Olomouc to Plzen Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems & Driving Tips

The road from Olomouc to Plzen (D35 then D5, about 290 km) traverses Moravia's fertile plains, crosses Bohemia-Moravia highlands, and ends in the Pilsen basin. A little-known fact: at km 78 on the D35, near Mohelnice, you'll pass the site of the 13th-century Battle of Kressenbrunn, where Ottokar II's army clashed with Hungarians. The drive takes roughly 3 hours without stops, but to truly experience it, plan for 5-7 hours.

This route combines highway efficiency with scenic detours. We'll show you how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. For more strategies, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The D35/D1/D5 route is well-maintained, with up-to-date road markings and lighting at interchanges. Night driving is safe; watch for deer between Mohelnice and Šternov (km 78-120). No toll gates except vignette control cameras.

For families: The D1 exit 162 (Vojkov) leads to Aquapalace Prague, Europe's largest aqua park (20 min detour). Near D5 exit 80 (Zbiroh), the Zbiroh Castle park has a fairy-tale trail.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• Recommended rest stop 1: Rest area Mohelnice (km 85 D35) – safe, with 24h café and short walking path to Morava river.
• Rest stop 2: Gas station Mirošov (km 175 D1) – large parking, fast food, WC.
• Rest stop 3: Exit 100 D5 (Neuměř) – park under oaks, perfect for a 15-minute nap.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Rest areas Mohelnice and Humpolec have designated dog walking zones with bags.
• In Olomouc, Café Caesar (Horní náměstí) welcomes dogs.
• In Plzen, Pivovarský dvůr pub has a pet-friendly terrace.

Fuel costs: At current prices (38 CZK/l), expect about 1100 CZK for a petrol car (8 l/100km). Diesel cheaper. The route has gentle elevation gains (max 600 m near Sedlice), so fuel efficiency remains stable.

Fuel station distribution is excellent: every 20-30 km on D35/D1/D5. MOL, OMV, and EuroOil stations offer 24/7 service. Near the Czech-Austrian border (off-route), prices can be 5% lower.

• Most stations accept card payments; some rural ones cash only.
• On D35, there are two rest areas with toilets and picnic tables at Mohelnice and Litovel.
• Toll vignette required for D1/D5; electronic vignette can be bought online (310 CZK for 10 days).
• Speed limits: 130 km/h on highways, 90 km/h outside towns, 50 km/h in villages.

The first 100 km from Olomouc cross the fertile Haná region, known for sunflower fields and traditional wooden storks in village ponds. Near Prostějov (exit 244 D46 branch), a detour to Plumlov castle reveals a 16th-century Renaissance gem.

As you approach the Bohemian border, the terrain becomes forested and hilly. The D1 section between Humpolec and Šternov offers panoramic views of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, especially in autumn.

UNESCO Sites

• Short detour (30 min): Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO) – take exit 226 from D1 toward Břeclav, then 15 km south.
• Directly on route: The historic center of Plzen is not UNESCO but its Great Synagogue and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral are notable.

Local Commerce and Culture

• Haná region: Buy Olomouc tvarůžky (fermented cheese) at roadside stalls near Loštice.
• Bohemian-Moravian Highlands: Honey, herbal liqueurs, and hand-painted Easter eggs at village markets in Humpolec.
• Plzen region: Pilsner Urquell brewery tours; buy fresh hops and beer ceramics at the brewery shop.