If you haven’t heard of Olomouc, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s a small, landlocked city in an often-overlooked region of Central Europe. But what if I were to tell you that Olomouc is one of the most Mediterranean towns you’ll ever visit? Let me show you this amazing and underrated Czech gem.
Discovering Olomouc
Olomouc is the sixth-largest city in Czechia. It’s located in a historical region called Moravia, which has traditionally been the less-populated and poorer of the country’s two main regions.
Tourists often skip over Olomouc entirely, opting instead for the busier Brno or the ever-popular Prague, which is about a four-hour bus or train ride away. But Olomouc is a stop in Czechia that’s absolutely worthwhile.
The Sights of Olomouc
For such a small city, I was blown away by the number of cultural attractions. There were several churches alone, each more opulent than the last, and all totally free to enter.
I was especially impressed by the Church of St. Michael and the 700-year-old St. Wenceslas Cathedral. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to be the only tourist inside each of the churches I visited.
Beyond churches, Olomouc boasts a rosarium (a magnificent botanical garden known for its roses), as well as a free city history museum and a museum dedicated to the Moravian region. There’s also a museum of the local fort.
For the thrill-seekers, Olomouc boasts the best year-round haunted house that I’ve seen outside the United States. It is operated with a high level of care and devotion to scaring the pants off tourists.
Where to Eat in Olomouc
Photo by Manny Marotta
For such a small town, Olomouc has a surprising number of great restaurants. Drapal is the most popular. This classic Czech pub was frequented by Austro-Hungarian soldiers heading to the Eastern Front during the First World War. It is adorned with cozy turn-of-the-century art and photographs.
There’s also a great Vietnamese restaurant, Ca Phe District, which serves massive portions for a price equivalent to $8-10 U.S. dollars – not bad. Into Mediterranean food? I had a nice gyro at Farmářský gyros.
But the place that truly blew my socks off was Simple Dumpl. This little hole-in-the-wall eatery serves both European and Asian dumplings.
I had the pelmeni, and the taste was so exquisite that after finishing my first meal, I ordered a second meal. I had never done that at a restaurant before. For several days afterward, I fantasized about returning to Olomouc simply for Simple Dumpl.
When it comes to bars, the Olomouc Citadel is the best. It’s themed like an 18th-century pub, with wooden furniture and beautiful Moravian art on the walls.
They serve an excellent cocktail consisting of beer and mead (a highly alcoholic honey wine) for only Kč50 (approximately US$2.50). It’s a must-try.
The Mediterranean Vibe of Central Czechia
Photo by Manny Marotta
So, with all this talk of a classic Central European city, what exactly makes Olomouc “Mediterranean?”
First, there are aquatic-themed murals all over Olomouc. I haven’t been able to determine whether Olomouc has a historical connection to the sea. However, murals of waves, beaches and fish are scattered across walls and pedestrian tunnels.
On a warm day, standing near this street art, you can almost forget the nearest coast is 800 kilometers away.
Second, Olomouc attracts many Greek, Italian, and Spanish tourists – more than I’ve seen in any other European city of its size. It’s not uncommon to hear Romance languages more often than Czech on the streets, making it easy to forget you’re in Central Europe.
Photo by Manny Marotta
There are also several nautical-themed statues, including figures like Neptune. The sound of water flows from the city’s many public fountains. When paired with Olomouc’s gaily-painted pink and yellow buildings, it evokes the charm of Crete, Sicily, or Mallorca.
To top it off, a nearby car enthusiasts club enjoys driving Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the cobblestone street, only reinforcing the Italian ambiance.
All of these elements – along with the gently tolling church bells, vibrant green trees, and warm, dry summer air – make Olomouc feel delightfully Mediterranean.
Where To Stay in Olomouc
Personally, I stayed at Long Story Short, a hostel-hotel hybrid that doubles as a restaurant and café. It was very clean, the staff was professional, the showers were unbelievably spacious, and the cost came out to Kč550 ($26 USD) per night, even in high season.
A friend stayed at Miss Sophie’s Boutique Hotel, and she said that its location, amenities, and vintage aesthetic made for an excellent stay. This runs about $100 USD per night, but it’s great if you’re traveling with a partner or friends.
Finally, Olomouc possesses many “pensions.” This is a European business model akin to Airbnb, where you stay in someone’s home, and they often provide breakfast and even dinner. Airbnb itself is also a solid option for Olomouc.
So, if you find yourself in Central Europe craving a Mediterranean escape, hop on a bus or train to Olomouc. It’s only a 3-5 hour drive from Prague, Bratislava, Krakow, or Wroclaw. You will be amazed at all the beauty you discover.
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