Guide to Bezručovy Sady Park and Town Walls in Olomouc
Olomouc is a hidden gem in the heart of the Czech Republic. Many visitors come for the history, but the greenery is equally stunning. The Bezručovy Sady park and town walls area offers a perfect blend of nature and medieval architecture. You can walk along massive stone fortifications while enjoying lush gardens.
This park is the largest in the city and follows the path of the Bystřice river. It provides a peaceful escape from the busy city center. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, this area has something for you. Let us explore the best things to do in and around this historic green space.
Quick Picks for Your Visit to Olomouc
If you are short on time, here are our top recommendations for the area. These picks help you prioritize your itinerary based on your interests. Olomouc is very walkable, making it easy to see several spots in one day.
- Best Overall: The walk along the medieval town walls.
- Best for Families: The Botanical Garden and Rosarium.
- Best Free Activity: Relaxing by the fountains in Bezručovy Sady.
- Best Rainy Day: The Olomouc Museum of Art.
For more inspiration, check out these unique places in Olomouc to make your trip special. The city is full of surprises beyond the main squares.
10 Best Sights Near Bezručovy Sady Park and Town Walls
The following list highlights the must-see attractions within or very close to the park. Each entry includes practical details to help you plan your visit effectively. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven stone paths.
- Name: Bezručovy Sady Type: nature Why go: It is the city's most beautiful park with waterfalls and floral displays. Best for: picnics and relaxing walks. Where: Southeast edge of the historical center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Upper Square in 5 minutes. Tip: Visit during spring to see the flowers in full bloom.
- Name: Medieval Town Walls Type: sight Why go: These massive fortifications protected the city for centuries and offer great views. Best for: history enthusiasts and photographers. Where: Lining the northern edge of Bezručovy Sady. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to view from the park. Getting there: Accessible via several stone staircases from the park level. Tip: Look for the hidden passages leading back to the city center.
- Name: Botanical Garden and Rosarium Type: nature Why go: It features thousands of rose varieties and unique plant species. Best for: garden lovers and families. Where: Adjacent to the Bezručovy Sady park. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee usually applies. Getting there: Short walk through the park towards the east. Tip: Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal opening hours.
- Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture. Best for: seeing iconic landmarks. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the park entrance. Tip: Read about Holy Trinity Column facts before you go to appreciate the details.
- Name: Olomouc Civil Defence Shelter Type: experience Why go: A fascinating Cold War bunker hidden beneath the park walls. Best for: unique history and underground exploration. Where: Entrance near the Bezručovy Sady stairs. Time: 1 hour (guided tour). Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Located directly within the park area. Tip: You must book an Olomouc civil defence shelter tour in advance.
- Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: museum Why go: It houses an impressive collection of modern and classic Central European art. Best for: culture seekers on rainy days. Where: Denisova street. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Paid entry, free on certain Sundays. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the town walls. Tip: Don't miss the Museum of Art modern facade which is an art piece itself.
- Name: St. Michael’s Church Type: sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church with a beautiful interior and a climbable tower. Best for: views and architecture. Where: Žerotínovo náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free for the church, small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the park. Tip: The courtyard offers a peaceful spot for reflection.
- Name: Arion Fountain Type: sight Why go: A modern addition to the city's famous fountain collection, featuring a friendly turtle. Best for: kids and casual photos. Where: Upper Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the park via the town wall gates. Tip: This is a popular meeting spot for locals.
- Name: Olomoucké Tvarůžky Tasting Type: experience Why go: Try the famous, pungent local cheese that Olomouc is known for. Best for: foodies. Where: Various shops near the Town Hall. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located in the main square area. Tip: Find the best cheese tasting places to try it with fresh bread.
- Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: day trip Why go: A magnificent Baroque basilica on a hill with panoramic views of the region. Best for: half-day excursions. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Bus fare + optional donation. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Use our visiting guide to plan your transport and tour.
How to Explore the Bezručovy Sady Park and Town Walls
The best way to experience the park is on foot. Start at the "Michalský výpad" staircase for a dramatic entrance. This path takes you from the high town center down into the lush valley. You will see the UNESCO World Heritage sites as you descend.
Walk along the base of the walls to see the different layers of stone. Some sections date back to the Middle Ages. Others were reinforced during the Swedish occupation. The contrast between the dark stone and bright flowers is very striking.
If you visit in 2026, look for new digital plaques. These provide historical context through your smartphone. The park is well-lit, making it safe for evening strolls. Many locals jog here during the golden hour for the best light.
Planning Your Trip to Olomouc in 2026
Olomouc remains more affordable than Prague. You can enjoy high-quality meals and sights for a fraction of the cost. Most central attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city is very friendly to international travelers.
Public transport is efficient and uses a simple ticketing system. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile apps. For a deeper look at the history, consider visiting the Visit Czechia Olomouc page. It offers great insights into regional traditions.
Don't forget to explore the side streets near the park. You will find charming cafes and small galleries. The student population from Palacký University keeps the atmosphere lively and modern. It is a city that feels both ancient and young at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bezručovy Sady park free to enter?
Yes, Bezručovy Sady is a public park and is free to enter at any time. It is one of the most popular spots for locals to walk and relax. Some specific attractions inside, like the Civil Defence Shelter, require a paid guided tour.
How old are the Olomouc town walls?
The town walls have layers from different eras, with the earliest stone sections dating back to the 13th century. Most of what you see today in Bezručovy Sady comes from the 16th to 18th centuries. They were part of a massive fortress system.
Can you walk on top of the town walls?
Yes, several sections of the walls are accessible via stairs and offer walking paths. These paths provide excellent views of the park below and the city skyline. Be careful on the steps as they can be slippery when wet.
Bezručovy Sady park and town walls are essential stops for any visitor to Olomouc. They offer a unique mix of military history and botanical beauty. From the depths of a Cold War shelter to the heights of Baroque towers, this area captures the spirit of Moravia. We hope this guide helps you enjoy your 2026 adventure. For more tips, explore our guide on unique places in Olomouc to complete your itinerary.
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Olomouc Tourism Portal — unverified: Official DMO site.
- Statutory City of Olomouc — unverified: Municipal government portal.
- Visit Czechia - Olomouc — unverified: National tourism board page.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — unverified: Official UNESCO designation page.
- Lonely Planet Olomouc — unverified: Major international travel editorial.
- Palacký University Olomouc — unverified: Major public university.
