Opava Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Opava with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, cultural attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Opava Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Opava

Opava is a beautiful city located in the North Moravia and Silesia region of Czech Republic. It is situated in Central Europe and is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a serene atmosphere, natural beauty and cultural richness. In this comprehensive tour guide for Opava, we have included everything you need to know before planning your trip, including the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, cultural attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Opava

Opava boasts a rich history and cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, museums, and historical landmarks. Here are some must-visit places in Opava:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Silesian Museum – This museum houses a plethora of art, science, and cultural collections. The museum is divided into four sections, including the natural history collection, cultural history collection, art collection, and the library.

  2. Lower Castle – This castle, also known as Kravatova Residence, was built in the 17th century. It is adorned with beautiful frescoes, stucco, and painted ornamentation.

  3. Opava Jewish Cemetery – This cemetery dates back to the 17th century and is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the country. The cemetery is home to over 1,500 tombstones, including the graves of famous rabbis.

Natural Attractions of Opava: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Opava River – The Opava River is a beautiful place for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The river is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the city.

  2. Nature Reserve Mlynska Strouha – This nature reserve is a haven for nature lovers. It offers a serene atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

  3. Opavsky Hill – This is the largest hill in the Opava region. It is a perfect spot for hiking and offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Opava

Opava is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Czech Republic. Here are some popular routes:

  1. The Opava riverbank trail

  2. The Krnova Stream Route

  3. The Slezska Harta Cycle Path

Best Things to Do in Opava: Activities and Tours

There are a variety of activities and tours available in Opava. Here are some of the best:

  1. City Tour – This tour takes you through the city’s top attractions and landmarks, including the Silesian Museum, Kravatova Residence, and the Opava Jewish Cemetery.

  2. Kayaking – Kayaking down the Opava River is a popular activity among tourists. You can rent a kayak from the rental stations along the riverbank.

  3. Wine Tasting Tour – Opava has a rich wine culture and offers wine tasting tours at local wineries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Opava

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Opava:

Day Activity
1 Explore the city’s top attractions
2 Take a cycling tour along the Opava River
3 Go kayaking down the Opava River
4 Visit the Silesian Museum & the Lower Castle
5 Explore the city’s food and drink scene
6 Take a wine tasting tour
7 Hike the Opavsky Hill

Food and Drink Scene of Opava

Opava offers a diverse food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Silesian Dumplings – These dumplings are made from grated raw potatoes and served with sauerkraut, fried onions, and bacon.

  2. Czech Goulash – This is a traditional stew made from beef, potatoes, and onions seasoned with paprika and caraway seeds.

  3. Apple Strudel – This is a traditional Czech dessert made from layers of crispy pastry and sweet apple filling.

Local Beverages

  1. Pilsner Urquell – This is a well-known brand of beer that is brewed in Plzen, Czech Republic.

  2. Moravian Wine – Opava is located in the Moravia wine region, which is known for producing high-quality white wines.

Where to Stay in Opava: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Opava offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Hotel Koruna – This is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

  2. Hostel u Papirny – This is a budget-friendly hostel located in a historic building in the city center.

  3. Guest House U Slunce – This is a charming guesthouse located in a quiet neighborhood just a few minutes walk from the city center.

What to Buy in Opava: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Opava is known for its handicrafts, pottery, and crystal glassware. Some popular souvenirs include:

  1. Hand-painted pottery – These are unique items that are perfect for decorating your home.

  2. Crystal Glassware – Opava has a long tradition of producing high-quality crystal glassware, which is available in many local shops.

  3. Handmade Jewelry – Opava is home to many skilled jewelers who produce beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Opava

Opava has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, museums, and local festivals. Some popular festivals include:

  1. Opava Music Festival – This is a popular festival that features a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and rock music.

  2. Opava Wine Festival – This festival is held every year in September and celebrates the city’s wine culture.

  3. Czech Beer Festival – This festival, held in May, offers a variety of local and international beers and traditional Czech food.

Best Time to Visit Opava

The best time to visit Opava is from April to September when the weather is pleasant, and many outdoor activities are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Opava

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions.

  2. Try the local cuisine and wines.

  3. Follow the designated hiking and biking trails and respect the natural environment.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the natural environment.

  2. Be loud and disruptive in public places.

  3. Be disrespectful to the locals or their customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Opava

Opava is generally safe, but tourists should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings from theft and pickpocketing.

Health in Opava

Opava has excellent healthcare facilities that cater to both locals and tourists. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Opava: Transportation Options and Logistics

Opava is accessible via bus or car. Here are some transportation options to get to Opava:

Airports Near Opava

  1. Ostrava Airport

  2. Brno Airport

Bus Stations Near Opava

  1. Opava Bus Station

  2. Ostrava Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Train – There are train connections from major cities in the Czech Republic to Opava.

  2. Rental Car – Visitors can rent a car from one of the car rental agencies available at the airports or in the city center.

How to Get Around in Opava

Opava is a walkable city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Buses and taxis are available for those who prefer public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Opava: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a charming city located just a few hours drive from Opava. It is famous for its historic city center, Jewish Quarter, and the Wawel Castle.

Brno, Czech Republic

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural events.

Conclusion

Opava offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures that make it an ideal destination for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, we hope you can plan your trip to Opava and enjoy the best attractions and experiences that this city has to offer.

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