Quick Picks for Your Green Escape

If you are short on time, use these quick picks. They help you find the right spot for your mood. Olomouc offers variety for every type of traveler.

• Best Overall: Smetanovy sady for its grand alleys.
• Best for Families: Čechovy sady with its modern playground.
• Best for Flower Lovers: The Rosarium during the summer bloom.
• Best for Views: Bezručovy sady under the medieval city walls.
• Best for Quiet: The Botanical Garden of Palacký University.

10 Best Spots for Relaxing in Olomouc Parks and Gardens

Olomouc is unique because its parks form a continuous green belt. This belt follows the old city fortifications. You can walk through several parks without ever leaving the grass. Each area has its own character and history. Here are the top ten spots for relaxing in Olomouc parks and gardens.

1. Name: Smetanovy sady Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest and largest park in the city. It features a grand lime tree alley that is nearly 500 meters long. Best for: Long evening strolls and photography. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Lower Square. Tip: Visit the historic Palm House located near the center of the park.
2. Name: Bezručovy sady Type: sight Why go: This park sits directly under the massive stone city walls. It offers a dramatic backdrop of towers and fortifications. Best for: History buffs and scenic walks. Where: Eastern edge of the Old Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the walking routes through Bezručovy sady to see the best views. Tip: Look for the entrance to the botanical garden hidden within the park walls.
3. Name: Čechovy sady Type: experience Why go: It is a peaceful park with many mature trees and statues. It feels more like a quiet neighborhood garden than a major tourist spot. Best for: Reading a book or a quiet picnic. Where: West of the city center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from Palackého street. Tip: This park is very close to some of the hidden cafes in Olomouc old town where you can grab a coffee to go.
4. Name: Palacký University Botanical Garden Type: nature Why go: It houses a diverse collection of local and exotic plants. The garden is managed by the Palacký University Olomouc and is very educational. Best for: Plant enthusiasts and students. Where: Near the city walls in Bezručovy sady. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for greenhouses. Getting there: Entrance is through a gate in the city walls. Tip: Check the seasonal opening hours as they vary throughout the year.
5. Name: Olomouc Rosarium Type: experience Why go: It features thousands of rose bushes in a unique concrete architectural setting. It is one of the largest rose gardens in Central Europe. Best for: Seeing blooms in June and July. Where: Near the Envelopa student area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (except during special events). Getting there: Walk from the city center towards the university district. Tip: This is a great spot to see student hangouts in Olomouc nearby.
6. Name: Flora Olomouc Exhibition Grounds Type: sight Why go: This area hosts world-famous flower shows several times a year. Even without a show, the landscaped grounds are beautiful. Best for: Seeing professional garden design. Where: Smetanovy sady. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Free entry to grounds; fee for exhibitions. Getting there: Tram stop 'Výstaviště Flora'. Tip: Book your Flora Olomouc flower exhibition tickets in advance if visiting in spring.
7. Name: Park pod hradbami Type: nature Why go: This small strip of greenery offers a quiet escape right next to the busy center. It is very popular with locals for quick breaks. Best for: A 15-minute relaxation break. Where: Below the Church of St. Michael. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the Michalské schody (stairs). Tip: Combine this with a visit to the Olomouc Museum of Art nearby.
8. Name: Michalský výpad Terraces Type: viewpoint Why go: These are terraced gardens built into the city's fortification system. They offer unique views of the lower park belt. Best for: Sunset views over the city. Where: Near St. Michael's Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the stairs from the Upper Square area. Tip: These terraces are among the most unusual things to see in Olomouc.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček Forest Type: day trip Why go: While technically a hill outside the city, the surrounding forests are perfect for nature lovers. It offers fresh air and great views of the Haná region. Best for: Hiking and fresh air. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the Svatý Kopeček local day trip guide for bus info. Tip: Visit the Basilica on the hill before heading into the woods.
10. Name: Poděbrady Lake Type: experience Why go: This is a natural swimming lake surrounded by grassy banks and trees. It is the favorite summer spot for Olomouc residents. Best for: Swimming and sunbathing. Where: North of the city. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free entry to most areas. Getting there: A 15-minute bike ride or bus from the center. Tip: Check out other local favorites in Olomouc for nearby dining.

Essential Tips for Relaxing in Olomouc Parks and Gardens

To make the most of your time, plan your visit according to the season. Spring is the best time for flowers, especially during April and May. Autumn offers beautiful golden colors in the lime tree alleys. Most parks are open 24 hours a day, but botanical gardens have strict gates. Always check the weather before heading out for a long walk.

Respect the local environment while you are there. Do not pick the flowers or disturb the wildlife. Most parks have clear paths for walking and cycling. Keep your dog on a leash in designated areas. Local residents value these spaces for their quiet atmosphere. Please keep noise levels low to respect others.

If you get hungry, many parks are near great food. You can find many spots for best brunch and breakfast in Olomouc just a few steps away. Packing a picnic is also a popular choice. There are many benches and grassy areas where you can sit. Just remember to take your trash with you when you leave.

Nature Escapes Just Outside the City Center

If you want more than a city park, head to the outskirts. The Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area starts near the city. This area offers flooded forests and winding river paths. It is perfect for cycling or long-distance walking. You can find maps at the Olomouc Tourism Portal online.

The area around Svatý Kopeček is also excellent for nature. There are marked trails that lead through deep forests. You can walk for miles without seeing a car. This is the ultimate way to find peace near the city. For more information on the region, visit the Visit Czechia Olomouc page. It provides great context for the whole Moravian area.