Loštice - the home of the Olomoucké tvarůžky. The Olomouc cheese is one of the most famous Czech cheeses. Before I even knew anything about the region I was going to be living in, my grandma was already talking my ear off about the incredible "Olmützer Quargel". If it was up to her, I would be travelling back home with a suitcase full of cheese. After all that talk about this type of cheese, I of course had to get to the bottom of it. The only way to do it was to go to the town where the first ever tvarůžky was created - Loštice.
MUSEUM OF A.W. OLOMOUCKÉ TVARŮŽKY
If you want to learn more about the famous cheese or simply like going to museums, this is the place to be! The museum is situated in the centre of the town - just a stone's throw away from the main square.
Fortunately, the museum offers a German and an English guide book which I was very happy about! In order to read the information in English I had to scan the QR code that was on the panels and in a matter of seconds I had all the information I needed. Even though this is a great and modern idea, I still recommend downloading the Google Lens app. While the museum only offers translations for the big information panels, this app allows you to translate all the other smaller panels. If it wasn't for this app, I would only know half as much as I do now.
In general, the museum has something for everybody! There are videos for those who don't like reading, tons of information panels for those who do, and interactive activities for those who can't sit still.
I can now say with confidence that I now know a lot more about Olomouc cheese than I would have ever thought. From getting to know the man who created the masterpiece to learning about former and current production methods - the museum has it all.
If you want to take a piece of Loštice home with you you can buy some cheese at the A.W. company store. The museum tour conveniently ends there, and let me tell you: It is a paradise for cheese lovers!
TVARŮŽKOVÁ CUKRÁRNA
If you're not the biggest fan of eating cheese by itself, then you should visit this little bistro! They make tasty treats out of the signature Olomouc cheese - but don't worry, they also have conventional sweets and even burgers. Unfortunately, the two lovely ladies working there don't speak English but my *cough* impeccable *cough* Czech skills and a lot of pointing and hand gestures did the job. I opted for the loštický koláček ( a small savoury cookie topped with tvarůžky and powidl) and the tvarůžková kremrole ( a pastry roll filled with a tvarůžky cream).
Since Tina and I are definitely qualified to judge this pastry, here is our expert judgement: If you like very salty treats these are perfect for you. We liked the kremrole a bit more than the koláček because we weren't the biggest fans of the combination of salty and sweet.
I also tried their classic věneček, which I can 100% recommend!
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
Adolf Kaspar Memorial:
Adolf Kaspar was a Czech painter and illustrator and is well known for illustrating the book Babička - a book by Božena Němcová. In the painter's old summer house, visitors can now find a permanent exhibition of his works and a reconstruction of his old studio! Sadly I wasn't able to go inside the house as the museum is only open April - October.
Husův Church & Synagogue:
Before the Second World War, there was a big Jewish community in Loštice. The synagogue you can see today is the same synagogue people visited over 2000 years ago! You can also visit the Hussite church which is a unique building in the style of neo-constructivism.
Christians and Jews of Loštice lived through periods of peace and prosperity together and suffered in times of war, plague and economic depression. During that time they lived without serious hostilities, fights and pogroms.
Loštice Square:
The main square of the town is a nice little park area and a great place to enjoy the sun, the city centre and other people's company. Fortunately, the weather was great when I was there. I spend about half an hour sitting on a bench, enjoying the sun and watching people have fun on their day off.
THE HIDDEN GEM
While I was walking through Loštice I noticed two things. First of all, people have very nice little gardens that all look like they would win first place in a garden competition. I don't know if this is something that the residents coincidentally all like or if they are just really competitive and like flaunting. Second of all, there are quite a few houses that have stunning and intricate ornaments that adorn their walls! I would have never thought that I would find something like this in the middle of a small Czech town.
THOUGHTS
Loštice is a town you should visit, even if you don't like cheese! They have a few very nice restaurants and bistros (some of them specialised in working with Olomouc cheese), and also have two museums to offer (some specialising in cheese). I really enjoyed my time here and would definitely take my family to visit! (Maybe because they are all weirdly obsessed with cheese, but still...)
PS: It doesn't actually smell bad here! ;-)