessly booked out many months in advance.

Central Moravia, Czech Republic: the 15 most beautiful places

Let’s take a look together at a complete overview of the absolute most interesting places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Haná and Wallachia. I’ve included iconic landmarks, architectural wonders and mysterious underground spaces here, so you can build an itinerary exactly to your taste.

1. Olomouc

Olomouc is, without exaggeration, one of the most charming cities in the country, and its historic centre can boldly compete with the lanes of Prague. The heart of the city is the Upper Square, dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, the largest baroque sculptural group in Central Europe, listed by UNESCO since 2000. Inside this majestic monument there’s even a small chapel, which makes it a genuine world-class rarity. Just a short walk away stands the town hall with its unique heliocentric astronomical clock, which took its current form in the 1950s in the style of socialist realism — so instead of the traditional saints, figures of workers and scientists rotate on it. The chimes play every day at exactly noon, so it’s worth planning your stroll through the centre for that time.

As you explore the city you’ll come across six baroque fountains, including for example the Caesar, Hercules, Mercury and Jupiter fountains. The local councillors once had them built rather than replacing them with a single large reservoir after the water supply was constructed, creating an utterly unique set of works of art. You definitely shouldn’t overlook the Cathedral of St Wenceslas either, which boasts the tallest church tower in Moravia, reaching an impressive height of one hundred metres.

If you’re looking for shelter from bad weather, head to the interactive Fortress of Knowledge museum, housed in a former military warehouse and run by the local university. For lunch or a snack, try one of the local pubs serving specialities made from genuine Olomouc cheese (tvarůžky). This cheese with protected designation of origin is completely vegetarian, and local cooks can conjure up excellent savoury pies and meat-free soups that will warm you up nicely in cooler weather.

💡 Tip: Interested in this city in more detail? Read our article What to see in Olomouc: the complete guide, where you’ll find plenty more inspiration.

2. Kroměříž

Kroměříž boasts the Archbishop’s Château with its breathtaking gardens, and the whole complex was rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. The château interiors are incredibly richly decorated, and this is exactly where Miloš Forman’s famous film Amadeus was shot, along with the acclaimed film The Unbearable Lightness of Being. The greatest jewel, however, is the château picture gallery, which holds the second most valuable art collection in the whole country after Prague’s National Gallery. Its greatest pride is Titian’s original painting Apollo and Marsyas, which draws art lovers from all over the world.

It’s best to check the exact entrance fee information before your trip directly on the website of the Archbishop’s Château. The château gardens are divided into two entirely different parts, both worth exploring thoroughly, which can easily take a whole afternoon. The Flower Garden is a rare, well-preserved Italian garden from the seventeenth century with a dominant octagonal rotunda and an incredibly long colonnade full of statues.

By contrast, the Château Garden is a sprawling English park full of mature trees and romantic ponds, where peacocks roam freely across the lawns. If you want to escape the crowds of tourists that pour in on summer weekends, I recommend heading out early in the morning or choosing a quieter weekday mid-week.

💡 Tip: Plan your trip in detail and find out what other attractions the town offers in our guide What to see in Kroměříž: 12 tips.

3. Bouzov Castle

Bouzov Castle looks exactly the way you’d imagine a perfect residence from classic fairy tales, mainly thanks to its extensive reconstruction at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Back then it acquired its typical romantic look with many turrets, battlements and drawbridges, making it one of the most photogenic places in the country. It’s no wonder, then, that filmmakers absolutely fell in love with it and choose it for shoots very often.

Its courtyards and grand chambers hosted the shooting of legendary fairy tales such as Arabela, The Tale of Princess Jasněnka and the Flying Cobbler, and the popular Italian fantasy series Fantaghirò. During the interior tour you’ll see beautifully carved furniture and rich collections of historic weapons that are sure to captivate not only adults but also little explorers. You can easily check the entrance fee and current opening hours on the castle’s official website.

I recommend combining your visit with a walk through the surrounding wooded hills, from where absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape open up onto the castle. Since it’s a very popular destination, it pays to arrive for the very first morning tour to avoid the long queues at the ticket office and enjoy the tour in a smaller group.

💡 Tip: A short walk below the castle there’s a historic area with a giant wooden replica of the Trojan horse, which the kids will be absolutely thrilled with.

4. The Javoříčko and Mladeč Caves

If you’re drawn to exploring mysterious underground worlds, Central Moravia certainly won’t disappoint you in this respect. The Javoříčko Caves hide exceptionally rich dripstone decoration, among the most beautiful and best preserved in the entire Czech Republic. You can look forward to huge chambers full of quirky limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites glowing in every shade of colour. Exploring these cool underground passages is an absolutely ideal activity for scorching summer days when you’re after some pleasant refreshment.

A little further on lie the Mladeč Caves, a globally significant archaeological site, as numerous remains from the era of mammoth hunters have been found here. A walk through these spaces suddenly transports you deep into prehistory and makes you reflect on the lives of our ancient ancestors. You’ll best find the current opening hours and tour prices for both cave systems on the Cave Administration portal, where you can also check the length of the individual routes.

The caves maintain a stable temperature of around eight degrees Celsius all year round, so don’t forget to bring a warm hoodie or light jacket even in the middle of summer. For families with children it’s a great experience — just bear in mind that the tours require at least sturdy footwear.

💡 Tip: After visiting the Javoříčko Caves, you can set off on a pleasant, easy walk through the surrounding forests, which hide plenty of smaller karst formations.

5. Zlín

Zlín is an absolute architectural revelation and works as a living open-air textbook of functionalism that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. The entire city, built from its characteristic red brick, was commissioned by the famous Baťa company, which created a fascinating urban concept combining industry with living in greenery. A walk through the city centre and its sprawling parks is like a journey back in time to the era of the greatest industrial boom of the First Republic, when a small town grew into an enormous global shoe-making empire.

