Planning Your Litomyšl Chateau Day Trip

Getting to Litomyšl from Olomouc is quite easy. You can drive there in about one hour. If you prefer public transport, take a train to Česká Třebová first. From there, a frequent bus service runs to Litomyšl. Using public transport for Olomouc day trips is very affordable. Buses usually stop right near the historic center.

If you are driving, you need to know where to park in Litomyšl for tourists. There are several lots near the chateau hill. Most parking areas require a small fee. You can pay with a card or a mobile app. Arriving before 10:00 AM helps you find the best spots. This is especially true during the busy summer months.

The chateau is open most of the year. However, the full interior tours often run from April to October. Check the Visit Czechia website for updated seasonal hours. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking. The gardens are particularly beautiful in late May. Always wear comfortable shoes because the town has many cobblestone streets.

12 Best Stops on a Litomyšl Chateau Day Trip

Your visit should focus on the chateau hill and the main square. Here are the top items for your itinerary. Each stop offers a unique look at Czech history. You will find a mix of art, music, and architecture. This list ensures you don't miss any hidden gems during your visiting Litomysl Renaissance Castle experience.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Litomyšl Chateau
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Monastery Gardens
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy Day - Regional Museum
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Smetana Square

1. Name: Litomyšl Chateau Type: Sight Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique sgraffito walls. Best for: History buffs. Where: Chateau Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: Look closely at the thousands of different "envelope" patterns on the exterior.
2. Name: The Baroque Theatre Type: Experience Why go: It is one of only a few preserved 18th-century theaters in the world. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Inside the chateau. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in special tours. Getting there: Access via the main chateau entrance. Tip: Book this tour in advance as group sizes are very small.
3. Name: Monastery Gardens Type: Nature Why go: These gardens offer amazing views of the town and modern sculptures. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Between the chateau and the Piarist Church. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central point. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best photos of the church towers.
4. Name: Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church with a light-filled interior and a viewing platform. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Chateau Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Located right next to the Monastery Gardens. Tip: Climb the tower for a bird's-eye view of the chateau courtyard.
5. Name: Bedřich Smetana’s Birthplace Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the famous composer in the former brewery where he was born. Best for: Music fans. Where: Chateau brewery building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: It is part of the chateau complex. Tip: Listen to the audio samples of his famous work, Ma Vlast.
6. Name: Portmoneum (Museum of Josef Váchal) Type: Experience Why go: See a house covered in wild, colorful, and occult murals. Best for: Unique art. Where: Váchalova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: No photos are allowed inside to protect the delicate paint.
7. Name: Smetana Square Type: Sight Why go: One of the longest and prettiest squares in the Czech Republic. Best for: Walking. Where: Town center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all buses. Tip: Check out the Old Town Hall with its historic clock.
8. Name: Regional Museum in Litomyšl Type: Museum Why go: It features modern exhibits on local history in a renovated Baroque building. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Near the chateau entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Easy walk from the chateau. Tip: The "Cabinet of Curiosities" section is very interesting.
9. Name: The Castle Cellar Type: Sight Why go: It houses a permanent exhibition of statues by Olbram Zoubek. Best for: Sculpture fans. Where: Underneath the chateau. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Entrance is in the main courtyard. Tip: The cellar is cool, so bring a light sweater even in summer.
10. Name: White Tower (Bílá věž) Type: Sight Why go: A historic fortification tower that offers a different perspective of the town. Best for: History. Where: Near the Piarist Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Part of the chateau hill walk. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the church to save time.
11. Name: Nové Hrady Chateau Type: Day trip Why go: A beautiful Rococo palace known as the "Czech Versailles." Best for: Garden lovers. Where: 15 km from Litomyšl. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 20-minute drive or local bus. Tip: Visit the cycling museum located on the grounds.
12. Name: Toulovcovy Maštale Type: Nature Why go: A nature reserve with unique sandstone rock formations and pine forests. Best for: Hiking. Where: 12 km from Litomyšl. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trails can be sandy and uneven.

Where to Eat and Relax in Litomyšl

After exploring the chateau, head down to Smetana Square for lunch. This area has many charming cafes and restaurants. You can find traditional dishes like roast duck or goulash. Most places offer a daily lunch menu at a lower price. This is a great way to eat like a local.

For a quick break, try one of the small bakeries. They serve fresh Czech pastries and excellent coffee. If the weather is nice, sit outside on the square. You can watch the world go by while enjoying the views. Many cafes also offer local beer from nearby breweries.

If you want a quieter spot, return to the Monastery Gardens. There are benches where you can sit and rest. It is a perfect place for a small picnic. The atmosphere is very peaceful and away from the main crowds. It makes your Litomyšl Chateau day trip feel truly relaxing.