Planning Your Trip to Svatý Kopeček Holy Hill

Planning your visit is simple if you know the local transport. Most visitors start their journey at the main train station. You should look for how to get to Svatý Kopeček from Olomouc center using public bus number 11. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day and even on weekends.

The best time to visit is during the late spring or early autumn. The weather is mild and the visibility is usually clear. Summer brings the largest crowds, especially on weekends. If you prefer peace, try to arrive on a weekday morning. The site is open year-round, but some attractions have seasonal hours. Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for the latest event schedules.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. The terrain on the hill is mostly paved but can be steep in parts. You will likely walk several miles if you visit both the church and the zoo. There are several small restaurants and cafes near the basilica. They serve traditional Moravian dishes and local beer. It is a great place to rest after exploring.

10 Best Things to Do at Svatý Kopeček Holy Hill

There are many unique experiences waiting for you on the hill. We have compiled a list of the top ten things to do. This list includes religious sites, nature walks, and family attractions. Make sure to allow a full day to see everything properly.

• Best overall: Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary
• Best for families: Olomouc Zoo
• Best for views: Zoo Lookout Tower
• Best free activity: Wolker’s Path nature walk

1. Name: Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning Baroque masterpiece with a rich history. It was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. Best for: Architecture lovers and pilgrims. Where: The main square at the top of the hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter, but check basilica entrance fees for guided tours. Getting there: Bus 11 to the final stop. Tip: Look up at the ceiling frescoes for incredible detail.
2. Name: Olomouc Zoo (Zoologická zahrada Olomouc) Type: activity Why go: It is one of the most popular zoos in the country. It features over 400 species in naturalistic habitats. Best for: Families and animal lovers. Where: Just a 5-minute walk from the Basilica. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate (around 150-200 CZK). Getting there: Follow the signs from the bus stop. Tip: Visit the giant shark tank in the marine pavilion.
3. Name: Zoo Lookout Tower (Vyhlídková věž) Type: viewpoint Why go: This 32-meter tall tower offers the best views in Moravia. You can see the Jeseníky Mountains on clear days. Best for: Photographers. Where: Located inside the Olomouc Zoo grounds. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in zoo admission. Getting there: Walk through the zoo to the central tower. Tip: Bring a zoom lens for city skyline shots.
4. Name: Wolker’s Path (Wolkerova stezka) Type: nature Why go: A peaceful forest trail named after a famous Czech poet. It offers a quiet escape from the main tourist areas. Best for: Hikers and nature fans. Where: Starts near the zoo entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Marked trails lead from the main hill. Tip: Follow the yellow trail markers for the easiest route.
5. Name: Radíkov Fort (Pevnost Radíkov) Type: day trip Why go: Part of the historic Olomouc fortress system from the 19th century. It is a rare example of a "fest-type" fortification. Best for: History buffs. Where: About 2 miles from the Basilica. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Small fee for guided tours. Getting there: Walk or take a short local taxi ride. Tip: Tours are usually only available on weekends.
6. Name: The Way of the Cross (Křížová cesta) Type: experience Why go: A series of small chapels representing the stations of the cross. It provides a meditative walk through the woods. Best for: Spiritual reflection. Where: Scattered along the forest paths behind the church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start behind the Basilica cloisters. Tip: The path can be muddy after rain, so wear boots.
7. Name: Samotišky Village Approach Type: experience Why go: Walking up the hill from the village of Samotišky is a classic experience. The lime-tree lined alley is very photogenic. Best for: Walkers. Where: The base of the hill below the church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Get off the bus at Samotišky stop instead of the top. Tip: This is the best way to see the church appear on the horizon.
8. Name: The Pilgrimage House Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the history of the site and its religious importance. It houses many unique liturgical artifacts. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Adjacent to the Basilica. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entrance fee. Getting there: Located within the main church complex. Tip: Ask for an English-language brochure at the desk.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček Forest Park Type: nature Why go: A vast area of managed woodland perfect for a picnic. It is very popular with local families on Sundays. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Surrounding the entire hilltop area. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Any path leading away from the Basilica. Tip: Look for the designated fire pits for a public barbecue.
10. Name: Dolany Carthusian Monastery Ruins Type: day trip Why go: The atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century monastery hidden in the woods. It is a very quiet and mysterious spot. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Located in the valley near Dolany village. Time: 3 hours (including walk). Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike the blue trail from Svatý Kopeček. Tip: Use a GPS map as the trail can be tricky to find.

Top Sights to Visit Near Svatý Kopeček Holy Hill

After exploring the hill, you should spend time in the city center. Olomouc is filled with incredible historical monuments. You can easily find many must-see places in Olomouc within walking distance of each other. The city is much quieter than Prague but just as beautiful. It is the perfect place for a relaxed cultural holiday.

The most famous site is the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest Baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. It stands in the main square near the Town Hall. Do not miss the Olomouc astronomical clock guide to see its unique socialist-realist design. It is a rare piece of history from the Cold War era.

For more religious architecture, visit the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral in Olomouc. Its spires dominate the city skyline. Right next to it is the Archdiocesan Museum in Olomouc. This museum showcases a thousand years of spiritual history. You can see the famous chariot of the Olomouc bishops there. It is a must-visit for any art lover.