Planning for climbing the southern tower of Olomouc Cathedral

Before you start, check the weather. The tower often closes during high winds or rain. You should also check the opening hours for St. Wenceslas Cathedral Olomouc before arriving. Most visitors arrive in the morning to avoid the heat.

Tickets are not sold at the tower door. You must visit the museum shop or the cathedral information center. Keep your ticket handy for the turnstile. The price is very affordable for most travelers.

Wear sturdy shoes for this activity. The stone steps can be slippery when damp. You should also carry a small bottle of water. There are no facilities once you start the ascent.

• Checklist:
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Small bottle of water.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Local currency (CZK) for tickets.
• A light jacket for wind at the top.

A step-by-step guide to the cathedral tower climb

Follow these steps to reach the top. The path is narrow but well-maintained. Always yield to people coming down. This ensures a smooth flow for everyone.

1. Buy your ticket: Go to the Archdiocesan Museum next door. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: 60–100 CZK. Where: Museum desk. Mistake: Trying to pay at the tower entrance.
2. Locate the tower entrance: Walk to the south side of the exterior. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Outside the cathedral wall. Mistake: Looking for the stairs inside the main church nave.
3. The Ascent: Climb the 400+ spiral stone steps. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Physical effort. Where: Inside the tower shaft. Mistake: Rushing and getting dizzy on the turns.
4. Reach the Gallery: Step out onto the viewing platform. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: The outdoor balcony. Mistake: Dropping loose items like hats or phones over the railing.

If you feel tired, there are small landings. Use these to catch your breath. Do not block the path for other climbers. The air gets cooler as you go higher.

What to see from the southern tower gallery

The gallery offers a 360-degree view of the region. You can see the Holy Trinity Column Olomouc UNESCO site from above. The red roofs of the old town look beautiful. On clear days, the Jeseníky Mountains appear on the horizon.

Look for the green domes of the city churches. You can also spot the University buildings. For more ideas on what to see, check places to visit in Olomouc. The perspective from the tower is unique.

Photography is excellent during the late afternoon. The light hits the cathedral spires perfectly. Use a wrist strap for your camera. The wind can be quite strong at this height.

Troubleshooting and common tower problems

Climbing the tower is usually simple. However, some issues can arise. Knowing these helps you plan better. Here are some common problems and solutions.

• The tower closes during heavy rain or storms for safety.
• The ticket office may close 30 minutes before the tower shuts.
• Stairs are very narrow in the middle section of the climb.
• Large backpacks are not allowed due to space limits.
• Card machines at the shop occasionally fail; carry some cash.
• The gallery may be crowded during holiday weekends in 2026.
• If you have vertigo, the open-air gallery might feel scary.
• The bells may ring while you are near them; it is very loud.

If the tower is closed, visit the Olomouc Tourism Portal for updates. You can also explore the cathedral crypt instead. It is a peaceful alternative to the high climb.