The biggest draw is the legendary Baťa skyscraper, also known as Building 21, which in its day was the very tallest structure in all of Czechoslovakia. Its greatest curiosity and absolute technological marvel is the movable director’s office set right inside a spacious lift. This office was even fitted with its own air conditioning and a washbasin, which for the time represented unheard-of luxury and a showcase of technical progress.

Today you can go up to the roof of the skyscraper, from where a stunning view opens up over the precisely arranged colonies of typical Baťa houses and the sprawling factory complex. If you’re interested in the history of shoe-making in greater depth, be sure to also visit the cultural centre 14|15 Baťa Institute, created by a generous conversion of two old factory buildings.

💡 Tip: Want to know how to plan a route around the best architectural gems? Get inspired in our piece What to see in Zlín: Baťa functionalism.

6. Luhačovice

Luhačovice is without a doubt the largest and best-known spa town in Moravia, and it will win you over instantly with its unmistakable, laid-back atmosphere. The little town is set in a picturesque valley and tempts you with long colonnades full of fragrant spa wafers and healing springs. The most famous spring of all is the celebrated Vincentka, which you can taste right in the newly renovated hall on the main square — its salty taste is absolutely characteristic of the whole spa experience.

The spa is famous above all for the fairy-tale wooden buildings by architect Dušan Jurkovič, which create an unrepeatable genius loci. This gifted architect masterfully combined Art Nouveau with traditional elements of Wallachian folk architecture. The most photographed building is undoubtedly the colourful Jurkovič House, which looks as though it fell out of an illustration in some old book, and to this day serves as a popular luxury spa hotel.

Besides sipping the spring waters and admiring the architecture, you can also enjoy pleasant walks through the spa parks, which are full of carefully tended flower beds. If you’re looking for more active relaxation, head to the nearby Luhačovice Reservoir, around which runs a flat trail ideal for inline skating or easy cycling.

💡 Tip: Bring home an original souvenir from the spa in the form of a special drinking cup with a long spout, from which the local mineral waters taste noticeably better.

7. Uherské Hradiště and Slovácko

Uherské Hradiště proudly fills the role of the cultural and historic capital of the whole Slovácko region, an area known for its immensely rich folklore and hospitality. The heart of the town is the sprawling Masaryk Square, adorned with a beautiful baroque fountain, around which you’ll find plenty of pleasant cafés and excellent restaurants. The extensive Slovácko Museum is definitely worth a visit, where you’ll learn everything essential about traditional costumes, folk customs and local crafts that are still lovingly kept alive in the area.

The whole area around the town is literally dotted with picturesque wine cellars, which complete the unmistakable character of the local rolling landscape and invite you to an evening spent over a glass. In September the whole town comes alive during the grand Slovácko Wine Festival, when the streets fill with people in colourful traditional costumes, cimbalom music plays everywhere, and everyone tastes burčák in abundance. If you’re planning a visit during this period, book your accommodation well in advance — easily even half a year ahead.

Not far from here is also the village of Vlčnov, world-famous for its traditional Ride of the Kings, which was inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. This unique custom full of colour and tradition attracts the attention of visitors from all over the world and represents the very best of Slovácko culture.

💡 Tip: If you’re heading to this region, be sure to read our detailed article Uherské Hradiště: the capital of Slovácko.

8. Velehrad and Modrá

Velehrad is the most important place of pilgrimage in Moravia, whose strong spiritual atmosphere washes over you the moment you arrive. The whole complex is dominated by the gorgeous Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius, which amazes with its richly decorated interiors and majestic towers. The place is closely linked to the arrival of the Slavic missionaries, and every July thousands of pilgrims come here for the grand traditional celebrations full of emotion.

Just a short walk from Velehrad is the fascinating Modrá Archaeological Open-Air Museum, which offers a perfect reconstruction of a Great Moravian fortified settlement. You can walk among the reed-thatched huts, watch ancient craftsmen at work, and see with your own eyes what everyday life was like for our ancestors in the ninth century. It’s a fantastic experience especially for families with children, as the site feels immensely lively and authentic.

Both of these places are easy to combine into one packed full-day trip, as both lie just a few minutes’ walk from each other. While the basilica offers space for quiet contemplation and admiring grand historic architecture, the open-air museum instantly pulls you — and especially your children — into the action. You can easily check the archaeological site’s entrance fee and the basilica’s opening hours on their websites before your trip, as prices sometimes change with the current tourist season.

💡 Tip: In Modrá, definitely don’t miss the nearby and very popular Living Water exhibition, where you walk through a unique glass tunnel right beneath the surface of a pond full of giant beluga sturgeon and carp.

9. Buchlov and Buchlovice

This pair of landmarks forms an absolutely perfect architectural contrast and represents one of the best full-day trips in Central Moravia, sure to please lovers of history and romance alike. The medieval Buchlov Castle rises proudly on a high wooded ridge of the Chřiby mountains and, even from afar, looks like an impregnable stone fortress from the days of ancient knights. From its mighty walls and lookout towers you get fantastic panoramic views over the whole surrounding landscape, especially in autumn, when the surrounding deciduous forests turn incredible shades of red and gold.

A completely different experience is offered by the baroque Buchlovice château, which lies just a few kilometres lower down in the picturesque foothills. This château was built in the style of Italian country villas and is surrounded by a gorgeous English park full of rare trees and freely roaming peacocks that lend the whole place a stately atmosphere. So in a single day you can experience both the harsh medieval reality and the polished elegance of a château. You’ll best find the exact information about the tour routes of both landmarks on their official websites, where you can also secure tickets in advance.

