Odry

Odry, a town in the Moravian-Silesian Region of Czechia, lies along the Oder River in the Nízký Jeseník hills. Walk through Masarykovo Square, where Renaissance-era houses with arched doorways stand next to a 15th-century stone bastion and a 19th-century fountain. The Church of Saint Bartholomew houses a bell made in 1374, one of the oldest in the country. Marked paths lead to hills like Suchá, and a network of fishponds stretches south of the town. Its well-maintained streets and proximity to forests make Odry a practical spot for day hikes and exploring local history.

Walk Through Masarykovo Square and Nearby Landmarks

Begin at Masarykovo Square, the center of Odry’s protected historic area. Notice the Renaissance buildings with detailed stonework around their windows and doorframes. In the middle of the square, a statue of the Virgin Mary from 1785 stands on a fountain base added over a century later. Head toward the remains of the town’s 15th-century walls, where a semicircular defensive tower still stands. These structures were part of a system built to guard against raids, and their uneven surfaces show centuries of weathering.

See the Church of Saint Bartholomew and Its Bell

The Church of Saint Bartholomew, rebuilt in the Baroque style after a fire in 1686, rises above the town’s rooftops. Inside, Gothic arches from the original 14th-century design remain visible below later-added ceiling paintings. Climb the tower stairs to view the bell cast in 1374, which still rings during services. The adjacent rectory, completed in 1700, has a red-tiled roof and evenly spaced windows typical of its era. Ask at the parish office about viewing historical items like old liturgical books or woodcarvings.

Trails and Bike Routes Near Odry

Odry’s location in the Oder River valley puts it within reach of forested hills and flat paths. Hike the trail to Suchá hill, which reaches 578 meters and looks over farmland and small villages. Cyclists can follow the Oder River route east to Heřmánky or west toward Vítovka, passing fields and occasional farmsteads. The fishponds south of town, including Hvězdový and Kamenec, are frequented by herons and ducks during migration seasons. Local shops rent bicycles, and guides sometimes lead group walks explaining the area’s plants and rock formations.

Getting to Odry by Public Transport or Car

Odry’s train station connects to nearby towns like Suchdol nad Odrou on a single-track line running through the region. Drivers from Ostrava can reach the town in about 45 minutes using the main road southwest through hills and farmland. Buses from Nový Jičín stop near Masarykovo Square multiple times a day. If coming from Prague, take the D1 highway toward Brno, then switch to smaller roads for the final hour. Once in Odry, most sights are within a 10-minute walk of the square.

Local Events and Seasonal Activities

In late August, the Saint Bartholomew pilgrimage brings street vendors selling grilled sausages and crowds gathering for evening prayers. From June to August, the Odry Cultural Summer series hosts brass band concerts and plays on a temporary stage in the square. December’s Christmas market stalls sell wooden toys, candles, and spiced wine heated in large pots. Look for posters near the town hall advertising events like pottery workshops or displays of old photographs. These occasions let you observe local traditions without staged performances.

Day Trips to Ostrava, Nový Jičín, or Olomouc

Ostrava, 41 kilometers northeast, has repurposed coal mines like the Dolní Vítkovice site and bars in converted factories. Nový Jičín, 14 kilometers southeast, displays centuries of hat-making history in a museum housed in a Renaissance palace. Olomouc, 47 kilometers southwest, has a 18th-century plague column with detailed sculptures and a medieval astronomical clock. Trains and buses to these cities depart several times a day, with tickets available at the station. Return to Odry to avoid higher accommodation costs in larger cities.