Planning your Litomyšl Chateau day trip

The drive from Olomouc to Litomyšl usually takes about 70 minutes. You will follow the I/35 road for most of the way. This route is straightforward for those with a rental car. Public transport is also an option via train or bus transfers.

Litomyšl is one of the best day trips from Olomouc for culture enthusiasts. The town is compact and very walkable. You can see the castle, gardens, and town square without needing local taxis. Most attractions are open from April through October.

Before you leave, check the weather and local event calendars. Litomyšl hosts a famous opera festival in early summer. This can make the town busier than usual. However, the atmosphere during festival season is truly magical and worth seeing.

Visiting Litomyšl Renaissance castle from Olomouc: 9 highlights

When visiting Litomyšl Renaissance castle from Olomouc, focus on these top spots. This list helps you prioritize the best experiences in town. Each location offers a different look at Czech history and art.

1. Name: Litomyšl Chateau Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with over 8,000 sgraffito envelopes. Best for: History buffs. Where: Chateau Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (tours required). Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main square. Tip: Book the "State Rooms" tour for the best interior views.
2. Name: Baroque Castle Theatre Type: Unique experience Why go: It is one of only a few preserved 18th-century theatres in Europe. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Inside the Chateau. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in specific castle tours. Getting there: Part of the main castle complex. Tip: Look for the original stage machinery still in place.
3. Name: Monastery Gardens Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: These gardens offer the best panoramic views of the castle and town. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Between the Piarist Church and the Chateau. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central point. Tip: Visit at sunset for incredible golden hour photos.
4. Name: Portmoneum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This museum features bizarre and colorful murals by artist Josef Váchal. Best for: Fans of quirky art. Where: Terézy Novákové street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the square. Tip: The murals cover every inch of the walls and furniture.
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: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located directly opposite the castle entrance. Tip: The museum is quite small and easy to fit into a busy schedule.
6. Name: Smetana Square Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: It is one of the longest squares in the country, lined with colorful houses. Best for: Lunch and shopping. Where: Town center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: Central hub of the town. Tip: Look for the Old Town Hall with its unique astronomical clock.
7. Name: Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church with a terrace offering high-up views. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Next to the Monastery Gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the terrace. Getting there: Walk from the Chateau. Tip: Climb to the walkway between the towers for a great perspective.
8. Name: Regional Museum in Litomyšl Type: Museum Why go: It provides deep context on the town's history and the castle's construction. Best for: Context seekers. Where: Near the castle gates. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Just outside the main chateau walls. Tip: The building itself is a modern architectural award winner.
9. Name: Chateau Park and Game Reserve Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful wooded area perfect for a quiet walk away from buildings. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Behind the chateau. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the paths from the chateau gardens. Tip: Great for travelers with dogs or active children.

Essential travel advice for your journey

If you drive, you should know where to park in Litomyšl before you arrive. There are several lots near the town center and the castle. Street parking is often metered and limited to short stays. Using a designated lot saves time and stress.

For those using public transport, check schedules on the Visit Czechia portal. Most connections from Olomouc require a change in Česká Třebová. The total travel time by train and bus is around 90 minutes. This is still very manageable for a Litomyšl Chateau day trip.

If you have extra time, you might consider other nearby sites. You could stop by the Kroměříž UNESCO gardens on a different day. Both towns offer world-class history within reach of Olomouc. Always carry some Czech Koruna for small museum fees or local cafes.