💡 Tip: The route between the rugged castle and the romantic château leads through the beautiful wooded nature of the Chřiby hills and offers plenty of stops for short hikes or an afternoon picnic.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Central Moravia

6 accommodations — wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Long Story Short

Stylish premium hostel and hotel with gorgeous rooms and a fantastic courtyard in the center of Olomouc.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Miss Sophie’s Olomouc

Incredibly cozy boutique hotel in a historic building with a friendly family atmosphere.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Hotel Theresian

Elegant hotel with a rooftop wellness center overlooking the historic center.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel U Zlatého kohouta

Hotel right on the Main Square with its own patisserie and rooftop wellness with a bar.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Octárna

Complete tranquility in beautiful surroundings with an excellent restaurant and convenient parking.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Interhotel Zlín

Historic hotel in the original Baťa Community House right on náměstí Práce.

★★★★ Check prices

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10. Helfštýn

Helfštýn Castle is among the very largest castle complexes in the whole Czech Republic, and its huge size and the sheer scale of its fortifications are sure to amaze you the moment you arrive. It’s unique above all in that you have to pass through an incredible seven gates in succession before you reach the very heart of the castle on the highest courtyard. A walk through the whole complex is quite a decent sporting feat, but it rewards you with the sight of precise medieval building craft that protected the important trade route through the Moravian Gate for centuries.

In 2020 the dilapidated ruin of the castle palace underwent a fascinating and very bold reconstruction, during which it gained a modern glass roof and an ingenious system of steel walkways. This architectural solution sensitively links the historic masonry with modern design and has rightfully won a number of prestigious international awards, so before your visit be sure to check the details on the Helfštýn Castle website. Every year at the end of August the castle comes alive with a huge event called Hefaiston, an international gathering of artistic blacksmiths from all over Europe, whose stunning works adorn many of the castle courtyards and form a permanent exhibition.

💡 Tip: From the highest castle tower there’s an absolutely superb 360° view over the whole vast Moravian Gate area, and on a clear day you can see incredibly far.

11. Litovel and Litovelské Pomoraví

The town of Litovel is quite rightly and with great pride nicknamed the Venice of Haná, because an incredible six branches of the Morava River flow through its historic centre. The water romantically runs right beneath the main square here, lines the ancient walls, and lends the whole little town a very unusual and incredibly calm atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with at first sight. Sitting in one of the local cafés with a view of the lazily flowing water is the best way to recharge in this town before heading out to explore again.

Right beyond the town gates begins the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area, a true paradise for all lovers of pristine nature and active relaxation. You’ll find vast floodplain forests here, oxbow lakes full of rare water birds, and wetlands that in appearance resemble a small jungle wilderness in the middle of civilisation. The whole area is absolutely ideal for easy cycling, as it’s completely flat with plenty of perfectly maintained cycle paths. If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds, this is exactly the right direction for your trip.

💡 Tip: In Litovel you can rent a boat or paddleboard in the summer months and see the town from a completely different perspective, right from the water surface of one of the river branches.

12. Svatý Kopeček

Svatý Kopeček rises right above Olomouc, forming an unmissable landmark of the whole wide surroundings that you can see from a great distance. Its main attraction is the monumental baroque pilgrimage Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, reached from the city by a long historic avenue, which amazes with its richly decorated interiors and gorgeous frescoes. A walk across the sprawling square in front of the basilica is wonderful in any season, and it offers one of the loveliest panoramic views over the entire Haná capital.

Besides the spiritual dimension, though, most visitors come here for another huge draw — the sprawling Olomouc Zoo. It spreads across gorgeous wooded terrain and offers plenty of open enclosures where you can watch the animals up close in their natural environment; you’ll find more practical information on the zoo’s website. Svatý Kopeček can be reached very comfortably by regular public transport straight from the centre of Olomouc, so you don’t have to worry about the tricky parking that can be quite a problem on holiday weekends.

💡 Tip: Right in the zoo grounds there’s a tall steel lookout tower, from which, on a nice sunny day, you have the entire flat Haná region laid out below you.

13. Svatý Hostýn

Svatý Hostýn is, right after Velehrad, the second most important place of pilgrimage in Moravia, and a visit here carries an incredibly strong charge regardless of whether you’re a believer or simply admire sacred architecture. On the very summit of the wooded hill above the town of Bystřice pod Hostýnem stands the beautiful Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. A long monumental staircase leads up to the basilica from the foot of the hill, lined with little stalls where traditional gingerbread, holy pictures and all sorts of souvenirs have been sold for generations.

Special and very detailed attention is also deserved by the original Way of the Cross from the early twentieth century, designed by the famous Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič. This path with colourful mosaics fits beautifully into the surrounding forest landscape and makes a magical spot for a quiet walk. There’s no entrance fee here, but bear in mind that you can’t drive up the hill in an ordinary car without a special permit, so you’ll have to use the regular bus service from Bystřice. At the top there’s also a modern wind turbine with a lookout tower, which creates an incredibly interesting contrast between deep history and the present day.

💡 Tip: A short walk below the summit you’ll find a healing spring called the Water Chapel, where people from all around come to fill their bottles with the cool and supposedly miraculous water.

14. Holešov

The little town of Holešov often quite unfairly stays in the shadow of the far better-known Kroměříž, yet it offers exceptionally interesting historic landmarks that deserve your full attention. The biggest landmark is the early baroque château with a gorgeous sprawling park, whose water channels form, from a bird’s-eye view, a unique layout in the shape of Neptune’s trident. The château park is freely accessible to the general public and makes an absolutely perfect spot for an afternoon picnic beneath the crowns of centuries-old trees, or for a romantic walk at sunset.

