Visit Ostrava: what are the best things to do and see in the third city of Czech Republic?
Located in the extreme east of the country, just over three hours Prague , you will find a city with a amazing palette art and music live , of decadent architecture, a rich history and a lively nightlife. You may not know Ostrava but the Czech city has a bit of everything. Industrial center on the border with Poland ( Krakow only 2h30 by car), Ostrava is certainly not the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic; it is, after all, known as “the heart of steel of the Republic” ( Slovenian srdce Republiky ), but it is worth discovering during a weekend.
This is so 10 things to visit in Ostrava :
1. Dolní Vítkovice, Ostrava’s “steel castle”
Wikimedia – Boris Renner
The Dolní Vítkovice , a former mining complex of acetry and rehabilitated coal in the heart of downtown Ostrava, offers enough things to see for a day full of unforgettable experiences. You'll live again. industrial past of Ostrava and admire the historic gasometer now converted into a multifunctional auditorium called the GONG. Finish your day at the “Small World of Technology” an interactive exhibition showing the evolution of the Czech industry over the centuries. If this place seems glaucosal at first sight, you will be impressed by his visit once inside the complex.
2. The observation tower of the New City Hotel
Wikimedia – Sveter
In general, this kind of tourist attraction is not very interesting, except for the panoramic view it offers. Yet, the observation tower of the new city hotel has something different. Completed in 1930, this 86-metre high tower is still the largest city hotel in the Czech Republic. From its observation platform to 73 meters high, you will have a view of the entire city of Ostrava as well as the mountains of Hrubý Jeseník, the Beskides and the plateau of Haute-Silesia. A ticket only costs 50 CZK (1.80€).
3. Landek Park and Michal Mine
Flickr – Petr Dadák
Ostrava’s history is linked to mining and steel industries, so it’s not surprising that there are many old industrial sites to see. Even if visiting a coal mine is not your cup of tea, you might be surprised by what you might see here. The Landek Park is the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It is like going back into the industrial era, with a touch of communist kitsch. You will have the opportunity to start the visit of an old mine from a historic building, aboard a cage, in an extraction pit to the upper galleries. What is immersed in the daily life of minors.
Mount Landek is also a national natural monument and is recognized by geologists around the world.
4. The Art Gallery
Wikimedia - Kankova
This museum offers a valuable selection of European art, including the work of Klimt , with Czech art from the 19th and 20th centuries, a collection of Russian realistics, and Spanish art from the 20th century. Founded in 1922, the gallery is located in a functionalist building built in 1926 by Czech architects František Fiala and Vladimír Wallenfels.
5. Komenského sady park
Wikimedia - Podzemnik
If you are looking for a place for you relax with a picnic or simply take the air, Komenského sady is a beautiful park located by the Ostravice River near the new city hotel. On the weekend, it is animated by locals who come to jogging, cycling, rollerblading, or simply strolling. You will find many stands to buy a fresh beer, a soda or a sausage. It is a quiet and pleasant place just outside the city centre.
6. Museums of Ostrava
In addition to those mentioned above, there are other interesting museums to visit in Ostrava. Among them the Museum of Brasserie Ostravar Don't disappoint. Remember, we are in the Czech Republic, a country where we find among the best beers in the world. Dating from 1842, the brewery still produces local foam using the traditional method of low fermentation. At the end of the visit you can enjoy the beer produced locally.
The Ostrava Museum is comparable to the National Museum of Prague, sheltering everything from prehistoric carts to the 16th century violins. Located in the old town hall on Masaryk Square, it is a fairly well located attraction. The pride of the museum is the great interior astronomical clock of 225 cm with its 2500 workpieces, implemented by Jan Mašek in 1935. If you have time, you can also visit the Fire Museum, the Mill Museum or the Cithare Museum.
7. The Colours of Ostrava Festival
Credit – colours.cz
Rolling out every mid-July, Colours of Ostrava is a family-friendly festival that enjoys a rich cultural program that extends from music to poetry and theatre. With some of the biggest international names in rock, jazz, electro and world music, the festival takes place at Dolní Vítkovice , the site of the old furnaces, mines and ironworks, which give it a very unique atmosphere to witness the impressive performances.
8. The Nightlife of Ostrava
Flickr – Petr Dadák
Everything is happening Stodolní Street . This party area that never sleeps is probably the most famous (and infamous) street in the Czech Republic. Filled with more than 60 clubs, pubs, cocktail bars... all stuck next to each other, it is a must-see if you want out in Ostrava . Since Ostrava is a little away from the “great roads”, you will avoid the evenings of life burials of young girls/boys who often crowd the streets of Prague. Just don’t forget where your hotel is when it’s time to get back to sleep!
9. The castle Slezskoostravský hrad (Saterian church of Ostrava)
Wikimedia - Podzemnik
The Silesian Castle of Ostrava is the city’s most historic and cultural monument. It was built in the second half of the 13th century, near the confluence of the rivers Lučina and Ostravice, where a fortified Slavic colony had once resisted.
10. In the vicinity of Ostrava: Štramberk and Kopřivnice
Wikimedia - Miaow Miaow
A few kilometers from Ostrava, it is easy to recognize Štramberk . Its immense cylindrical tower called Trúba is sufficient to identify it. Don't miss the ruins of Strallenberg's castle perched at the top of the city.
Kopřivnice , 30 km away, is famous for its Tatra Museum, the legendary Czech car factory.
Ostrava: go, stay
Whether it's from Prague or Krakow in Poland, it takes a little over 3 hours of train or bus to Ostrava. Since Paris, there are very few direct flights. The Smart Wings company leaves Charles de Gaulle. Otherwise, we have to stop in London with Ryanair. Use Skyscanner to compare the best prices and routes.
It is important above all to choose the right area where to stay in Ostrava . Search for a hotel a little away from Stodolní Street, to avoid the noise of clubs and bars in the city. To find a cheap hotel in Ostrava, search this Compare hotels .
Have you visited Ostrava?
Main Photo: Flickr – Montecruz Foto
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