Quick Picks for Your History Tour

Are you short on time? Use these quick picks to plan your visit efficiently. Each spot offers a unique perspective on local heritage. These recommendations cover history, nature, and relaxation.

• Best Overall: Velke Losiny Chateau
• Best for Families: Handmade Paper Mill
• Best for Nature: Petrovy kameny (Peter's Stones)
• Best Free Site: Witch Trial Memorial

Tracing the History of Witch Trials in Velke Losiny

To truly understand the history of witch trials in Velke Losiny, you must visit these sites. They offer a mix of preserved architecture and somber memorials. Most are located within walking distance of the village center. Others require a short drive into the Jeseníky Mountains. Here are the 9 essential stops for your itinerary.

1. Name: Velke Losiny Chateau Type: sight Why go: This Renaissance palace was the headquarters for the inquisitor Jindřich Boblig. It is where most interrogations took place. Best for: History buffs Where: Velke Losiny center Time: 2 hours Cost: 180-250 CZK Getting there: 10-minute walk from the train station Tip: Request the specific tour focused on the trials.
2. Name: Handmade Paper Mill Type: museum Why go: This is one of the oldest active paper mills in Europe. It provides context on 17th-century industry during the trial era. Best for: Families Where: Northern edge of the village Time: 1.5 hours Cost: 150 CZK Getting there: Walkable from the chateau Tip: Book a handmade paper mill tour in advance.
3. Name: Witch Trial Memorial Type: sight Why go: This simple monument honors the victims of the Jeseníky witch hunts. It is a quiet place for reflection. Best for: Respectful travelers Where: Near the chateau grounds Time: 20 mins Cost: Free Getting there: Located on the main path to the castle Tip: Look for the plaque listing the names of the accused.
4. Name: St. John the Baptist Church Type: sight Why go: The trials began with a small incident during a mass here. A woman was accused of stealing a communion wafer. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Village center Time: 45 mins Cost: Free Getting there: Center of Velke Losiny Tip: Visit during the day to see the Baroque interior.
5. Name: Šumperk Museum (Geschader House) Type: museum Why go: This museum features a permanent exhibition titled "Witch Trials." It uses modern technology to tell the story. Best for: Educational insight Where: Nearby Šumperk Time: 1.5 hours Cost: 100 CZK Getting there: 15-minute train ride from Velke Losiny Tip: Use the interactive audio guide for English details.
6. Name: Petrovy kameny (Peter's Stones) Type: nature Why go: Legend says witches met here for their secret Sabbaths. It is a striking rock formation in the mountains. Best for: Hikers Where: Jeseníky Mountains Time: 4 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Drive to Ovčárna and hike Tip: Check the weather before heading into the mountains.
7. Name: Velke Losiny Thermal Park Type: experience Why go: Contrast the dark history with modern relaxation in healing waters. The thermal springs have been famous for centuries. Best for: Relaxation Where: Southern end of the village Time: 3+ hours Cost: 450-600 CZK Getting there: Short walk from the paper mill Tip: Consider a Velke Losiny thermal park trip for a full day of wellness.
8. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: day trip Why go: While not part of the trials, this castle offers a fairy-tale look at regional power. It is a must-see in the Olomouc region. Best for: Photography Where: Bouzov village Time: 2 hours Cost: 250 CZK Getting there: Best reached by car from Olomouc Tip: See Bouzov Castle on your return trip to the city.
9. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: This UNESCO site in Olomouc was built partly as thanks for the end of the plague and unrest. It marks the regional capital's history. Best for: Sightseeing Where: Olomouc Main Square Time: 30 mins Cost: Free Getting there: Central Olomouc Tip: Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for local events.

Planning Your Trip from Olomouc

Visiting Velke Losiny from Olomouc is very simple in 2026. Direct trains run frequently and take about an hour. If you drive, the journey takes roughly 50 minutes. Most historical sites open from April to October. Always check official hours before you depart. You can find more day trips near Olomouc to fill your week.