Planning Your Visit to the Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO site

Getting to Kroměříž from Brno is very simple and convenient. You can choose between driving or using public transport. The drive takes about 45 minutes via the D1 and D11 highways. If you prefer the train, the journey is quite scenic. You can find many train day trips from Brno that include this destination. Most trains require a quick transfer in Kojetín. The total travel time is usually around one hour and fifteen minutes.

Timing is very important for your visit to the gardens. The flowers are in full bloom from late spring to early autumn. May and June offer the most vibrant colors in the Flower Garden. September is also lovely because the weather is cooler. You should check the weather forecast before you leave Brno. Many of the best attractions are outdoors and require walking. For more details, see our guide on when is the best time to visit Kroměříž.

You should also consider the opening hours of the palace. The gardens often open earlier than the interior rooms. Most visitors spend at least four to five hours here. This gives you enough time to see the palace and both gardens. It is best to arrive by 10:00 AM. This helps you avoid the larger tour groups that arrive at noon. You can find official visitor information on the Visit Czechia website.

Top 10 Things to Do at Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO site

Here are the top experiences you cannot miss at the Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO site. This list includes the most famous sights and a few hidden gems. Each item offers a unique look into Moravian history. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for your walk.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): The Flower Garden
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): The Castle Garden
• Quick Pick (Best Rainy-Day): The Archbishop's Palace
• Quick Pick (Best Free): The Castle Garden

1. Name: Archbishop's Palace Type: sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and the former seat of bishops. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Velké Náměstí (Main Square). Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~250 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the train station. Tip: Book palace tickets and garden entry in advance during summer.
2. Name: The Flower Garden (Květná zahrada) Type: nature Why go: It features perfect geometric patterns and rare plant species. Best for: Photographers and nature fans. Where: 15-minute walk from the town center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Follow the signs from the main square. Tip: Visit the maze in the center for a fun challenge.
3. Name: The Castle Garden (Podzámecká zahrada) Type: nature Why go: This English-style park offers lakes, exotic trees, and free-roaming peacocks. Best for: Families and relaxing walks. Where: Directly behind the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the palace gates. Tip: Bring some bread to feed the ducks in the ponds.
4. Name: Archiepiscopal Wine Cellars Type: experience Why go: Taste historic mass wines produced in the same way for centuries. Best for: Wine enthusiasts and couples. Where: Beneath the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by tasting. Getting there: Access is through the palace courtyard. Tip: The temperature is cool, so bring a light jacket.
5. Name: The Great Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A 244-meter long gallery filled with statues of ancient gods. Best for: Art lovers and scenic views. Where: Inside the Flower Garden. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in garden entry. Getting there: Walk to the edge of the Flower Garden. Tip: Climb the gallery roof for a view of the garden layout.
6. Name: The Palace Picture Gallery Type: museum Why go: It houses the second most important art collection in the country. Best for: Fine art fans. Where: Second floor of the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Part of the palace tour. Tip: Look for the famous painting by Titian.
7. Name: The Rotunda Type: sight Why go: A beautiful central building with a Foucault pendulum inside. Best for: Science and architecture fans. Where: The heart of the Flower Garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in garden entry. Getting there: It is the focal point of the garden paths. Tip: Check the pendulum to see the Earth's rotation.
8. Name: Velké Náměstí (Main Square) Type: neighborhood Why go: A charming square with colorful townhouses and cozy cafes. Best for: Lunch breaks and people watching. Where: Center of Kroměříž. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the central hub of the city. Tip: Try a local pastry at one of the corner bakeries.
9. Name: Church of St. Maurice Type: sight Why go: One of the largest Gothic churches in Moravia with a rich interior. Best for: Spiritual and historical interest. Where: Near the Archbishop's Palace. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short walk from the palace entrance. Tip: Look for the tombs of the Olomouc bishops.
10. Name: Chropyně Castle Type: day trip Why go: A small Renaissance castle nearby with unique local legends. Best for: Exploring beyond the main UNESCO site. Where: 7 kilometers from Kroměříž. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: 10 minutes by train or bus from Kroměříž. Tip: Visit the hall with the legendary King Ječmínek's table.

Expert Tips for Exploring Kroměříž and Beyond

To make the most of your trip, consider visiting on a weekday. The Kroměříž Gardens UNESCO site can get busy on weekends. School trips and wedding parties often fill the gardens on Saturdays. If you visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will have more space. This is perfect for taking photos without crowds. You can also combine this trip with Olomouc sightseeing from Brno if you have a car. Both cities offer deep historical insights into the Moravian region.

Photography is highly encouraged in both gardens. However, you might need a special permit for the palace interior. Always ask the staff before using a tripod or flash. The best light for the Flower Garden is in the late afternoon. The shadows of the colonnade create beautiful patterns on the grass. If you are using public transport, check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for city connections. This ensures you get back to Brno in time for dinner.

Finally, remember that the gardens are quite large. You will do a lot of walking during the day. There are small cafes inside the Castle Garden for refreshments. However, the Flower Garden has fewer options for food. It is a good idea to pack a bottle of water and a snack. This allows you to stay energized while exploring the vast grounds. Respect the local rules and stay on the marked paths to protect the plants.