A great train adventure in the Czech Republic

21.07.2023 - 07:46 / roughguides.com

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to explore Europe, and there are few places that offer train adventures quite like the Czech Republic. Prague may lure a traveller in, but other cities and towns in the country can truly capture a traveller’s heart, as bloggers Megan Starr and Aram Vardanyan discovered when they embarked on a rail adventure through the Czech Republic.

There are several worthwhile train options in the country, but when Prague, Olomouc and Ostrava team up, you won’t find a journey like it anywhere else. The itinerary below is based on our recent train journey in the country and how we explored these three unique cities.

One of the best things about a Czech rail trip is that you can be fairly spontaneous with your travel plans, as there are frequent trains running between all of the destinations. It is also eco-friendly and an affordable way to explore this fascinating central European country.

Train to Olomouc © Megan Starr and Aram Vardanyan

The Czech Republic's sixth most populous city is one that is well-preserved and with a deep-rooted history – definitely worthy of a spot on every Czech train adventure itinerary.

While Olomouc's past shines through its famous Baroque architecture and squares, its hip coffee shops, local eateries and colourful street art give the city a youthful and quirky vibe.

There are several trains leaving Prague for Olomouc daily. After arriving in Olomouc, it’s best to hop on a tram from the train station to the city centre, which is about two to three kilometres away. The trams run from the front of the station and travellers can take the number 1 or 7 or the express (X) tram to the centre.

Olomouc city centre © Jan Andrash/Shutterstock

Olomouc is a city that is best visited on foot; we found the Old Town to be easily manageable and there are plenty of parks within the centre and surrounding it that allowed us to breathe in the fresh, autumn air.

We began the day with a stroll around Bezručovy Sady (also referred to as English Park), which sits between the city's walls and the Mill Channel of the Morava River. Inside the park, we discovered a few ways to access the Old Town, including a staircase that led us to St. Michael's, a Baroque church dating back to the 13th-century that was later destroyed by the Swedes, only to be rebuilt in 1676.

The Baroque Caesar fountain in Olomouc © Hebrus Liudmila/Shutterstock

Once in the Old Town, track down one of Olomouc's most beloved coffee shops: Kafe Jak Lusk sits right on the edge of the town and offers everything from tasty coffee to hearty breakfast bowls. Kikafe is a small cafe in the centre that offers a different type of espresso daily and has some of the most skilled baristas in Olomouc.

In the heart of the