Ostrava surprises with its comfort. The Czech Ostrava may seem like a hub of industrial concentration, but the city is also rich in fine architecture as well as active cultural events.
The industrial city may also surprise
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic in terms of population. It is located near the Polish border, but the city is also a short distance to the Slovak side.
Located in eastern Czech Republic, just off the Polish border, Ostrava is a fairly unknown tourist town so far, but the 2015 World Hockey Championships will bring it to the spotlight, at least for a while.
The city is known for its coal mines and factories, and at first glance it may seem like a very big factory town. In reality, Ostrava is full of interesting places to visit, such as the Vítkovice region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Stodolní Street, the number one evening destination.
Other places of interest in Ostrava include the Landek Park Mining Museum, which combines mining, archeology and geology. The city’s numerous churches and the magnificent medieval Slezská Ostrava Castle also offer tourist attractions.
The sympathetic colorful houses and relaxed atmosphere of the city of Ostrava fascinate the tourist.
Ostrava is an affordable city destination
The best time to travel to Ostrava is from May to September, when the sun is shining and the days are nice and warm. Most tourists are in July and August, when the average daily temperature approaches 20 degrees.
Travel to Ostrava for a city break as it offers interesting sights, inexpensive restaurants and worthy shopping opportunities. The price level is cheap in Finnish, so you can easily stay in the city on a small budget or enjoy good hotels and restaurants at an affordable price.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN OSTRAVA
You can explore Ostrava, for example, by sympathetic trams.
Stay and move cheaply
There are no direct flights from Finland to Ostrava, and intermediate connections are rather poorly available. Flights from Helsinki to Ostrava cost about 300 euros. The most convenient way to get to the city is to fly 170 kilometers to the Polish side to Krakow and continue your journey to Ostrava by land.
Also, 400 km from the town of Prague easily reached in Ostrava, either by car, train or bus. Finnair and Norwegian offer direct flights from Helsinki to Prague. At its cheapest, flights cost about a hundred euros.
Staying in Ostrava is quite affordable, as, for example, a double room in a three-star hotel costs an average of 40 euros. The city offers accommodation in all price ranges, and in addition to traditional hotels and hostels, you can also try Czech home accommodation.
Within Ostrava, you can easily get around by bus and tram. Intra-city ticket pricing depends on travel time and is very affordable: a ticket for a 15-minute trip costs less than a euro. Public transport is available 24 hours a day.
ATTRACTIONS OF OSTRAVA
The old mining area of Vítkovice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old factory area is of interest to tourists
The old mining area of Vítkovice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous attraction in Ostrava. The area lined with rusty tanks has previously operated a coal mine and iron and steel factories.
The mine, which was in use in the early 19th century, is now a popular place to visit, and guided tours of the mine’s old corridors are organized, among other things.
Mining Museum and Nature Park in the same place
Landek Park is a mining museum praising the history of the mining town of Ostrava, built in one of the first mines in the city. The mine, located in the Landek Nature Reserve, connects industry to nature.
There is plenty to do in the area for the whole family, as in addition to museum visits, Landek Park offers plenty of activities from cycling to bowling.
Torture exhibition in the basement of a medieval castle
In addition to historical sites related to industry, Ostrava also has something to offer in terms of architecture. Slezská Ostrava Castle was built in the late 13th century, and the recently renovated castle offers visitors an interesting time travel in the history of Ostrava.
There are several interesting exhibitions in the basement of the castle, because in addition to the aquarium of the castle, you can get acquainted with the offer of witch and torture exhibitions in the basement.
THE BEST OF OSTRAVA
The surroundings of Ostrava Castle create a great setting for a medieval market.
The best attractions in Ostrava
- Landek Park
- Vítkovice region
- Slezská Ostrava Castle
- Miniuni
- Observation tower of the new town hall