Šternberk: Discover Culture, Time and Trails

Šternberk offers an unusual combination of architectural history, the knowledge of time and trails through the landscape. Between prominent religious buildings, a castle with preserved traces of fortifications, interactive exhibitions and destinations in the foothills of the Nízký Jeseník, different travel plans can find their own rhythm. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether culture, active days or family-oriented discovery should be your main focus.

Castle, Church and Monastery History

The Chrám Zvěstování Panny Marie impresses with its dimensions alone: The building is 65 metres long, the nave is 30 metres high and the towers are 60 metres high. Šternberk Castle features a preserved cylindrical tower and remains of the main palace’s fortifications. At the Šternberský klášter, history and architecture meet visual art and music ranging from the Gothic period to the present day. Guided tours there take visitors through the J.-K.-Handke picture gallery, an exhibition on the town’s history, the clock tower, a wine gallery and the monastery cellars. They also include demonstrations of various musical instruments, including organ playing in the church.

Discover Time and Read the Town

The Expozice času covers a thematic span from the origins of the universe to atomic clocks. The permanent exhibition is aimed primarily at children, young people and families. Visitors can test their knowledge of the solar system in an interactive game and use models to explore how mechanical clocks work. For the Šternberk urban conservation area, there is also the “Klikotoče” visitor guide, which offers another way to explore the town’s architectural history.

Trails and Outdoor Experiences

Těšíkovská kyselka is located in Těšíkov, a district of Šternberk. The iron-rich mineral water spring has been documented as a natural carbonated spring since 1669; its surroundings serve as a starting point for tourist trails in the foothills of the Nízký Jeseník. The Prabába educational trail offers an easier 1.5-kilometre route and a more demanding 4.5-kilometre route. Both have a relatively small elevation difference, and nine stations cover forest life, regional history, as well as local tales and legends. The trail begins and ends in Šternberk at the crossroads near the former Na kiosku restaurant.

Cycling, Playing and Regional Themes

The Hvězdná cycle path, number 6104, connects Olomouc and Šternberk over 14 kilometres and is suitable for cyclists and inline skaters of all ages. Tyršovy sady is home to the “Město a hvězdy” playground, with two rope climbing frames and an unusual climbing wall. The name Ecce Homo also recalls a chapter in motorsport history: the first independent hill-climb race bearing this name was held in 1921.

Šternberk as the Starting Point for Your Plans

Šternberk lies on the Olomouc hlavní nádraží–Uničov–Šumperk railway line. Alongside the cultural attractions, cycle path and educational trails, you can consider this connection as an additional point of orientation when planning your stay and choosing suitable accommodation. Other destinations you may also wish to consider include Troubelice, Hněvotín, Paseka, Příkazy, Bukovany, Lipinka, Hlušovice and Tovéř.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Olomouc.