Free North Moravia Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore North Moravia with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
North Moravia
North Moravia photo 2
North Moravia photo 3
All photos

Explore North Moravia in Czechia for Olomouc's baroque heritage, Ostrava's industrial culture, Jeseníky hikes and Beskid mountain villages.

North Moravia is a broad historical and travel region in the eastern Czechia, stretching from the Jeseníky Mountains and the Polish frontier south-eastwards through Olomouc to the industrial landscape of Ostrava and the forested Beskids. It is not a single modern administrative unit: contemporary travel usually involves parts of the Olomouc Region and the Moravian-Silesian Region, including areas of historic Moravia and Czech Silesia. The result is a destination of considerable variety, where baroque squares, mountain valleys, mining settlements and modern cultural venues belong to the same geographical story.
Read more about North Moravia
Olomouc provides the region's most concentrated historic experience. Its medieval centre, grand ecclesiastical buildings, fountains and Holy Trinity Column reflect centuries when the city was an important religious and political centre of Moravia. The surrounding Haná lowlands are agricultural and comparatively open, while the northern uplands rise towards the Jeseníky range, with spa towns, spruce forests, reservoirs and long-distance walking routes. Towns such as Šumperk, Jeseník and Bruntál offer useful bases for exploring this quieter mountain country.
Further east, Ostrava presents a very different face of North Moravia. Once shaped by coal mining, ironmaking and heavy industry, the city has converted much of that industrial inheritance into museums, cultural venues and distinctive urban landscapes. The former industrial complex of Dolní Vítkovice is the best-known example, while nearby Opava, Krnov and Nový Jičín reveal the region's Silesian and Moravian architectural layers. The area around Hlučín and the Opava basin also carries a strong historical identity shaped by changing borders and German, Polish, Silesian and Czech influences.
The south-eastern part of the region rises into the Beskids, where wooded ridges, pastureland and scattered settlements create excellent conditions for walking, cycling and winter sports. Frýdek-Místek, Frenštát pod Radhoštěm and the villages around the Lysá hora massif serve as gateways, while Štramberk is known for its hilltop tower, timbered houses and traditional gingerbread. In the foothills, the legacy of the composer Leoš Janáček is especially visible around Hukvaldy and his birthplace.
Food reflects both the agricultural lowlands and the uplands: Olomoucké tvarůžky, a strongly flavoured ripened cheese, are associated with the town of Loštice; beer, pastries, smoked meats and seasonal mushroom dishes appear widely across the region. Visitors can combine urban museums and concerts with spa visits, castle excursions, cycling on flatter routes or demanding mountain hikes. Distances are significant, so North Moravia rewards an itinerary divided between an urban base such as Olomouc or Ostrava and one of the mountain districts.

When is the best time to visit North Moravia?

Best: June–August · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January230
February330
March840
April1250
May1860
June (best)2170
July (best)2370
August (best)2370
September1860
October1250
November640
December330

Getting to and around North Moravia

How to get there

The main international gateways are outside or on the edge of the region: Prague and Vienna are practical long-distance options, while Kraków and Katowice in southern Poland can be useful for some northern destinations. Ostrava's Leoš Janáček Airport is within the Moravian-Silesian part of North Moravia and has a more limited range of services than the larger capitals. Olomouc and Ostrava have frequent rail connections with Prague and other Czech cities, and Ostrava is also linked to Poland and Slovakia. The D1 motorway is the principal road approach from Prague and Brno, with other major roads serving Jeseníky, Opava and the Beskids.

Transportation

Rail is particularly useful between Olomouc, Ostrava, Přerov, Opava, Šumperk and other major towns, while regional buses reach smaller settlements and mountain gateways. Ostrava and Olomouc have urban public transport networks; elsewhere, services can be less frequent, especially on rural routes and at weekends. A car is convenient for dispersed castles, spa towns, trailheads and villages in the Jeseníky and Beskids, although winter driving requires care. Cycling works well on lowland routes and dedicated paths, while mountain routes should be assessed for gradient, weather and public-transport return options.

