Štramberk, Czechia (Czech Republic)
Štramberk is a small and enchanting town nestled in the picturesque Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. Located near the towns of Nový Jičín and Příbor, about 40 km south of Ostrava, it is a truly unique destination. The village is famously built on a wooded hillside of limestone, crowned by the striking cylindrical castle tower known as "Trúba," which dominates the skyline. This distinctive setting, combined with its many historical sights and a collection of unique wooden houses dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, has earned the town the nickname "Moravian Bethlehem."
Adding to its fame is the nearby Šipka Cave, an internationally recognized archaeological site where the jawbone of a Neanderthal child was discovered in 1880, providing crucial evidence of prehistoric human settlement in the area. This blend of stunning nature, architectural heritage, and deep historical roots makes Štramberk a fascinating place to explore.
Parking in Štramberk
You can reach Štramberk using the D1 highway running through Ostrava. You should take the exit 336 indicating the Studénka village. Then you should use the 464 and 46432 roads. In the Štramberk drive through the center (the Dolní Bašta street) and enter the Zauličí street. Finally you reach the pay parking (1; GPS: 49.586181, 18.123835) - the fee is 50 CZK for the whole day, so it's quite inexpensively.
The parking fee is 50 CZK for the entire day, which is a very inexpensive and great value, especially considering the central location and the peace of mind it provides for a full day of sightseeing. This single fee allows you to explore the town and its surroundings without worrying about your parking meter, making it a hassle-free start to your visit.
The Šipka cave and walk in the forest
First, we decided to go to the Šipka cave and then walk the forest, just to make a full circle and to reach the town's center from the other side - from the Plaňava street. Entrance to the park is located near the trade school (A; GPS: 49.5870022, 18.1212669). We go approx. 250 meters and we just are at the Šipka cave (B; GPS: 49.5874403, 18.1192286). Next to it there is a vantage point from which we can see a nice perspective of the town with the Trúba tower dominating over it.
We go the yellow-green trail ("Naučná stezka Lašská - Štramberk"); on the way we pass a monument and the limestone quarry "Kotouč" (C; GPS: 49.5848286, 18.1180911). After 600 meters the forest ends, and we again enter the town and via the street Plaňava (D; GPS: 49.5880908, 18.1156289) we reach the town's center (E; GPS: 49.5900450, 18.1193144), where we can see town's interesting buildings.
The market square
The central market square (F; GPS: 49.5915717, 18.1174528) is quite large and forms a distinctive rectangular shape. On its shorter side stands the beautiful baroque church of John of Nepomuk, dating from the eighteenth century, its elegant architecture providing a focal point. All around the square are charming, colorful houses, many of which are the iconic half-timbered wooden buildings that give Štramberk its unique character. In the middle of the market square, you can see the elegant fountain, which adds to the tranquil atmosphere. While many restaurants and cafes invite you to stop and relax, our preference was to continue our walk to the top of the hill to enter the Trúba tower.
This historic square is the true heart of Štramberk, where locals and visitors gather. It is a fantastic place to observe the daily life of the town and appreciate the preserved architecture that earned the town its nickname, "Moravian Bethlehem." The vibrant facades and the cobblestone ground create a charming and photogenic setting, making it a central point of any visit.
The Trúba tower
The Štramberk Castle is shrouded in many mysteries. One story has it that it was built by the Templar Knights. In fact, it was built at the turn of the thirteenth and fourteenth century and then it was a defensive structure. From the castle remains, among others, the Trúba tower (G; GPS: 49.5923575, 18.1162833), which since 1902 is a great vantage point that allows you to admire beautiful views of closer and further landscapes. The castle is reached by a staircase leading in the green environment, and the entrance to the tower is paid - a ticket costs 40 CZK for adults and 20 CZK for children and retired persons.
You can reach the castle by following a picturesque staircase that winds its way up through a green, wooded environment. The entrance to the tower is paid, with a ticket costing 40 CZK for adults and 20 CZK for children and retired persons. The climb is well worth the effort, as the panoramic views from the top provide a breathtaking perspective of the entire Štramberk area, including the distant mountains and the unique geological formations of the region.
The botanical garden and arboretum
The Botanical Garden ("Botanická zahrada a arboretum") is located in a former limestone quarry (H; GPS: 49.5884836, 18.1257569).
The quarry was operated from 1860 until 1920. After the closure of the quarry the remaining waste was stored there, and a part of the area was used as a football playing field. Since 1996 the area has been properly developed, and the first planting of crops took place in 1998. Today there are about 1,200 species of plants in this garden, and you can also meet the local fauna - for example, we have seen the grass snakes. Interesting rocks surrounding the botanical garden are also ready for the purposes of climbing.
Gastronomy in Štramberk
A visit to Štramberk is not complete without tasting its most famous local delicacy, the Štramberk Ears (Štramberské uši). This unique gingerbread-like confection is a protected geographical indication within the European Union, meaning it can only be produced in Štramberk. The history of this sweet treat is tied to a local legend and its shape is said to resemble the ears of the pagans beheaded after a siege. They are a must-try for any visitor and can be found in many shops and bakeries throughout the town.
The market square is also home to many charming restaurants and cafes that invite you to sit down and enjoy a meal. You can find traditional Czech cuisine, including hearty soups, goulash, and dumplings, as well as refreshing local beers. The cozy atmosphere of these establishments, with their historic architecture, adds to the overall experience. Don’t forget to try some local Moravian wine or a glass of beer from one of the regional breweries.
The local culinary scene provides a perfect way to refuel after exploring the town and its surrounding nature. Whether you're enjoying a full meal or just a cup of coffee and a "Štramberk Ear," the food and drink are an integral part of the local culture and will make your visit even more memorable.
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