Olomouc in Spring

Tulips in Smetana Gardens Olomouc

Olomouc is a city of parks and fountains and everybody looks forward to seeing the first green shoots of spring. As the weather warms up, flower gardens bloom, water returns to the fountains and by the beginning of May the outdoor cafes and beer gardens are up and running again.

Art building of the Olomouc University

The outdoor beer gardens of Olomouc reopen in the spring

A spring storm in Olomouc

Moravia's strong folk traditions start a new season with Easter celebrations and festivals; the best are in smaller towns and villages like Velká Bystřice and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. April and May are good months for live music in Olomouc, as the academic year draws slowly to a close. Spring festivities at Roznov pod radhostem, 80-km east of Olomouc Highlights are the concerts connected with the international documentary film festival and the day of free outdoor concerts on the 1st of May. May 8th is a public holiday commemorating the end of WWII, and the second half of the month is the time for students' year-end celebrations, quite a large beer festival and outdoor music festivals like Majales.

wine break during the ride of the kings in Vlcnov The Ride of the Kings is a tradition that used to be performed across Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia but now survives only in five villages, each of which is within about an hour of Olomouc. The biggest and most colourful horseback procession is at Vlčnov on the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Olomouc city model Spring can be a rainy season, and Olomouc is a good place to be because if you're staying in the centre with us everything is within a few minutes' walk, and there are so many churches, palaces and museums to duck into; not to mention the cheap bars, cafes and teahouses of the university quarter. Or we can loan you an umbrella.

Kromeriz flower gardens Most castles, caves and outdoor museums in the Moravian countryside near Olomouc will be open on weekends during April and daily (except Monday) from the beginning of May until the end of September. The UNESCO-listed chateau and flower gardens at Kroměříž (38km) make an especially good daytrip in the spring.

Spring events around Olomouc:

International Festival of Documentary films
Olomouc Eco-days
Olomouc Beer festival
Fringe theatre festival
Dvořak's Olomouc
Ride of the Kings

Spring guests said:

"Thankyou for introducing me to a tea house, I'm forever grateful for that :-) I had such a nice weekend, thanks for your hospitality and really good traveling tips! You have done a really good job with collecting all that information on "daytrips" map. I must come back some day to see/do all those!" - Mervi, Finland

"I cannot recommend this hostel, or Olomouc, enough. The hostel is comfortable, quiet, and nicely decorated, with a great kitchen and common room. Greg, Francie, and Kamila are full of information on places to eat, drink, and explore both in the city and in the surrounding area. Bike rentals are highly recommended - the hostel lends them for the equivalent of only 4 euros for the entire day, and there are plenty of nice places to ride. Definitely a place I will be returning to again." - (via hostelbookers) Matthew, Australia

"The atmosphere was very chilled out and relaxed with an emphasis on meeting other travellers and getting to know each other rather than just passing through unnoticed. Beds were comfy, hostel was kept very clean and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly." - (also via hostelbookers) Steven, England