Quick Picks for Your Visit

Are you in a hurry? Here are our top recommendations for your trip. These picks help you focus on what matters most. You can find more details in the sections below.

• Best Overall: Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary
• Best for Families: Olomouc Zoo
• Best for Photography: South Tower Viewpoint
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Pilgrimage Path

Before you go, check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for current events. This will ensure you don't miss any special festivals.

10 Essential Sights for a Svatý Kopeček Basilica Visit

Your Svatý Kopeček basilica visit should include a mix of art and nature. The hill offers a unique atmosphere that feels far from the city. Here are the top ten things to experience during your stay.

1. Name: Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary Type: Sight Why go: This is the main highlight of the hill. It features incredible Baroque interiors and a golden altar. Best for: History buffs and art lovers. Where: Top of the hill. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Free entry (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk from the main parking lot. Tip: Look up to see the stunning ceiling frescoes.
2. Name: Olomouc Zoo Type: Activity Why go: This zoo is famous for its giraffe house and shark aquarium. It is located right behind the basilica. Best for: Families and children. Where: Darwinova street. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate (check seasonal rates). Getting there: 5-minute walk from the basilica. Tip: Check the zoo opening hours before you arrive.
3. Name: The South Tower Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic view of the Olomouc skyline. On clear days, you can see the Jeseníky Mountains. Best for: Photographers. Where: Attached to the basilica. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Entrance through the basilica cloisters. Tip: This is one of the best sunset views at Svatý Kopeček.
4. Name: The Basilica Cloisters Type: Sight Why go: The cloisters are peaceful and house beautiful religious art. They connect the main church to the side chapels. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Surrounding the main nave. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the side doors of the church. Tip: Look for the historic votive paintings on the walls.
5. Name: Pope John Paul II Plaque Type: Experience Why go: The Pope visited this site in 1995. This plaque commemorates his meeting with the youth of Moravia. Best for: Catholic pilgrims and history enthusiasts. Where: Near the front entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from the main square. Tip: Read the inscription to understand the local pride in this visit.
6. Name: Way of the Cross Type: Experience Why go: This path features several small chapels leading up the hill. It is a traditional route for pilgrims. Best for: Hikers and spiritual visitors. Where: Starts at the base of the hill in Samotišky. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trail from the village. Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the incline.
7. Name: Local Gingerbread Stalls Type: Experience Why go: Svatý Kopeček is famous for traditional honey gingerbread. It is a classic local snack. Best for: Foodies. Where: Stalls near the main parking area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located right outside the basilica gates. Tip: Buy a heart-shaped piece as a souvenir.
8. Name: Forest Path to Samotišky Type: Nature Why go: This shaded path offers a break from the crowds. It provides a beautiful walk through the Moravian woods. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Trails lead south from the zoo area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green trail markers. Tip: It is a great way to walk back to the bus stop.
9. Name: Bouzov Castle Day Trip Type: Day trip Why go: This fairytale castle is one of the most famous in the country. It is a short drive from the hill. Best for: Fans of medieval architecture. Where: 30km west of Olomouc. Time: 3–5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Best reached by car or tour. Tip: Read our Bouzov Castle day trip guide for booking info.
10. Name: Kroměříž UNESCO Gardens Type: Day trip Why go: These gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They offer stunning landscapes and a grand palace. Best for: Garden enthusiasts. Where: 45 minutes south of Olomouc. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Regular trains run from Olomouc. Tip: Visit the Flower Garden for the best photos. Check the Kroměříž gardens tour details.

How to Organize Your Svatý Kopeček Basilica Visit

Getting to the hill is very easy from the city center. Most visitors use public transport. You should take the bus number 11 from Olomouc main station. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day.

If you prefer to drive, there is a large parking lot. It is located just a few minutes from the basilica. Parking fees are usually quite low. Be aware that it gets crowded on summer weekends. Try to arrive before 10:00 AM to find a spot.

The basilica is generally open daily. However, access may be limited during mass. Respectful clothing is required inside the church. You should also check the UNESCO site for Olomouc to see other nearby landmarks. Combining the hill with the city center makes a great full-day plan.

Top Day Trips Near Svatý Kopeček

Olomouc is a great base for exploring central Moravia. If you have extra time, consider several day trips from Olomouc. Each offers a different look at Czech culture. You can find everything from caves to industrial sites.

For nature lovers, the Javoříčko Caves are a must-see. They feature massive stalactites and deep underground chambers. If you like history, Šternberk Castle is very close. It is famous for its unique clock museum. Both are easy to reach by car.

Finally, do not miss the local food scene. You can visit the cheese museum in Loštice. It celebrates the famous "tvarůžky" cheese. This pungent snack is a local legend in Moravia. It is a truly unique experience for your palate.