Stramberk – what to see in 1 day?

Stramberk is a small town located in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. The town is known for its well-preserved historic center, which is protected by law as an urban monument reservation. The town is surrounded by several small-scale protected areas, including the Šipka Cave National Nature Monument, where was found the oldest recorded human presence of the territory of the Czech Republic.  

HOW TO GET THERE? 

Štramberk is located about 50 km from the Polish border and around 40 km from Ostrava. The fastest way from Poland is to take the A4 highway via Ostrava. This route has tolls though. If you travel from the Czech Republic, just set up your gps to Stramberk and you’ll definitely find your way here. You can also use the train. Find Regiojet to Studanka and the Czech railways operator straight to Stramberk. If you’re lucky you can get there within 2,5 hours from Brno. But some connections on the cd.cz can take up to 7 hours with several transfers.  

PARKING  

Parking in town is a bit limited, you can only park in designated parking areas. The streets are narrow, so it’s even impossible to leave your car somewhere on the street. We arrived to Stramberk by car quite early, so we tried our luck and drove into the inner center. We followed the signs directing to the biggest parking area called Centralni parkoviste on the Zauličí 1009 street. It costs 100 kc for the whole day and you better have cash with you, as the automat doesn’t accept credit cards.  

HOW TO MOVE AROUND? 

The only possible and best way is to walk. The city is situated on the hill, so it’s hiking all the time even though it’s a small historical city.  

SIGHTSEEING IN STRAMBERK 

I suggest spending here at least half a day. The city was set up in the middle ages and it hides many fantastic spots. Take your time and don’t miss anything!

NARODNI SAD 

Narodni sad is located on the way between the parking area and the centre. I encourage to step there for a bit, not only because kids can play here, but also because there’s one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the city. Follow the signs to the Sipka cave and savor the moment on top of the hill. Kids will appreciate the educational paths as well and the fact they can play around the cave. Of course, as long as it’s not after rain, as it’s getting muddy.  

SIPKA CAVE  

It is the place of the oldest documented human settlements in Moravian-Silesian land. In 1880, a part of the lower jaw of a Neanderthal child was found there. The discovery is all the more valuable because it is a quarter of a century older than similar findings in Germany. From Narodni Sad it’s not far – around 10 minutes on foot up hill – path is well signed.

SQUARE 

The square in Štramberk has a rectangular shape. There’s Baroque fountain in the centre of it.  In the information centre you will also find the Zdeňek Burian Museum, where you’ll find an exhibition on the life and work of the painter, who spent most of his life in the town. Don’t miss the famous treat of Stramberk – the ear. Here, Pekarna u Kaci you can taste the ears filled with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and fruits.  

TRUBA 

The Truba Tower is the town’s symbol. It’s the one you can find on the postcards, pictures or magnets. The tower was a part of a medieval castle (Strahlenberg), which unfortunately has not been preserved to the present day. It’s 40 meter high and 9-10 meters wide and it’s cylindrical in shape. It’s been opened to public in 1903. If you’re not afraid of heights, you may climb the 166 stairs leading to the top of the tower – originally metal and later wooden. You may see another mesmerizing view on the city and its surroundings. The Truba Tower is a place that is really worth seeing in Štramberk.  

The entrance fee is 100 kc for an adult and 50 kc for a kid 6 +. The opening hours are following:  

April, October: Monday – closed , Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 17:00 

May, September, June: Monday – closed , Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 18:00 

July, August : Monday – Sunday 9:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 18:00 

March: weekends 09:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 16:00 

November : weekends 09:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 16:00 

January, February, December – closed 

KIDS IN STRAMBERK 

Don’t hesitate to take them with you, kids will be more than happy to discover the darkness of the cave, play at the playground in the Narodni sad and most of all try the Stramberk’s ears. The city is small, so they won’t even get tired.  

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT? 

Don’t make me repeat that, but you have to try the Stramberk’s ears. It’s a gingerbread dough in the shape of cone, which is a traditional confectionery produced for about 800 years and has been granted protected geographical indication by the European Union  

It’s now a registered trademark and can be produced exclusively in the town of Stramberk. Bohumila Suterova is one of just eight people with licenses to bake the Stramberk ears. 

The ears are baked for centuries as a remembrance of the casualties of the Tatar invasion. In the year 1241 Tatars attacked Moravia, and were drawing near to Štramberk. 

Except for the sweet treat, you may eat dinner here: 

• Pizzeria Picollo – Náměstí 10 
• Bistro Basta – Dolní Bašta 20 

Both, highly recommended and top-rated spots in Stramberk.  

STAYING A NIGHT

If you decide to stay a night in Stramberk, go check out these propositions.

Hotel Gong is basically in the heart of Stramberk. It’s top rated among couples. A huge plus is a free parking for the guests.

Penzion v Podhradí is also located close the castle and Truba. It has a more village vibe.

Choose Pernikova if you’re coming with friends or family. Here you can rent an entire 3 bedrooms home.