A genuine world-class rarity, though, is the unassuming Šach Synagogue, which rightfully ranks among the very best-preserved and most important Jewish monuments in the whole Czech Republic. Its inconspicuous exterior hides richly decorated wooden ceilings and ancient texts, and you’ll find the current guided tour options on the town’s information portals. Inseparable from the synagogue is the nearby mysterious Jewish cemetery with the tomb of the famous Rabbi Šach, to which pilgrims from all over the world travel every year. Holešov is simply an ideal stop if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

💡 Tip: Definitely take the synagogue tour with a local guide, as the stories connected with the local Jewish community are immensely fascinating and full of emotion.

15. Vizovice

Say Wallachia and lots of people immediately and quite automatically think of Vizovice, which throughout the country is literally synonymous with quality fruit spirits. The main tourist draw here is the famous Rudolf Jelínek distillery, where you can go on a very popular tour and follow, with a guide, the whole fascinating process of making genuine Moravian slivovitz (plum brandy). At the end of the tour there’s of course the much-anticipated tasting, after which you can buy special editions of the spirits in the company shop that you certainly won’t find in ordinary supermarkets.

The town also boasts a beautiful baroque Vizovice château, which offers richly furnished interiors with extensive collections of period paintings and rare porcelain. It’s always best to check the château’s opening hours and the exact distillery tour times on their official websites, as the capacity often fills up quickly. In the summer months Vizovice also transforms into the capital of heavy music, as it hosts the huge international Masters of Rock festival. The area around the town is threaded with hiking trails that reliably lead you up to the ridges of the Vizovice Hills with stunning views.

💡 Tip: If you’re heading to Vizovice in summer for the festival, secure your accommodation well in advance, as the whole wider area tends to be booked out months ahead.

Central Moravia with kids: the best family tips

Travelling with children requires a slightly different approach and more careful planning, so that no one is bored for a single moment and everyone enjoys the holiday in complete comfort. Fortunately, Central Moravia is full of great attractions that will thrill both little explorers and their tired parents. I’ve prepared four self-contained themed circuits for you that will save your daily programme in absolutely any weather.

Olomouc Zoo and Zlín-Lešná Zoo

A visit to the zoo is an absolute safe bet that’s guaranteed to light up every child’s eyes. Olomouc Zoo at Svatý Kopeček tempts with the vast expanses of its wooded enclosures, where the animals move in a very natural environment. In high season from March to October, adults pay around €7.40 (180 Kč) for entry, and children from three years along with students and seniors pay around €4.90 (120 Kč), while the youngest children under three enter completely free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs a favourable €21 or so (520 Kč), but watch out for the parking fee. It’s paid separately and in the summer season comes to an extra €4 or so (100 Kč) per day, which surprises many unprepared families right at the barriers.

The second fantastic choice is Zlín-Lešná Zoo, which has long been among the most visited zoos in the country and is uniquely built right around a romantic historic château. The animals here are logically arranged by continent, and you can wander with the children through spacious walk-through aviaries full of colourful exotic birds, or take a close look at rays in a special touch pool. Always check the current entrance fees and opening hours on the official website of Zlín Zoo, as they may change slightly depending on the season.

To the caves and the archaeological open-air museum

When you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with the kids or a quick escape from the unpleasant summer heat, a descent underground is always a great idea. The Javoříčko Caves, with their absolutely fantastic dripstone decoration, feel to children like a journey into a real fairy-tale realm full of petrified giants and quirky shapes. But be sure to bring a warm hoodie for everyone, including yourself, because even in the hottest August summer it stays quite chilly here, and the tour of the whole complex takes just under an hour.

For a proper dose of history in the fresh air, head to the Modrá Archaeological Open-Air Museum near Velehrad, which is sure to pull children into the action and not let go. It’s no boring museum with dusty display cases, but a living and very authentic recreation of a Great Moravian settlement. Here children can see the dark semi-sunken dwellings first-hand, try archery under supervision, or enthusiastically pet the freely roaming farm animals that give the whole site just the right historic atmosphere.

When it rains: the Fortress of Knowledge and the Baťa Institute

Sadly you can’t order the weather on holiday, so it’s always good to have a solid plan B for rainy days. In Olomouc, the interactive Fortress of Knowledge museum will reliably save you — it’s housed in a beautiful historic former military warehouse and run with huge enthusiasm by the local university itself. Here children can safely try out all sorts of physics experiments first-hand, walk through a giant model of the human brain, or solve tricky logic puzzles. You’ll find more useful information about the programmes on the Fortress of Knowledge website.

In Zlín, head with your little ones to the wonderful cultural centre called 14|15 Baťa Institute, created by a very generous conversion of two old brick factory buildings in the city centre. Inside you’ll find a modern museum of southeastern Moravia with an exceptionally engaging exhibition on the history of shoe-making and the famous Baťa family era. Thanks to plenty of historic sewing machines, flashing buttons and period objects, this excursion into the past unexpectedly entertains even the youngest visitors, who would otherwise be bored stiff in a classic museum.

With a pushchair around the château gardens

Travelling with the very youngest children in a pushchair calls for terrain without needless steps, roots and awkward obstacles. Absolutely ideal in this respect is the Château Garden in Kroměříž, which is perfectly flat with very wide, firm sandy paths. You can wander here for hours in the pleasant shade of mature trees, watch the wild peacocks while your child sleeps peacefully, and on top of that, entry to this sprawling part of the gardens is completely free all year round.

Great and very safe pushchair routes are also offered by the Smetana Gardens in Olomouc, where you’ll find endlessly long asphalt avenues, plenty of benches to rest on, and beautifully maintained flower beds. If you prefer wilder nature to city parks on your walks, set off on the smooth cycle path running along the Morava River in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. This terrain is absolutely safe and comfortable for smooth pushchair travel, and the whole way you breathe wonderfully clean forest air.

