Quick Picks: Choosing the Right Castle

Planning a trip can be overwhelming. There are so many historic sites in Moravia. We have narrowed down the top choices for you. This section highlights the best options based on your interests. It is a great starting point for our best castles near Olomouc guide.

• Best Overall: Bouzov Castle (Iconic and fairy-tale style).
• Best for Families: Family-friendly castles like Šternberk offer great interactive tours.
• Best for Adventure: Helfštýn Castle features massive ruins and hiking trails.
• Best for Architecture: The Kroměříž Archbishop's Palace is a stunning UNESCO site.
• Best Free View: Plumlov Castle offers impressive external views of its unique facade.

Most of these locations are accessible by car or train. Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal event updates. Many castles host festivals during the summer months. Always verify opening hours before you depart from the city.

Top 10 Destinations in Our Best Castles Near Olomouc Guide

Moravia is famous for its dense concentration of historic monuments. Each castle has a unique story to tell. Some were built for defense, while others were grand summer residences. This list covers the most essential stops for any traveler staying in Olomouc.

1. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. It looks like a movie set with its drawbridges and tall towers. Best for: Photographers and fairy-tale lovers. Where: Bouzov village, 35km west of Olomouc. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Moderate (tours vary). Getting there: Best reached by car or a Bouzov day trip bus. Tip: Book the "Grand Tour" to see the attic and the tower views.
2. Name: Helfštýn Castle Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: This is one of the largest castle ruins in Europe. It is famous for its modern glass and steel renovations inside the old walls. Best for: Hikers and fans of industrial art. Where: Near Týn nad Bečvou. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Take a train to Lipník nad Bečvou, then hike up. See our Helfštýn visit guide. Tip: Visit during the Hefaiston blacksmithing festival in August.
3. Name: Šternberk Castle Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: It is very close to Olomouc and features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It houses a famous collection of clocks and historical furniture. Best for: A quick afternoon trip. Where: Šternberk town, 20km north. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 15 minutes by train from Olomouc main station. Tip: The castle gardens are free to enter and very peaceful.
4. Name: Kroměříž Archbishop's Palace Type: UNESCO sight Why go: This palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Flower Garden and the Baroque interiors are breathtaking. Best for: Art lovers and garden enthusiasts. Where: Kroměříž, 45km south. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Direct bus or train from Olomouc. Learn more in our Kroměříž excursion guide. Tip: Don't miss the palace gallery, which holds Titian’s famous painting.
5. Name: Úsov Castle Type: Unique local experience Why go: It looks like a classic castle but houses a massive hunting and forestry museum. The collection of trophies is one of the largest in Central Europe. Best for: Unusual museum fans. Where: Úsov, 35km northwest. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Car is best; public transport requires a transfer in Mohelnice. Tip: Check out the "Castle Witch" exhibit if you are traveling with kids.
6. Name: Litomyšl Chateau Type: Day trip Why go: This Renaissance chateau is covered in beautiful sgraffito decorations. It is a UNESCO site and the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana. Best for: History and music fans. Where: Litomyšl, 60km west. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct bus from Olomouc. Read our Litomyšl day trip guide. Tip: Visit the underground cellars to see sculptures by Olbram Zoubek.
7. Name: Náměšť na Hané Chateau Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: Known as the "Red Chateau," it is a perfect example of early Classicist architecture. It sits in a lovely circular park. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Náměšť na Hané, 15km west. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Local train or bus from Olomouc. Tip: The chateau displays a collection of historical baby carriages.
8. Name: Sovinec Castle Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: A massive fortress hidden in the Jeseníky foothills. It served as a base for the Teutonic Knights and has a very moody atmosphere. Best for: Atmosphere and rugged views. Where: Jiříkov, 40km north. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Car is highly recommended. Tip: They often host sword-fighting shows and craft markets on weekends.
9. Name: Plumlov Castle Type: Unique local experience Why go: It is famous for its tall, unfinished facade that looks like a giant wall. The design is unlike any other castle in the region. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Plumlov, near Prostějov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Bus to Prostějov, then a local bus to Plumlov. Tip: Walk around the nearby Podhradský pond for the best photos of the castle.
10. Name: Lednice Chateau Type: Day trip Why go: Part of the Lednice-Valtice Area, it is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece. The surrounding park is often called the "Garden of Europe." Best for: Nature and luxury. Where: Lednice, 80km south. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Train to Břeclav, then local bus or car. Tip: Take a boat ride on the river through the castle grounds.

Practical Tips for Your Moravian Castle Tour

Exploring these sites requires some planning. Most castles in the Czech Republic are closed on Mondays. The main season runs from April to October. During winter, many interiors are closed to the public. However, the castle grounds often remain open for walks.

Public transport is a reliable way to travel. You can use the public transport for Olomouc day trips to reach most spots. Trains are usually faster for towns like Šternberk. Buses are better for reaching smaller villages like Bouzov. Always check the latest schedules on the IDOS website.

Entry fees usually cover a guided tour. Many castles offer tours in English, but you might need to book ahead. If a tour is only in Czech, they often provide printed English texts. Wear comfortable shoes as many castles have steep hills or cobblestones. For more information, visit the Visit Czechia Olomouc page.