Top city travel guides in North Moravia

The cities of North Moravia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in North Moravia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in North Moravia

North Moravia's attractions range from Olomouc's ecclesiastical and civic heritage to the industrial museums and cultural spaces of Ostrava. In Olomouc, visitors can explore the historic centre, churches, university surroundings and monumental fountains, while nearby Loštice provides a focus for the region's famous ripened cheese. The Jeseníky offer forest walks, mountain viewpoints, spa towns and winter sports, with routes around Praděd and the highland valleys appealing to experienced walkers. East of Ostrava, the Beskids provide ridge hikes, cycling, ski areas and traditional foothill settlements. Historic towns such as Štramberk, Nový Jičín, Opava and Krnov add castles, town squares, museums and preserved architecture. Dolní Vítkovice explains the area's coal and ironmaking history through its blast furnaces, gas holders and industrial structures, while Hukvaldy combines castle ruins, woodland and associations with Leoš Janáček. Attractions are widely dispersed, so the region is best approached through several bases rather than as a series of short day trips from one city.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in North Moravia

Olomouc's Holy Trinity Column is North Moravia's most recognisable Baroque monument, rising from the Upper Square as a richly decorated expression of Catholic devotion and civic identity. The city's astronomical clock, town hall, fountains and churches form a coherent historic centre shaped by medieval foundations and later reconstruction. Ostrava's visual identity is instead defined by the industrial skyline of Dolní Vítkovice, where blast furnaces, gas holders and associated structures record the scale of coal-based iron production. In the Beskid foothills, Štramberk's Trúba tower crowns the historic town and remains a prominent landmark above its timbered houses. Hukvaldy Castle occupies a wooded ridge near Janáček's birthplace, while the Jeseníky are marked by the high summit of Praděd and its distinctive communications tower. The Silesian townscapes of Opava and Krnov add churches, squares and civic buildings that reflect centuries of borderland history.

Show more landmarks

Explore North Moravia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in North Moravia

Dining in North Moravia reflects the meeting of Haná agriculture, Moravian and Silesian traditions, mountain produce and the industrial towns' practical culinary culture. Olomoucké tvarůžky, a pungent soft ripened cheese associated particularly with Loštice, appear in specialist shops, traditional menus and modern interpretations. Across the region, expect Czech staples such as soups, dumplings, roast meats and pastries, alongside seasonal mushrooms, game and locally produced vegetables in upland districts. Olomouc and Ostrava have the broadest choice of contemporary restaurants, cafés, bakeries and international food, while smaller towns tend towards traditional restaurants, pubs and family-run establishments. Mountain areas often offer substantial meals suited to walkers and skiers, and breweries provide a strong accompaniment to regional cooking. Farmers' markets and food shops are useful for cheeses, smoked products, preserves, honey and baked goods, though market schedules vary by town and season.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in North Moravia

Evening life is most varied in Ostrava and Olomouc. Ostrava combines traditional pubs and beer halls with cocktail bars, live-music spaces, theatres and cultural venues, particularly around the central districts and former industrial sites; its university population supports a more active late-night scene than most regional towns. Olomouc has a compact concentration of pubs, cafés, wine bars and student-oriented venues around the historic centre, with concerts and theatre adding alternatives to clubbing. Opava and other larger towns offer local pubs, restaurants and occasional live music rather than a continuous nightlife circuit. In the Jeseníky and Beskids, evenings generally centre on hotel restaurants, mountain lodges, breweries and traditional pubs, with activity increasing during ski and holiday periods. Smaller villages may close early, so visitors staying in rural areas should plan dinner and transport in advance.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in North Moravia

Evening life is most varied in Ostrava and Olomouc. Ostrava combines traditional pubs and beer halls with cocktail bars, live-music spaces, theatres and cultural venues, particularly around the central districts and former industrial sites; its university population supports a more active late-night scene than most regional towns. Olomouc has a compact concentration of pubs, cafés, wine bars and student-oriented venues around the historic centre, with concerts and theatre adding alternatives to clubbing. Opava and other larger towns offer local pubs, restaurants and occasional live music rather than a continuous nightlife circuit. In the Jeseníky and Beskids, evenings generally centre on hotel restaurants, mountain lodges, breweries and traditional pubs, with activity increasing during ski and holiday periods. Smaller villages may close early, so visitors staying in rural areas should plan dinner and transport in advance.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in North Moravia

Shopping in North Moravia is strongest in the historic centres and market towns rather than in a single regional retail district. Olomouc offers pedestrian streets, independent bookshops, cafés, galleries and everyday retail around its central squares, while Ostrava combines shopping centres with smaller independent businesses and design-oriented outlets in the inner city. Nový Jičín, Štramberk, Opava and other historic towns are useful for browsing local crafts, regional food shops, antiques and small galleries. Good edible souvenirs include Olomoucké tvarůžky, honey, preserves, beer, herbal products and traditional pastries; specialist shops can advise on transport and storage. In mountain areas, look for woollen goods, woodwork and locally made products, but selection is usually seasonal and modest. Farmers' markets vary by town and date, so confirm arrangements locally rather than assuming a market operates every day.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to North Moravia, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

