Discover Kremsier: Castle, Gardens and Culture

Kremsier combines a historic urban setting with exceptional gardens and a remarkable cultural heritage. The town stands on the site of a former ford across the Morava River and at the foot of the Chřiby mountain range. This makes it a destination where castle culture, garden landscapes, art and family-friendly discoveries can be combined in a variety of ways.

Castle and Art as a Cultural Focus

The gardens and castle of Kroměříž form an exceptionally complete and well-preserved example of a European Baroque princely residence with its gardens. The Arcibiskupský zámek was built by the archbishops of Olomouc as a summer residence. The castle is therefore not merely a single building, but the central expression of a historic residential culture that is also reflected in its associated gardens.

At the Arcibiskupský zámek, the gallery presents works by important European painters from the 15th to the 18th century. The so-called Stará knihovna offers a different perspective on history: its three rooms house around 88,000 volumes as well as a music archive containing more than 6,000 Baroque compositions. Those interested in the development of the town and its cultural figures can visit an exhibition at the Muzeum Kroměřížska covering the decisive events between 1848 and 1948. In six exhibition halls, you can also explore an overview of the work of Max Švabinský, an artist born in Kroměříž.

Historic Gardens with Surprising Details

The Podzámecká zahrada covers 64 hectares. Rare trees from around the world, three ponds, streams and romantic garden areas decorated with sculptures create a wide variety of views and places to linger. The Podzámecká zahrada is freely accessible all year round. It also includes an animal area with peacocks, swans, ducks and chickens roaming freely.

The Květná zahrada has preserved its historic appearance to this day. A particularly unusual detail can be found in the central space of the rotunda: in 1908, a Foucault pendulum was installed there on the initiative of František Nábělek, a secondary-school professor from Kroměříž. Its movement demonstrates the rotation of the Earth and adds a scientific experience to a visit to the garden that goes beyond the purely ornamental design of the grounds.

Views, Forest Knowledge and Exercise

For an outing with children, the approximately 1 km-long Naučná stezka veverky Čiperky educational trail offers a clear thematic focus. It provides information about life in the forest, including the animals that live there and their food. Another landscape experience awaits at the summit of Barbořina, with impressive views of Haná, the Hostýnské vrchy and, in particular, the town of Kroměříž.

The Šlajza recreation area is suited to a more active day out. It includes a 1.5-kilometre running circuit. You will also find shelters, two fire pits for roasting sausages, benches and bicycle racks. This allows you to give cultural sightseeing, garden landscapes and active pursuits different emphasis, without limiting Kremsier to just one type of trip.

More Places to Choose From

If you would like to explore other places in addition to Kremsier, you can also visit Troubky-Zdislavice, Honětice, Bořenovice, Ludslavice, Pacetluky, Pravčice, Zlobice and Cetechovice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Kroměříž.