Things To Do
in Krnov

Krnov is a historic market town in the Czech Republic’s Moravian-Silesian region, set among gentle hills and the Opava River valley. Its compact center blends centuries of architecture, from medieval streets to Baroque facades, with a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby Jeseníky mountains and the surrounding countryside.

Visitors will find friendly locals, a relaxed pace, and a solid café culture that makes Krnov easy to enjoy for a few days.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Krnov
morning
:

Arrive in Krnov and settle into your accommodation, which may include charming local guesthouses or hotels. Take a leisurely walk around the town center, absorbing the quaint atmosphere and picturesque architecture. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy a traditional Czech pastry with coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic St. Martin's Church, known for its stunning stained glass windows and towering spire. Explore the nearby local market where you can mingle with residents and sample regional produce and handicrafts. Spend time in the town square, enjoying the laid-back vibe while pondering your options for dinner.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant where you can savor traditional Czech cuisine, perhaps trying svíčková or knedlíky. After your meal, stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the night views of the town. End your evening with a cozy nightcap at a nearby pub, where you can enjoy some Czech beer.

day 2
Explore Krnov Castle
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Krnov Castle, an iconic landmark. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its rich history through guided tours. Enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, perfect for a morning stroll.

afternoon
:

After the castle tour, visit the Krnov Museum, which showcases local history and art. Engage with local artists by visiting their studios and galleries scattered throughout the town. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café featuring local specialties.

evening
:

As the sun sets, attend a traditional folk music performance if available, immersing yourself in the local culture. Afterwards, head to a quaint bistro for dinner, trying out regional wines paired with your meal. Take a relaxing walk by the river, enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee in a cafe$2-4
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-20
🎟️Movie ticket$8-12
🚌One-way local transport$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with a charming historic center
  • Gateway to Jeseníky mountains and nature
  • Small nightlife scene compared to larger cities
  • Limited high-end dining options in town center
  • "Dobrý den" - Hello (formal)
  • "Na shledanou" - Goodbye
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Krnov

Visit one of these nice places.

Krnov Town Square and Town Hall

A vibrant hub with historical facades and a lively atmosphere, perfect for daytime street photography and golden hour shots.

Castle Hill Lookout

Hilltop vantage point offering sweeping views over Krnov and the surrounding countryside, ideal for panoramic captures.

St. Martin's Church

A landmark architectural feature in the old town with a distinct silhouette against the sky.

Opava River Banks

Nearby riverside paths and bridges provide reflective water scenes and tranquil compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Krnov

Krnov sits in a region known for hearty Czech and Silesian-style cuisine, featuring generous portions, dumplings, and seasonal produce. Expect comforting meat dishes, mushroom soups, and sweet pastries, with plenty of rustic bakery goods for snacks on the go.

Krnov Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Guláš s knedlíky

Hearty beef goulash served with soft Czech dumplings; a staple comfort dish found in most traditional eateries.

Must-Try!

Svíčková na smetaně

Tender marinated beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, typically served with dumplings and cranberry dressing.

Kulajda

Mushroom-dill soup with potatoes and a hint of sour cream; a fragrant starter or light meal.

Bramboráky

Crispy potato pancakes often served with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce.

Koláče

Traditional Czech pastries with fruit or poppy seed fillings, perfect for a sweet snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Krnov City Market

Daily stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and regional specialties; a good place to sample local snacks.

Market stalls near the town square

Seasonal vendors selling pastries, sausages, and ready-to-eat treats alongside everyday essentials.

Climate Guide

Weather

Krnov experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Summers are generally pleasant with occasional heat waves; winters can bring freezing temperatures and snow; spring and autumn are transitional with comfortable walking weather and colorful scenery.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Dobrý den' (good day) or 'Ahoj' among friends; use formal address ('Vy') for strangers and elders.

Public behavior

Be punctual, queue politely, and keep voices moderate in public places, especially churches and museums.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people; respect private property and religious sites where photography may be restricted.

Safety Guide

Safety

Krnov is generally safe for visitors with typical urban safety considerations. Protect valuables in crowded areas, be mindful of road crossings near the river, and have travel insurance. In an emergency, call 112 for immediate assistance; local clinics and hospitals are available for medical needs.

Tipping in Krnov

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants is customary if service is good; you can round up the bill for small establishments.

Payment Methods

Cash (CZK) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are readily available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with pleasant temperatures, ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining. Expect occasional rain; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and mild weather; great for scenic hikes and atmospheric city photography.

Winter

Cold temperatures with potential snowfall; expect festive lights and quiet streets, best for cozy indoor visits.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming trees; good for outdoor activities and slower, contemplative sightseeing.

Nightlife Guide

Krnov at Night

Krnov’s nightlife is intimate and low-key, centered on local pubs, beer halls, and occasional live music venues. Expect reasonable drink prices and friendly crowds; late-night options are more limited than in larger cities, with most spots closing around midnight. For more options, a short drive to nearby towns offers additional bars and clubs.

Hiking in Krnov

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Praděd Summit (Jeseníky) – forest trails and panoramic views

A popular day hike through the Jeseníky mountains with varied routes and rewarding vistas.

Castle Hill Lookout – hilltop viewpoints over Krnov

A short, scenic hike to a vantage point overlooking the town and valley.

Opava River Promenade – riverside trails

Easy trails along the river suitable for a relaxed walk or moderate hike.

Airports

How to reach Krnov by plane.

Ostrava Leoš Janáček Airport (OSR)

The closest international airport, about 90–100 minutes by car from Krnov, with connections to major European cities.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Main international gateway of the Czech Republic, accessible by rail or road with longer travel times from Krnov.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

Regional airport serving the southeast; a longer transfer from Krnov but an option for some routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Krnov's historic center is compact and easily walkable, with well-marked streets and scenic viewpoints. Some hills near the castle offer stairs and slopes; the surrounding suburbs can require a short bus ride for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czech residents

The largest group forming the town’s population with a mix of ages and backgrounds.

Slovak minority

A small community with cultural ties to neighboring Slovakia.

Romani community

A minority group contributing to the town’s cultural diversity.

Foreign residents and visitors

Growing numbers of residents and tourists from nearby and farther regions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most played and watched sport; local clubs compete in regional leagues.

Ice Hockey

A popular winter pastime with local teams and regional games nearby.

Cycling

Extensive routes through the valley and surrounding hills for road and mountain biking.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Krnov is reliable, with regular buses and trains connecting to Opava, Bruntál, and other towns. The town is walkable, though outskirts may require a bus or taxi. Driving is straightforward with typical Czech road rules, and parking can be limited in the historic center.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Krnov.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus offer mushroom, potato, and cheese-based dishes; look for stuffed peppers or dumplings with vegetable sauces. When in doubt, ask for a simple pasta or dumpling-based plate with vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Krnov is accessible through local clinics and a regional hospital network, with Czech public healthcare covering many services. EU citizens can use EHIC; private clinics and pharmacies are common in town. In an emergency, call 112; hospitals provide general and some specialized care.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide