Quick Picks for Your Šternberk Trip

If you are short on time, here are the top recommendations for your visit. These picks help you prioritize the best parts of the town and its surroundings. Planning ahead ensures you see the most important landmarks.

• Best Overall: Šternberk Castle Interiors
• Best for Families: Exposition of Time (Time Museum)
• Best Rainy Day: The castle’s chapel and art collections
• Best Free Activity: Walking through Tyršovy Sady park

10 Best Things to Do at Šternberk Castle and Time Museum

There are many wonderful sights to see in this historic corner of the Czech Republic. The town is compact, making it easy to walk between the main attractions. Here are the top ten things to do during your visit to Šternberk and the surrounding area.

1. Name: Šternberk Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: This 13th-century fortress features stunning Gothic and Renaissance rooms. You can see rare collections of furniture and art. It is famous for its Liechtensteiner history. Best for: History buffs and architecture fans. Where: Horní náměstí, Šternberk. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (paid tours). Getting there: A short walk uphill from the town square. Tip: Book a tour to see the castle interiors including the beautiful chapel.
2. Name: Exposition of Time Type: Museum Why go: This modern museum explains time from the Big Bang to atomic clocks. It features over 250 unique exhibits and interactive displays. It is one of the most specialized museums in Europe. Best for: Families and science enthusiasts. Where: ČSA 19, Šternberk. Time: 1 to 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the town center near the square. Tip: Check for museum tickets online during peak summer months.
3. Name: Church of the Annunciation Type: Unique local experience Why go: This massive Baroque church is located right next to the castle. It features impressive frescoes and a grand organ. It reflects the religious importance of the region. Best for: Art lovers and spiritual travelers. Where: Adjacent to the castle entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walkable from any part of the town center. Tip: Visit during the afternoon when the light hits the stained glass.
4. Name: Tyršovy Sady Type: Nature Why go: This peaceful park offers green space for a relaxing stroll. It is located just below the castle hill. It provides great views of the castle walls from below. Best for: A quiet break or a picnic. Where: Edge of the historic center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs from the main square. Tip: This is the best spot for photographing the castle’s exterior.
5. Name: Šternberk Main Square (Hlavní náměstí) Type: Neighborhood Why go: The square is lined with colorful historic houses and local cafes. You can see the Marian Plague Column in the center. It is the heart of local life in Šternberk. Best for: People-watching and coffee. Where: Central Šternberk. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location, easy walk from the train station. Tip: Try a local pastry at one of the small bakeries on the corner.
6. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This fairytale castle is one of the most famous in the country. It looks like something from a Disney movie. It is a short drive from Šternberk. Best for: Romantic travelers and photographers. Where: Bouzov village. Time: 2 to 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Best reached by car or a guided day trip. Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups.
7. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Viewpoint/Sight Why go: This hilltop features a stunning Baroque basilica with panoramic views. It is a major pilgrimage site in Moravia. You can see all the way to Olomouc on clear days. Best for: Views and religious history. Where: Samotišky, near Olomouc. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to enter the basilica. Getting there: Consider a visit to Svatý Kopeček via local bus. Tip: The nearby zoo is great if you are traveling with children.
8. Name: Kroměříž UNESCO Gardens Type: Day trip Why go: These gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They represent the peak of European Baroque garden design. The Flower Garden is particularly famous. Best for: Gardeners and history fans. Where: Kroměříž. Time: 3 to 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Join a Kroměříž garden tour from the city. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.
9. Name: Helfštýn Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This is one of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe. It is famous for its blacksmithing exhibitions and massive walls. The views from the ramparts are incredible. Best for: Adventure seekers and hikers. Where: Týn nad Bečvou. Time: 2 to 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: About 40 minutes by car from Šternberk. Tip: Check the summer schedule for the annual blacksmith festival.
10. Name: Litomyšl Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This Renaissance arcade castle is unique for its sgraffito decorations. It is another UNESCO site within reach of the region. The town itself is very charming and artistic. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Litomyšl. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: About an hour drive from the Šternberk area. Tip: Visit the castle theater, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

Planning Your Visit to Šternberk Castle and Time Museum

Reaching the town is very simple for travelers based in Olomouc. Most visitors prefer taking the train to Šternberk for a stress-free journey. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the main station. Once you arrive, the walk to the castle takes about 15 minutes.

The Šternberk Castle and Time Museum are usually open from April through October. Some parts of the castle may have limited hours in winter. It is always wise to check the official website before you travel. Guided tours are available in several languages to help you understand the deep history.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning. This allows you to see the castle before the midday heat. You can then enjoy lunch in the square. Spend your afternoon exploring the Exposition of Time. This plan makes for a perfectly balanced day of sightseeing.