Discover Tovačov: Castle, History and Lakes

Things to explore in Tovačov include the history of the castle and town, as well as local waterways and cycling. When planning your stay, you can consider whether to focus on a guided tour, historic memorial sites, or nature and cycling.

Castle and Art

A guided tour of Zámek Tovačov covers the owners of the estate, the castle’s architectural and artistic history, and notable figures associated with Tovačov. The castle gallery also features a permanent exhibition of fine art, including works by academic sculptor Bohumil Teplý. While the tour explores the history of the castle and estate, the gallery offers a direct introduction to fine art. If you plan to take a tour, check the current dates in advance.

Historic Sites

Tovačovské náměstí was laid out in 1475 and is one of the oldest squares in the Bohemian lands. The memorials and crosses of Památky 1866 commemorate the events of the Austro-Prussian War and the Battle of Tovačov on 15 July 1866. These sites highlight different periods: the square points to an early phase in the town’s history, while the memorials commemorate a specific 19th-century wartime event.

The ceremonial chapel at the Jewish cemetery in Tovačov was built in 1889 in the Neo-Renaissance style, based on a design by architect M. Fleischer. A directory entry, last updated in 1999, describes a museum of the Jewish community in the cemetery’s ceremonial hall. The exhibition mentioned there covered the history of Jews worldwide, in the Bohemian lands and in Tovačov. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Lakes and Nature

Tovačovská jezera consists of four separate bodies of water: Annínské jezero, Troubecké jezero, Skašovské jezero and Lake Donbas. The area provides a habitat for several specially protected animal species, around 70 bird species and more than 30 fish species. The name therefore refers to a group of bodies of water, not just a single lake.

At Hradecký rybník, accessible paths run along the dams and offer views of the water and extensive reed beds. The paths, water and reeds give you a specific option to consider if you’d also like to take in the landscape during your stay.

Cycling and Swimming

Two details are useful for finding your way by bike: the Cyklostezka Bečva runs around Tovačovská jezera. A cycling route from Olomouc to Tovačov forms part of the interregional Moravská stezka Route No. 4. The descriptions have different points of reference: one is the lakes, the other the route from Olomouc to Tovačov and its place in the wider network.

Swimming is subject to a clear restriction: it is permitted only at Annín Pond, which locals call the “Tovačov Riviera.” As swimming regulations may change, check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Teplice Nad Bečvou, Dolní Nětčice, Lazníčky, Měrovice Nad Hanou, Bochoř, Zábeštní Lhota, Pavlovice U Přerova, Černotín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Přerov.