Olomouc to Steyr Road Trip: Hidden Gems Driving Guide

The drive from Olomouc to Steyr covers 180 km (112 miles) along the D35 and A1 highways. You will cross from the Czech Republic into Austria at the Wullowitz/Weigertshof border crossing, just south of Freistadt. The journey without stops takes 2 hours 15 minutes.

One historical oddity: near Mohelnice, the D35 briefly follows the route of the old Imperial Road built by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century.

This is a corridor where the landscape shifts dramatically—from the fertile Haná plain to the rolling Šumperk hills and finally into the Mühlviertel granite highlands. The border area is marked by quiet forests and small villages.

Between Mohelnice and Zábřeh, the landscape is dominated by the Úsovská vrchovina highlands. The hills are blanketed with beech and spruce forests. A short detour to the village of Lesnice reveals a medieval castle ruin and a small brewery producing Lázeňský ležák.

In the Mühlviertel region of Austria, the terrain turns rugged with granite outcrops. The town of Freistadt, just 5 km from the border, is worth a 30-minute stop for its intact town walls and Mühlviertler Bier.

Local commerce along the route is dominated by farmer’s markets. Look for signs “Farma” or “Hof” near the road.

• Fresh fruit: strawberries and apples from Mohelnice in summer.
• Cheese: Edammer from the Biokráv farm outside Zábřeh.
• Honey: Linden honey sold at the border gas station.

Integrate the concept of how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities by checking local Facebook groups or the Wayro app for pop-up stalls.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is a UNESCO site (2000). In Steyr, the historic old town and the Bummerlhaus are part of the UNESCO tentative list.

Road quality is excellent: D35 is a smooth dual carriageway with crash barriers. The I/35 in Czechia is a two-lane road with occasional sharp curves near Zábřeh. In Austria, the B125 is well-maintained but windy between Freistadt and Wartberg. Speed cameras are common at the border village of Leopoldschlag.

For family suitability, the route offers a surprising number of child-friendly breaks. The MOL station at Zábřeh has a small indoor play corner. The Freistadt playground near the main square is large and shaded.

Pet-friendly framework: Most Austrian rest stops allow dogs on leashes. The AČR Mohelnice has a designated dog-walking area with waste bags. In St. Georgen am Walde (Austria), the Gasthof Reisinger welcomes dogs with a water bowl and a small treat.

Fatigue management: The only long straight section is the 20 km between Mohelnice and Zábřeh. Plan a break every 45 minutes. If you need a nap, the rest area at Ex 56 (Poruba) has a quiet zone with shaded benches.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Loštice: Known for its tvarůžky cheese (a pungent local product). The Muzeum Olomouckých tvarůžků is 2 km east of the I/35.
• Velké Losiny: A thermal spa with outdoor pools, 6 km detour from Šumperk. Perfect for a relaxing soak before the border.
• Kefermarkt: In Austria, the Gothic church with the Kefermarkt altar (a carved wooden masterpiece) is a 10-minute detour from the B125.

The primary route uses the D35 expressway from Olomouc to Mohelnice, then continues on the I/35 road south to the border. After crossing into Austria, it becomes the B125 (Freistadt bypass) and then the A1 motorway toward Linz and Steyr.

Fuel prices in Czechia are about 10% lower than in Austria. The best place to fill up is at the MOL station near Zábřeh (exit 51 on I/35).

• Average fuel cost (round trip): €40-50 for a standard sedan.
• Toll: Czech section is free on D35; Austrian section requires a vignette (€9.90 for 10 days).
• Border crossing: Wullowitz/Weigertshof is open 24/7 with minimal wait times.

For those wondering how long to drive Olomouc to Steyr, the answer is 2 hours 15 minutes on a clear road. However, during peak summer hours (Friday afternoons), expect an extra 30 minutes due to holiday traffic near the border.

Rest stops: AČR Mohelnice serves Czech coffee and trdelník. In Austria, the Raststation Wartberg ob der Aist offers a clean toilet and a small playground.