Where to eat in Central Moravia

The food scene in Central Moravia is incredibly varied, blending honest historic traditions with modern culinary trends. The absolute most famous local product is of course the famous Olomouc cheese (tvarůžky), the only original Czech cheese with protected designation of origin, and one that’s also completely vegetarian. It’s characterised by a strongly pungent flavour and a very unmistakable, distinctive aroma that may put some people off at first — but once you taste it, you’ll probably become a fan. It’s made in the nearby town of Loštice, where, besides the factory itself, you’ll also find a great cheese museum and local restaurants that prepare excellent meat-free soups, savoury pies and incredibly original sweet desserts from it.

The Haná region is also famous far and wide for its sweets, so on your travels you simply must taste the traditional Haná pastries (koláče), which are generously filled with soft quark and topped with a sweet crumble. In Wallachia, meanwhile, every good bakery will have huge round frgály cakes with pear, poppy-seed or plum-jam fillings, which reliably satisfy a sweet tooth after a long, demanding trip. The regional cuisine also offers a range of heartier meat dishes that will please lovers of the classics; in Haná a typical speciality is the rich Haná svíčková (marinated beef in cream sauce), while Slovácko is famous for its honest Slovácko sausages, which waft from every stall at the autumn festivals.

When you wander through sunny Slovácko, it would be a huge mistake not to taste the excellent Moravia wines, which are an inseparable part of the local culture and folklore. The passionate local winemakers grow wonderful varieties of both white and red wine, and an evening spent in a cool wine cellar with a glass in hand is the best possible way to end a day of sightseeing. If you prefer something stronger to warm up in cooler weather, then in Wallachia every lover of honest, quality fruit slivovitz will get their fix.

Practical tips: transport, festivals and reservations

• Excellent rail access: Olomouc lies right on the main railway corridor, so it’s very well connected across the country and easy to reach by fast train. If you’re heading to Baťa’s Zlín, most train services require a quick, hassle-free change in nearby Otrokovice.
• Strategic route planning: The towns of Olomouc, Kroměříž and Zlín form an absolutely ideal triangle on the map, which can be comfortably driven around without much rush in three to four days — a great basis for your long weekend. Remember that a motorway vignette (toll sticker, as in Austria or Switzerland) is required to use Czech motorways.
• Where to escape the crowds: If you long for more peace on a summer holiday weekend, avoid the crowded gardens in Kroměříž and head instead to the quiet forests of the Chřiby hills or the picturesque Litovelské Pomoraví.
• Book early in Slovácko: If you want to experience the grand September Slovácko Wine Festival in Uherské Hradiště first-hand, secure your accommodation easily half a year in advance — otherwise you don’t stand the slightest chance of finding a free room.

Where to go next

If you enjoy travelling around this country and are looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our other guides full of personal tips and recommendations from different corners of the Czech Republic:

• 20 tips for a holiday in the Czech Republic
• What to see in Olomouc: the complete guide
• What to see in Zlín: Baťa functionalism

Frequently asked questions

Before every trip to a new region, plenty of small practical questions come up. I’ve prepared an overview of the most common queries that travellers usually have about Central Moravia, so you’ll be perfectly prepared for your holiday and nothing will catch you off guard.

Say the name Baťa and most of us instantly picture a pair of comfortable shoes, yet few people realise what an urban miracle this shoemaking dynasty conjured up in the eastern corner of Moravia. Zlín in the Czech Republic is the only city of its kind in the world that was built from the ground up by a single company.

Within just a few decades, Tomáš Baťa and his successors transformed a small, unremarkable village into a modern functionalist hub that earned the nickname “the garden city”. Everything here was given its own order, from the layout of the streets to the red bricks, glass and concrete used to build factories, schools and workers’ houses according to one unified module.

Anyone who comes to this part of Moravia suddenly finds themselves in a living, textbook example of twentieth-century modern architecture. I’ve put together a detailed guide packed with tips on what to see in Zlín, so you can make the most of this fascinating city surrounded by the gorgeous greenery of the Wallachia region and not miss a single important spot.

TL;DR

If you’re in a hurry and just need a quick overview of the most important highlights, here’s a short list of the essentials:

• Baťa’s Skyscraper: The company’s former headquarters, with its legendary mobile office inside a lift and a beautiful view from the rooftop.
• The Tomáš Baťa Memorial: A pure glass structure housing a model of the plane in which the founder of the empire tragically died.
• Baťa houses: Whole districts full of typical red-brick buildings that make up the famous garden city concept.
• Zlín-Lešná Zoo and Chateau: The second most visited zoo in the country, divided thematically by continent.
• 14|15 Baťa Institute: The cultural heart inside former factory halls, home to an outstanding exhibition on the history of shoemaking and famous travellers.
• Film Studios: A spot on Kudlov hill where the history of Czech animated and special-effects film was written.

When to Visit Zlín

Zlín is open all year round, but it only really shows its best side from spring to autumn. The concept of a factory set in gardens comes fully into its own once the trees along Gahura’s Promenade and around the Baťa houses turn green, and the leafy Baťa districts are simply a completely different experience than in grey February. Spring and early summer are ideal for long walks through neighbourhoods like Letná or Zálešná.

If you love culture and don’t mind a bit more buzz, consider visiting around the turn of May and June, when the famous Zlín Film Festival takes place. The city comes alive then, there’s something happening everywhere and the atmosphere is wonderfully infectious. Autumn brings beautifully coloured leaves that create a very photogenic contrast against the red brick of the buildings.

As for getting there from the UK, the easiest option is to fly to Prague, Brno or Vienna and continue on from there. Zlín sits a little off the main railway corridor. From Prague it’s roughly 300 kilometres by car, which takes around three hours. If you prefer the train, direct services from the capital run only very rarely. The usual approach is to take an express to nearby Otrokovice (about ten kilometres away) and then continue by local train or city public transport straight into the centre of Zlín. The coach from Prague takes about four hours. One or two days are plenty for the city itself, but if you also want to head out on day trips around the area, set aside three days.

