Top Spots for Riverside Views of Olomouc City Walls

The city walls of Olomouc offer a glimpse into its military past. Many of the best viewpoints are tucked away in lush parks or along modern embankments. These spots are perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a morning photography session. Here are the top locations to enjoy the view.

• Best overall: Bezručovy Sady Embankment
• Best for families: Olomouc Náplavka
• Best for history: Crown Fortress Moat
• Best free view: St. Michael’s Overlook

1. Name: Bezručovy Sady Embankment Type: sight Why go: This is the most iconic spot to see the high stone walls rising above the water. It offers a classic perspective of the fortifications. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: South side of the historic center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Main Square in five minutes. Tip: Look for the photography spots for Olomouc city walls near the botanical entrance.
2. Name: Mlýnský Potok Walkway Type: experience Why go: This path follows a narrow branch of the river right at the base of the walls. It feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Parallel to the main park paths in Bezručovy Sady walking route. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the park via the stairs near the Church of St. Michael. Tip: The water is very calm here, creating perfect reflections of the stone.
3. Name: The Rosarium Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: This bridge provides an elevated view of the river and the outer bastions. You can see how the walls integrate with the city's gardens. Best for: Flower lovers and bird watchers. Where: Near the Botanical Garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Usually free (check seasonal garden hours). Getting there: Follow the signs for the Rosarium from the city center. Tip: Visit in June when the roses are in full bloom for the best photos.
4. Name: Crown Fortress (Korunní pevnůstka) Type: experience Why go: This site was once a vital part of the city's defense system. You can walk along the old moats and see the water-facing gates. Best for: Military history enthusiasts. Where: Just east of the city center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to enter the grounds; some museums inside charge a fee. Getting there: A ten-minute walk from the Tržnice tram stop. Tip: Check for local festivals that often take place within the fortress walls.
5. Name: Olomouc Art Museum Terrace Type: museum Why go: While indoors, the terrace offers a unique high-angle view of the river and the surrounding walls. It provides a different perspective than the ground-level paths. Best for: A rainy day activity. Where: Denisova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small admission fee for the museum. Getting there: Located in the heart of the old town. Tip: The museum itself is excellent, so leave time to explore the exhibits.
6. Name: The New Olomouc Náplavka Type: experience Why go: This is a modern, revitalized embankment where locals gather. It offers wide views of the river with the historic walls in the background. Best for: Socializing and relaxing. Where: Along the Morava river near the Envelopa area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the university district. Tip: Use the Olomouc Naplavka embankment guide to find the best nearby snack stands.
7. Name: University Library Path Type: sight Why go: The path behind the library offers a quiet view of the northern walls. It is less crowded than the main parks. Best for: Peace and quiet. Where: Behind the Palacký University Library. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the university courtyard. Tip: This is a great spot for reading a book with a view.
8. Name: St. Michael’s Slope Type: viewpoint Why go: This steep path offers a dramatic look down toward the river and the park walls. You can see the layers of the city's history from here. Best for: Seeing the scale of the fortifications. Where: Below the Church of St. Michael. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the church square. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be a bit uneven.
9. Name: Theresian Gate Approach Type: sight Why go: This is one of the few surviving city gates. The view from the nearby bridge captures the gate and the river perfectly. Best for: Iconic city photos. Where: Palachovo náměstí. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily reached by any tram going to the center. Tip: Come early in the morning to avoid the traffic in your photos.
10. Name: Poděbrady Lake Type: day trip Why go: While not the city walls, this lake offers a natural water experience just outside the city. It is a favorite for local swimmers. Best for: Summer swimming and sunbathing. Where: 5 km north of Olomouc. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free entry; parking may cost a small fee. Getting there: Follow the walking route to Podebrady lake or take a bike. Tip: There is a great pub on the shore serving local beer.
11. Name: Litovelské Pomoraví Type: day trip Why go: This protected nature area shows the Morava river in its wild, natural state. It provides a contrast to the stone-lined river in the city. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Starts just north of the city. Time: Full day. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a local train to Horka nad Moravou. Tip: Bring mosquito repellent if you visit during the summer months.

Planning Your Walk Along the Morava River

Visiting the riverside in Olomouc is easy and rewarding. Most paths are well-maintained and accessible for all ages. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. During these seasons, the foliage adds vibrant colors to the stone walls. Summer is also popular, especially for the evening atmosphere at the Náplavka.

The city is very walkable. You can reach most of these spots on foot from the main square. If you prefer public transport, the tram system is efficient. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via a mobile app. Always carry a bottle of water, though there are many cafes along the way.

Safety is generally not a concern in Olomouc. The parks are well-lit and popular with families. However, always stay on the marked paths near the riverbanks. Some areas near the water can be slippery after rain. For a deeper dive into the routes, check our history of Olomouc fortifications guide.

History of the Riverside Fortifications

Olomouc has been a strategic military point for over a thousand years. The city walls were expanded significantly during the Baroque era. The Morava river acted as a natural moat for the eastern side of the city. This combination made Olomouc one of the strongest fortresses in the Austrian Empire.

In the 19th century, many walls were torn down to allow the city to grow. Thankfully, the riverside sections were largely preserved. They now form the boundary of the beautiful city parks. These walls are part of the historic center recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Walking here is like walking through a living museum.

Today, the walls serve a more peaceful purpose. They provide shade for walkers and a home for local wildlife. You can see various birds nesting in the old stone crevices. The city continues to invest in the preservation of these historic structures. This ensures that future generations can enjoy the riverside views.

Easy Day Trips Near the Olomouc Waterways

If you have more time, explore the water beyond the city limits. The Morava river flows through a beautiful landscape north of Olomouc. You can find quiet spots for fishing or picnicking. These areas offer a break from the urban environment.

Poděbrady Lake is the most popular destination for a quick escape. It is a former gravel pit that is now a clean swimming lake. In the summer, it is the best place to cool off. You can reach it via a pleasant flat path that is perfect for cycling.

Litovelské Pomoraví is a larger protected area. It features flooded forests and rare plants. It is a paradise for those who enjoy quiet nature trails. Many locals visit here for weekend bike rides. It is a great way to see the river in its original form.