In the last instalment we wrote about the beauty of the South Moravian region, and today we won’t go quite so far. The Olomouc region offers plenty of natural attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the Czech Republic. Whether it’s caves, abysses, waterfalls or viewpoints over the countryside, there’s certainly plenty to choose from. Here are appealing ideas for day trips into nature that you can do alone, with a group of friends or with children.
The Olomouc region has the charm that there’s always something to discover. In summer waterfalls murmur here, in winter steam rises from the spa springs, and in between you’ll find castles, caves and mountain walks. Whether you’re from Olomouc or heading here for a weekend, this is a region that won’t let you sit at home.
The Hranice Abyss and the Hůrka national nature reserve
The Hranice Abyss takes first place not only in our article; it’s also the deepest abyss in the Czech Republic (519.5 m deep) and the deepest flooded freshwater cave in the world (the flooded section may be up to 1 km deep). Geologically it’s a limestone formation with karst features. It’s near the town of Hranice and you can get here by train, bus or car. A legend attaches to the Hranice Abyss, according to which the ruler of Great Moravia, Mojmír II, leapt into it with his horse. The abyss is part of the Hůrka national nature reserve, covering 37.45 hectares. There are more stunning karst features here, the ruins of Svrčov castle and a viewpoint by the statue of St John of Nepomuk.
The Javoříčko caves and the Špraněk national nature reserve
This cave complex lies near the village of Javoříčko, west of the town of Litovel. The Javoříčko caves boast a system of passages, domes and abysses in Devonian limestone. During your visit you absolutely mustn’t miss the Rubble Dome and the Dome of Giants, which will astonish you with their scale, rich stalactite decoration and other limestone features. Nearby you’ll also find the Zátvořice abyss. You reach the caves on the red or green trail from Javoříčko, which you can get to by car or bus. The Javoříčko caves are part of the Špraněk national nature reserve, whose landmarks include the ruins of Branky castle, the Rock Gate and the Špláz summit.
The Rejvíz national nature reserve
Among the ideas for day trips into nature we have to include the Rejvíz national nature reserve, east of the town of Jeseník. The reserve boasts above all extensive peat bogs, the largest in Moravia and Silesia. Closely connected to that are the specific plant and animal species that are protected here. The main attraction is the Great Mossy Lake, which you reach along a wooden boardwalk. After Praděd it’s the second most-visited spot in the Jeseníky mountains. In the eastern part of the reserve is the Small Mossy Lake, which isn’t normally accessible. The interpretive trail is also worth mentioning; it starts in the village of Rejvíz and maps the most interesting things the local landscape has to offer.
Olomouc Zoo and the Svatý Kopeček lookout tower
This tip will particularly please your children, though you can take away great experiences from a visit to the zoo too. Olomouc Zoo is in the Svatý Kopeček district and its exhibits contain more than 350 animals, including the most popular ones – you’ll find giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, kangaroos and brightly coloured parrots. You also have to visit the largest shark aquarium in Czechia. The zoo also boasts several safari parks divided by continent, which you can tour on a little train. On the zoo grounds stands the iron Svatý Kopeček lookout tower, which gives a gorgeous view over Olomouc, the Hostýn hills, the Chřiby and the White Carpathians. There’s a car park in front of the zoo, so you can comfortably drive here.
For more information about the zoo, tickets and opening hours, see their website.
The flooded Výkleky quarry
Ideas for day trips into nature ought to include some kind of water. We’ve picked out the flooded quarry near the village of Výkleky (halfway between Olomouc and Lipník nad Bečvou), which offers perfect relaxation. The quarry is about 6 m deep and will surprise you with clean water that’s suitable for swimming and even diving (you can watch crayfish and fish) – cold-water wimps like me won’t get far here 😀 It’s a very popular spot, though, so don’t be surprised by crowds. Near the quarry is a great viewpoint giving a view over the whole picturesque setting. You can park right by the quarry, or use the bus.
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Vysoký vodopád waterfall in the Jeseníky protected area
Everyone knows Praděd and its immediate surroundings. But have your wandering feet ever taken you further than the Švýcárna hut? We have a great tip for you – 3 km north of the hut is the unique Vysoký vodopád, which holds the title of the highest waterfall in the Jeseníky. The waterfall is 28 m high (before a landslide in 1880 it was as much as 45 m) and sits on the Studený potok stream. Besides the watercourse you can admire the cascades, erosion features, mosses, ferns and other unique local flora. You can combine a visit to Vysoký vodopád with other beauties of the Jeseníky protected area. If you’re lucky, you might spot a rare lynx. We didn’t, as usual – the same as with the wolves in Šumava. You can only get here on foot, along the marked trails.
Bradlo (the Moravian Blaník)
We’ll close the article with a climb to the summit of Bradlo, also known as the Moravian Blaník (the connection to the sleeping knights of Blaník is obvious). It’s about 20 km south of Šumperk and you can head to the summit from several directions. At 600 m, Bradlo is the highest point of the Úsov uplands. Our reward for the climb is a stunning view far into the surrounding countryside. This hill is popular not only with walkers but also with climbers. On the way up to Bradlo you may notice two statues of devils, to which mysterious legends attach. If you want to extend the trip, you can stop at the nearby Tři kameny, Vlčí jáma or the summit of Kočičí skála. Near Bradlo you’ll also find a game reserve of the same name with red deer.
If you’d like to visit other regions too, don’t hesitate. How about the nearest one, South Moravia?
When to visit the Olomouc region
The Olomouc region has the charm that every season here offers a completely different experience. Whether you love mountains, chateaux or thermal baths, there’s always somewhere to go.
- Spring in the region – everything smells sweet and is in flower, which is the moment for a trip to the Rešov waterfalls or the Litovel Pomoraví
- Summer – Praděd, Karlova Studánka, or a boat trip on the Morava
- Autumn – the region is full of colour, so head into the Jeseníky to discover Bouzov and the Javoříčko caves
- Winter – time for discovering the towns.
Accommodation in the Olomouc region
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or a longer road trip, in the Olomouc region you’ll find accommodation to match your style of travel. From cosy guesthouses to mountain cottages with a view of the Jeseníky.
Olomouc – an urban adventure with culture and cafés
For anyone who wants to combine trips with history, culture and good coffee. From Olomouc you can easily get anywhere by train – Bouzov, Loštice and the Jeseníky are literally “around the corner”.
Accommodation tips by popularity:
- HERBARIUM boutique hotel with breakfast
- NUTREND World
- Golden Leaf Sladkovskeho
The Jeseníky – for lovers of mountains and quiet
If you want clean air, hiking and a sauna to jump into in the evening, you’ll feel at home here. Around Jeseník, Karlova Studánka or Kouty nad Desnou there are plenty of stylish cottages and wellness hotels.
Litovel, Bouzov and Loštice – rural ease
For anyone who doesn’t want the mountains but does want calm and history. The region around Bouzov offers picturesque guesthouses, cottages and farm stays, where you sit by the fire in the evening and wake to the smell of coffee from a moka pot.
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