North Moravia essentials

Currency and Payment
North Moravia uses the Czech koruna, written as Kč and coded CZK, like the rest of Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are common in towns, hotels, transport ticket offices and established restaurants, but smaller rural businesses, market stalls, ticket machines or seasonal facilities may still prefer cash. Carry some Czech koruna for mountain villages and smaller museums, and check whether a terminal offers payment in koruna rather than an automatically converted home currency. Euros may be accepted occasionally, but they are not the standard means of payment.
Safety
North Moravia is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy transport hubs, nightlife areas and crowded events. In the Jeseníky and Beskids, follow marked routes, allow extra time for descents and check weather forecasts before ridge walks; snow and ice can persist at higher elevations. Take care near disused industrial structures, quarries, rivers and reservoirs, and use lights and reflective clothing when cycling or walking after dark. Drivers should expect narrow rural roads, wildlife and winter conditions in upland districts.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 operates throughout Czechia and can connect callers with the appropriate service; 150 reaches the fire and rescue service, 155 medical rescue and 158 the police. In an emergency, give the nearest town, road, trail marker or mapped location and describe the situation clearly. Mountain rescue operates in Czech mountain areas, but walkers should not rely on mobile coverage everywhere, particularly in forested valleys. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a pharmacy about local services rather than using emergency numbers.
Do's and Don'ts
Use marked paths in protected mountain landscapes, close gates on rural routes and do not disturb wildlife or collect plants. At churches, monasteries and memorial sites, dress and behave respectfully, and check photography rules before using a camera indoors. Czech dining etiquette is usually informal but orderly: queue at counters, return trays where requested and do not assume that service charges or tips are included. In pubs and restaurants, a modest tip for good service is customary, while aggressive bargaining in ordinary shops is not.
Local Tips
Olomouc is an effective base for historic sightseeing and rail excursions, while Ostrava works well for industrial heritage and access to the eastern part of the region. Mountain visitors should distinguish the Jeseníky from the Beskids, as they are separate ranges with different transport patterns and trail networks. Smaller museums, castles and lookout towers often have shorter seasonal hours than city institutions. Local food shops and markets are useful places to find Olomoucké tvarůžky, regional pastries, preserves and beer without relying solely on tourist-oriented venues.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeSbohem[sbohem]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyeh-koo-yee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[om-loh-vahm se]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yack seh mahsh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dob-rzheh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mloo-veesh ahn-glits-kee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zoo-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět jídelní lístek, prosím[khtyel beek veed-yeht yee-del-nee leestek, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[ney-eem mah-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zdrah-vee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[khtyel beek zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![yee preech]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-voh-ley-teh poh-lee-tsi-ee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora![zah-voh-ley-teh dok-toh-rah]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztrah-teel ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem neh-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[khtyel beek koh-pit]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[koh-lik toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé[toh yeh pree-leesh drah-heh]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moo-zesh snee-zheet tsenu]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-lik yeh hoh-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
Half past (10)Půl (11)[pool]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-po-leh-dneh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kdeh yeh]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[yakah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zesh mee oo-kah-zat nah mah-peh]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?[kdee yeh-deh dal-shee au-to-boos]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ....)[yeh-den leestek doh]

History of North Moravia

Early Settlement and Great Moravia

The fertile valleys and river basins of northern Moravia supported settlement long before the medieval period. Archaeological evidence from the wider region records prehistoric farming communities, fortified hill sites and later Slavic occupation. In the ninth century, parts of Moravia belonged to the sphere of Great Moravia, a major early medieval polity whose religious and political influence extended across much of Central Europe. The region's position between the Moravian lowlands, Silesia and routes towards Poland later made it a zone of contact rather than an isolated frontier.

Medieval Towns, Castles and Church Power

From the twelfth century onwards, rulers, nobles and religious institutions consolidated control through castles, monasteries and planned towns. Olomouc became one of Moravia's principal political and ecclesiastical centres, while settlements including Opava, Krnov, Šumperk and Nový Jičín developed through trade, crafts and regional administration. The Přemyslid and later Luxembourg periods strengthened links between Moravia, Silesia and the Bohemian Crown. Surviving street plans, churches, fortifications and castle sites still show how medieval authority was organised across the region.