Where to Stay in Zlín

Choosing accommodation here is a real pleasure, because you can sleep in the very buildings that remember the heyday of the Baťa empire. Local hotels often respect this functionalist legacy and offer great comfort.

For history lovers and a central location Standing right on Náměstí Práce is the unmissable Interhotel Zlín. Many people still know it by its long-standing name, Hotel Moskva. It’s the original Community House that the Baťa company built in the 1930s, so you’ll be staying right in the heart of the action with views over the entire functionalist centre.

For peace and lovely views If you’re after an oasis of calm and like to treat yourself a little, take a look at Hotel Tomášov Zlín. It sits in a quieter part of the city up on a hill, offers gorgeous views over the valley and will delight you with its on-site wellness centre, perfect for unwinding after a full day on your feet.

The middle ground and a spa option A very pleasant and practical base is Hotel Baltaci U Náhonu Zlín, praised by guests for its excellent value for money. For a more homely, cosy atmosphere, try Hotel Vila Kamenec Zlín. And if you want to combine sightseeing with a proper spa break out in nature, head just outside the city to Hotel Lázně Kostelec Zlín.

What to See and Do in Zlín, Czech Republic

Zlín isn’t a city where you wander from one baroque church to the next. Here you come to admire the vision of one shoemaker who decided to build an entire city from scratch and make it nicer than he had to. The architecture is strictly functional, but its greatest charm lies precisely in that simplicity and the repetition of geometric shapes. Let’s walk through twelve places you definitely shouldn’t skip on your visit.

1. Baťa’s Skyscraper (Building 21)

This is without doubt the city’s main symbol. Baťa’s Skyscraper, which locals simply call “the twenty-one” (after the American system of numbering the buildings in the complex), was built between 1936 and 1938. The design came from the company’s in-house architect, Vladimír Karfík. At 77.5 metres tall, it was the second highest building in all of Europe at the time. The roughly sixteen above-ground floors went up in just two years, which is a hard-to-believe pace even by today’s standards.

The skyscraper’s biggest curiosity, which housed the company’s management, is the mobile office of Jan Antonín Baťa. Picture a lift measuring roughly six by six metres that doubled as a fully functioning study. The company boss had air conditioning inside, a sink with running water and even a telephone, so he could run the business while smoothly moving between floors to reach his employees. Today the building houses the regional and tax authorities, but for tourists the most important spot is the sixteenth floor. There you’ll find a café with a viewing terrace, where the whole brick city spreads out at your feet.

2. Náměstí Práce and the Grand Cinema

Náměstí Práce (Labour Square) is the very heart of functionalist Zlín and shows how the Baťa company thought about public space in the 1930s. Everything was geared towards the needs of the employees. On one side the square is framed by the imposing Community House (today’s Interhotel Zlín) and a department store, and on another by the legendary Grand Cinema. This is also where you’ll find the statues commemorating the founders of the shoemaking empire.

The Grand Cinema deserves special attention. It was built back in 1932 and, with a capacity of over two thousand seats, it was one of the largest in all of pre-war Czechoslovakia. Baťa knew very well that after a full day at the production line people needed entertainment and culture too. I do have to flag one practical thing, though. The cinema has unfortunately been closed since 2016 due to the building’s dangerous condition and is currently awaiting a costly renovation. So you can only view it from the outside, but even so its austere, monumental architecture is worth a look.

3. Zlín-Lešná Zoo and Chateau

When you want a break from concrete and brick, you only need to travel a little way out of the centre. The local zoo is among the best you can visit in the country. It opened to the public in 1948 and today spreads across an impressive area of more than fifty hectares. It cares for around fifteen hundred animals representing roughly two hundred and thirty different species.

The grounds are cleverly divided into zones by continent (Africa, Asia, Australia, America), so a walk around the gardens feels like a journey around the world. In the middle of the enclosures stands the gorgeous, romantic Lešná Chateau from the late nineteenth century, built here by the aristocratic Seilern family. The combination of animals, mature trees and a historic residence works so well that this is the second most visited zoo in the Czech Republic, right after Prague’s, and the most popular tourist destination in Moravia overall. More than 750,000 visitors come here every year.

4. The Tomáš Baťa Memorial

This building is often described as the architectural peak of Zlín. The Tomáš Baťa Memorial was designed by architect František Lýdie Gahura and officially opened in 1933, exactly one year after the tragic death of the company’s founder. It’s an incredibly pure, light-filled functionalist building made of nothing but glass, iron and concrete. The interior isn’t divided by any walls; everything is held up by slender columns alone, creating a powerful sense of lightness and light.

The main, and really the only, focal point inside the memorial is a faithful model of the Junkers F13 aircraft. It was in just such a plane that Tomáš Baťa died in a crash near Otrokovice in July 1932, while heading off on a business trip to Switzerland. The building suffered considerable damage during the Second World War and under the previous regime it was even insensitively converted into a concert hall and gallery. Fortunately, a very careful restoration in 2019 returned the memorial to its original, light-filled form.

5. The 14|15 Baťa Institute

If you really want to understand the story of the Baťa miracle, this is where you need to head. The cultural and educational centre known as the 14|15 Baťa Institute occupies the carefully restored factory buildings numbers 14 and 15, and it opened its doors in 2013. Former abandoned factory halls have become a lively cultural centre that has still kept its raw industrial character.

Under one roof you’ll now find the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts, the František Bartoš Regional Library and, above all, the Museum of South-East Moravia. Be sure not to miss the extensive permanent exhibition called The Baťa Principle. It guides visitors through the entire history of the company, includes a huge shoemaking museum with footwear from around the world, gives you a glimpse into the beginnings of Zlín film, and devotes plenty of space to the famous travellers Jiří Hanzelka and Miroslav Zikmund, whose journeys were closely tied to Zlín.

