Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

Hikes through alpine backcountry, historical sights and gastro experiences

Czech Tourism

Written by Czech Tourism Published on 11.05.2012 12:02:36 (updated on 11.05.2012) Reading time: 3 minutes

Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

This area encompasses two of the country’s tourist regions, each of them different and with its own charm. While the Jeseníky Mountains promise hikes through alpine backcountry and the chance to unwind and enjoy some sport, travel through Central Moravia is all about historical sights and gastro experiences; and while we’re on the subject of food, most people in this country will have heard of Olomouc’s famous cheese.

The epicentre of the region is Olomouc where the highlights include theUNESCO-listed Baroque Trinity Column, a unique set of fountains, the Cathedral of St Wenceslas, a series of museums, the zoo and a water park. Head to the north into the Jeseníky Mountains and you can look forward to the handmade paper factory in Velké Losiny, the Dlouhé Stráně pumped storage hydroelectric power plant and a novel open-air museum complete with gold ore grinding mills (near Zlaté Hory). And don’t forget castles at Bouzov, Helfštýn and Šternberk, chateaux at Jánský Vrch, Úsov and Náměšť na Hané, several caves and spas such as the Priessnitz Spa in Jeseník, the thermal spa in Velké Losiny and the spa in Teplice nad Bečvou.

Highlighted from the region:

Olomouc
This city of palaces, churches, exquisite fountains and a Renaissance town hall, boasting an astronomical clock, possesses the largest conservation area in the country after Prague. As if that wasn’t enough there is also the Cathedral of St Wenceslas, the Archdiocese Museum, the Svatý Kopeček pilgrimage site, a water park, a zoo, the city’s beefy defences and the famous flower exhibition.

Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
This major piece of Baroque artwork adorns Horní Square in the historical city centre. The column was added to UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage sites for its extraordinary size, as well as for the intricacy and scope of the sculptural decoration.

Handmade paper factory in Velké Losiny
This paper factory was founded at the end of the 16th century by the Žerotín family and paper has been made by hand here for over 400 years. In addition to the production areas and gallery, you can also leaf through the paper museum and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop.

Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

Dlouhé Stráně Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant
The third largest hydroelectric power station of its kind in the world is one of the seven wonders of the Czech Republic and can boast no less than three superlatives – the largest reserve turbine in Europe, the largest difference in elevation between the reservoirs and the biggest output in the country. Tours of the plant include the upper reservoir which lies at an elevation of 1,350m.

Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

Castles and Chateaux
If you are a fan of period interiors, historical gems, fairs, jousting, and after-dark or ghost-themed tours, then the following are a must: Helfštýn and Šternberk castles, fairytale Bouzov Castle, chateaux in Náměšť na Hané, Úsov, Čechy pod Kosířem, Plumlov, Jánský Vrch, Tovačov and Velké Losiny.

Bouzov
Bouzov

Spas
You probably won’t find this many spas in any another region of the country! Why not come and try out the Priessnitz Spa in Jeseník or the nearby Dolní Lipová spa, the thermal spa at Velké Losiny, the spas at Bludov, Slatinice, Bochoř, Skalka or what about taking the waters at Teplice nad Bečvou.

Central Moravia & the Jeseníky Mountains

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