The Silesian Lands and the Bohemian Crown

Northern Moravia bordered the historically distinct duchies of Silesia, many of which came under the Bohemian Crown during the medieval era. Opava and Krnov became important centres within this Silesian political landscape, while the area experienced shifting dynastic control and competition among local aristocratic families. The boundary between Moravia and Silesia was never simply a cultural wall: trade, marriage, language and administration connected communities on both sides. This layered inheritance remains visible in architecture, place names and the regional identities of eastern Czechia.

The Thirty Years' War and Baroque Reconstruction

The seventeenth century brought severe disruption through the Thirty Years' War, military occupation, economic decline and religious conflict. After the war, Catholic institutions and aristocratic landowners reshaped many towns and estates through Baroque rebuilding. Olomouc's churches, fountains and monumental Holy Trinity Column belong to this period of reconstruction, as do country houses, pilgrimage sites and redesigned urban spaces elsewhere in the region. The Baroque landscape was not merely decorative: it expressed the renewed authority of the Habsburg state and the Catholic Church.

Industrialisation, Railways and Coal

From the nineteenth century, industrialisation transformed the Ostrava and Karviná area, where coal deposits supported ironworks, engineering and expanding railway connections. Ostrava grew from a regional town into one of the Habsburg monarchy's major industrial centres, attracting workers and reshaping its social structure. Coal and metallurgy also influenced nearby settlements and transport routes, while textile production, glassmaking and engineering developed in other parts of North Moravia. The surviving blast furnaces, mines and workers' districts form a distinctive industrial heritage that now sits alongside new cultural uses.

War, Border Change and the Twentieth Century

North Moravia and Czech Silesia experienced the upheavals of both world wars, including military mobilisation, occupation and changing national politics. The industrial districts were strategically important during the Second World War, while borderland communities suffered displacement and demographic change after 1945. Under state socialism, Ostrava remained a major centre of coal and heavy industry, and new housing estates expanded around established towns. The political and economic transformation after 1989 brought mine closures, industrial restructuring and a search for new cultural, educational and environmental uses for former industrial land.

Industrial Renewal and Regional Culture

Since the late twentieth century, North Moravia has combined industrial decline with substantial cultural and economic renewal. Former mining and metallurgical sites have been conserved, interpreted and adapted for museums, festivals, education and public events, most visibly at Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrava. Universities, theatres and music institutions have strengthened urban cultural life, while spa towns, mountain tourism and heritage conservation contribute to wider regional development. The legacy of figures such as composer Leoš Janáček, together with local food, craft and outdoor traditions, gives the region a contemporary identity rooted in both Moravian and Silesian experience.

North Moravia in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of North Moravia

The closest regions to North Moravia, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Czechia
More of the region

Explore more of Czechia

Discover Czechia: A European gem with historic towns, stunning landscapes, and cultural delights. Perfect for travelers seeking charm, history, and adventure.

Explore Czechia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to North Moravia

Discover the best of North Moravia with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore North Moravia effortlessly with Evendo, the free travel guide app that provides detailed insights into all attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more. Download now!

  • Historical insights on North Moravia
  • Travel essentials for visiting North Moravia
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and destination
  • Near Me feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to North Moravia, a land rich in history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey through this enchanting region becomes effortless and unforgettable. This 100% free app-based travel guide is meticulously designed to help you explore the best North Moravia has to offer.

Start your adventure at Ostrava, the heart of North Moravia, where the iconic Lower Vítkovice area showcases the region's industrial heritage. Discover the charming town of Štramberk, known for its picturesque Štramberk Castle and the unique Štramberk Ears pastry. Don't miss the stunning Praděd mountain, the highest peak in the Jeseníky range, offering breathtaking views and exhilarating hiking trails.

Food lovers will delight in the local cuisine, with top recommendations like Comedor Mexicano in Ostrava for a taste of authentic Mexican flavors, and Hospůdka U Rady for traditional Czech dishes. For a night out, the Stodolní Street in Ostrava is famous for its bustling nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Evendo not only provides detailed descriptions, images, and local tips for each location but also includes maps and contact details, making planning your trip a breeze. Whether you're looking to book hotels, tours, tickets, or experiences, Evendo has it all in one place, ensuring you make the most of your visit to North Moravia.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.