6. The Baťa Villa

Long before the giant factory halls and the skyscraper went up, the company’s founder started building his family home. The Baťa Villa was constructed between 1909 and 1911, and although a different builder began the project, the famous architect Jan Kotěra played a major part in its final form. Compared to the strict functionalism that followed, the villa is a touch more ornate and traditional, even if it already carries the marks of modern thinking about housing.

Tomáš Baťa lived here with his family and set off from here to his factories each day. The house survived many historical upheavals and currently serves as the representative seat of the Tomáš Baťa Foundation. Its spaces come alive today with lectures, meetings and cultural events, so practically anyone can come and see this piece of Baťa history.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to Stay in Zlín

6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Interhotel Zlín

An unmissable hotel right on Náměstí Práce (Work Square), originally a Social House built by the Baťa company in the 1930s. You’ll stay right in the epicenter of activity with views of the functionalist center.

★★★★ Check prices

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Hotel Tomášov Zlín

An oasis of tranquility in a quieter part of town on a hill with magnificent valley views. Offers a wellness center for relaxation after a full day of walking.

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Hotel Baltaci U Náhonu Zlín

A practical base with excellent value for money. Guests praise the good location and services.

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Hotel Vila Kamenec Zlín

A hotel with a more family-friendly and cozy atmosphere in Zlín.

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Hotel Lázně Kostelec Zlín

A spa hotel just outside the city, ideal for combining city exploration with a proper spa retreat in nature.

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View all accommodations in Zlín

Explore all available accommodation options in Zlín and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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7. The Baťa Houses and the Garden City

This is exactly what makes Zlín Zlín. Looking down from above, you’ll see endless rows of typical little houses built from bare red brick, nestled in a sea of trees and lawns. Zlín is a textbook example of the garden city urban concept. The Baťa company wanted to provide quality, affordable housing for its workers, and so in the 1920s and 1930s whole new districts began to spring up according to the designs of architect František Lýdie Gahura.

The houses were built quickly, cheaply and to standardised plans. There were three basic types: quarter-houses, semi-detached houses and free-standing single houses. More than nineteen hundred of them survive to this day, forming cohesive districts such as Letná, Zálešná or Lesní čtvrť. Walking through these streets is a little like strolling through a film set, except that here people genuinely live, hang out their washing and grow vegetables in their gardens just as they did ninety years ago.

8. The Film Studios and the Zlín Film Festival

Zlín isn’t only about shoes, it’s about the silver screen too. When Jan Antonín Baťa needed to promote his products, he wasn’t satisfied with print adverts. In 1936 he had the first film studio built on Kudlov hill. It was originally meant only for shooting advertising clips, but over time the studios became a true cradle of Czech animated and special-effects film.

Absolute legends of Czech cinema worked here. Hermína Týrlová created her pioneering puppet animations here, and it was here, under the hands of director Karel Zeman, that the legendary film Journey to the Beginning of Time was made. The Zlín Film Festival, an international festival of films for children and youth, seamlessly carries on this rich tradition and has been held here since 1961. It’s the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the entire world.

9. The Church of Saints Philip and James

You might get the impression that Zlín dropped out of the sky along with the first shoe factory, but that’s not the case. The city has a far older history, and a reminder of those times is the Church of Saints Philip and James, which stands right next to Náměstí Míru (Peace Square). This is the original Zlín church, with foundations reaching back to the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; historical sources put its construction at roughly 1390 to 1420.

The church stands as a beautiful historical counterpoint to the modern city around it, a reminder that Zlín existed as a small Moravian town long before the Baťa era arrived and changed everything. Incidentally, right next to it once stood the very oldest Zlín cemetery, which later had to make way for the growing city.

10. The Forest Cemetery

Speaking of cemeteries, Zlín’s main one is utterly unique and absolutely worth a quiet stroll. The Forest Cemetery was consecrated in 1932 and, as the name suggests, it has a very unusual, natural design. The graves are set right among mature trees in woodland, with no showy concrete enclosures or huge marble monuments. Everything is very simple and in harmony with nature.

The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures connected with the city. Since July 1932, Tomáš Baťa himself has been buried here, his grave very plain and modest. Also resting here are architect František Lýdie Gahura, who gave Zlín its face, and the famous filmmakers Karel Zeman and Hermína Týrlová. It’s an immensely calm and reverent place, perhaps the quietest corner of all Zlín, where you fully realise just how much the Baťa family cared about order and beauty even in moments like these.

11. Malenovice Castle

If you do start to miss classic monuments, you just need to head to an outlying part of the city. Malenovice Castle, today part of Zlín, is a typical Gothic fortress. It was founded in the mid-fourteenth century by Jan Jindřich, who was none other than the brother of Emperor Charles IV.

Over the centuries the castle went through many alterations, so you’ll find traces of both Renaissance and Baroque on it. The last private owners of the estate were the well-known Šternberk family. The monument is currently managed by the Museum of South-East Moravia. Inside you can explore several interesting historical exhibitions, and as a reward for climbing the stairs you’ll be treated to a lovely view of the surrounding landscape from the castle tower.

12. Gahura’s Promenade and the City Greenery

The final tip isn’t a specific building but the space between them. Gahura’s Promenade is a huge green axis set right into the centre of Zlín. Architect František Lýdie Gahura designed this long, rising grassy strip lined with tree avenues as a connecting element between the Tomáš Baťa Memorial up on the hill and the educational buildings down in the city.

This generous belt of greenery is actually the best proof that the idea of a factory set in gardens was never just an advertising slogan. To this day Zlín is one of the very greenest cities in the Czech Republic. Here greenery isn’t merely an add-on but an organic part of the development, weaving right between the brick houses, factory complexes and office buildings. Strolling along the promenade or simply sitting down on the grass is the best way to soak up the local atmosphere.

💡 Tip with kids: If you’re travelling with the family, besides Lešná Zoo be sure to head to the Museum of South-East Moravia in the Baťa Institute. The part of the exhibition devoted to travellers Hanzelka and Zikmund is very engaging for curious children, as are the clips from old animated films.

The Fire of Building 34: What Has Changed in the Svit Complex

If your last visit to Zlín was before the summer of 2026, an unexpectedly empty spot now awaits you in the Svit complex. On Thursday 9 July 2026, shortly before half past eight in the morning, a fire broke out on the ninth floor of Building 34, where the shoe company Vasky had its central warehouse. Within moments the flames spread to the other floors and to the roof. Firefighters declared the highest, fourth-degree fire alarm, and more than forty units with fifty-one pieces of equipment were sent to the scene. In the afternoon the building collapsed in two places and barely half of it was left standing.

The operation took extraordinarily long. Because of the risk of further collapse, the firefighters had to withdraw to a safe distance of seventy metres and fight the fire only with water monitors, drones and police helicopters with a Bambi Bucket. It was fully extinguished only on 22 July, after almost two weeks. Fortunately, fifty people were evacuated from the affected building in time and no one was seriously injured.

With this, Zlín lost a building that was an inseparable part of the Baťa complex. The central shoe warehouse was designed by architect Vladimír Kubečka and built in three stages between 1949 and 1955. It was the first Czechoslovak attempt at a truly modern warehouse with maximum mechanisation of internal transport, and in its day the most modern building of its kind in the country. History also sadly repeated itself here: its predecessor, Buildings 32 and 33, was reduced to ashes in November 1944 after an Allied air raid.

In recent decades the building served as a logistics centre and housed eight companies with roughly two hundred employees. Vasky lost around seventy thousand pairs of shoes, and the outdoor brand Alpine Pro lost a central warehouse with stock worth more than half a billion crowns. On the ground floor there was a regional depot of Zásilkovna, and the top floor was home to the investment group Cream, which had planned to convert the building into flats and offices from 2027.

For visitors, though, one thing is essential: the fire did not reach Zlín’s main landmarks. The Baťa Skyscraper was closed as a precaution on the day of the fire because of the smoke and smell, and Buildings 15 and 22 also had limited operation. But since mid-July everything has been running normally again. The observation terrace on the sixteenth floor and the moving office are open, as are the Tomáš Baťa Memorial, the 14|15 Baťa Institute, the Museum of South-East Moravia and the regional gallery.

Just bear in mind that the immediate surroundings of Building 34 remain closed. The demolition company took over the remains on 5 August 2026 and is due to raze the main part to the ground in roughly twenty-five working days. So in the autumn you’ll still come across fences, heavy machinery and dust there. 💡 Tip: It has not yet been decided what will rise on the cleared site. The architects who were consulted agree that building an exact replica would make no sense, so this spot is worth keeping an eye on in the future too.

Where to Eat in Zlín

Hunting down good food and coffee is a joy here, because the city has a great food scene. If you love good cafés, definitely stop by Jedním tahem, located in one of the former factory buildings. They serve excellent speciality coffee, do great brunches, and the space also doubles as a gallery. Another very pleasant stop right in the factory complex is Lusso Caffe, a stylish café inspired by the Italian way of life. In the very centre, on Tomáš Baťa Avenue, you’ll find the popular Archa café.

Good news for vegetarians: Zlín offers several meat-free options. Right in the Svit complex is the restaurant Prašád, which cooks exclusively vegetarian. In the centre you’ll find Pranaya, another purely vegetarian restaurant with a weekday lunch menu.

Of course, we mustn’t forget that Zlín lies in Wallachia, a region with a very distinctive, strong culinary tradition. Among the local specialities that tourists often seek out are the hearty cabbage soup known as kyselica and the filling potato dumplings called střapačky served with sauerkraut. Apparently you have to wash it all down with slivovitz (plum brandy) from the surrounding orchards, which the locals swear by. And for a sweet finish, there are the renowned frgály, enormous sweet cakes with quark, poppy seed or pear filling, which even boast a Protected Geographical Indication from the European Union.

Day Trips from Zlín

If you have more time in eastern Moravia, the area around the city offers plenty of further options. Both Wallachia and neighbouring Slovácko are full of history and interesting places.

• Vizovice: Just about fourteen kilometres from Zlín. Here you’ll find a beautiful baroque chateau with a unique collection of historical board games. The town is mainly famous, though, for the R. Jelínek distillery, which continues a tradition of distilling dating back to 1585 and exports its world-renowned slivovitz. In summer it also hosts the big Masters of Rock music festival.
• Luhačovice: Just sixteen kilometres away lie the largest spa town in Moravia. They’re famous for the healing mineral spring Vincentka, but above all for the gorgeous folk Art Nouveau architecture left behind here by architect Dušan Jurkovič.
• The Baťa Canal: A historic waterway built between 1934 and 1938 along the Morava River. It originally served to transport lignite, but today it hosts very popular tourist boat cruises through the enchanting Slovácko region.
• Lukov Castle: Around ten kilometres from the city, deep in the Hostýn Hills, lie the extensive ruins of this Gothic castle. The entrance gate has survived, and from the walls there’s a perfect view across the wide countryside.

💡 Tip: Tickets for the chateaux, distillery tours or boat hire on the canal often sell out fast in the summer months. If you want to lock in your trips in advance with no queueing, take a look at the experiences and bookings available through the GetYourGuide platform.

Where to Next

• Where to go on holiday in the Czech Republic
• What to see in Olomouc
• Christmas markets in Zlín

Frequently Asked Questions