Ostrava

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Ostrava is a city in the borderland of Moravia and Silesia in the Czech Republic. With a population of nearly 300,000, it is the third largest city in the Czech Republic and the centre of the second largest urban agglomeration after Prague.

Ostrava had been a predominantly industrial city since the 18th century, when the discovery of extensive coal deposits in the area led to an industrial boom . Ostrava quickly grew from a small provincial town of around one thousand inhabitants to one of the largest cities in the region. As a major steel manufacturing centre, Ostrava suffered heavy destruction during the Second World War, and holds the sad distinction of being one of the most polluted cities of the European Union. Many parts have been redeveloped in recent years though, and several formerly industrial areas have become cultural centres and tourist attractions.

[[2014 Ostrawa, Ratusz w Śląskiej Ostrawie 01 - Ostrava Town Hall

Travel to Ostrava

Ostrava-Svinov - Ostrava-Svinov, trackside Ostrava, ÚAN - |Ostrava ÚAN

By Rail

Prague:
3½h, Czech Railway's IC/EC every two hours (494Kč regular fare sold at train station before - but usually there is some discount offer, 229Kč companions in a group of 2 or more people, 150-300Kč if bought / online or in advance at trainstation).
3h, Czech Railway's SC Pendolino every one or two hours (prices as above plus 100–200Kč compulsory reservation fee, around 300Kč altogether if bought / online])
3½h, new operator RegioJet several times a day. Tickets are generally sold online and start at 230Kč.
Brno]: 2½h, hourly fast trains
Olomouc: 1h, IC/EC trains and SC Pendolino (compulsory reservation) every two hours. Beware of some fast trains (rychlík) from Olomouc to Ostrava and they go longer way through Jeseníky mountains for more than 3 hours.
Warszawa: 4½h, three ECs a day

Moreover there are direct connections from Vienna, Bratislava, Žilina, Kraków|Krakow, Budapest and Moscow. All of them are best bought / online].

There are two main stations,

Ostrava hl.n 49.8506, 18.2672 - Ostrava, hlavní nádraží in the north and
Ostrava-Svinov 49.8212, 18.2103 - Ostrava-Svinov at the far western end of the city. Fast and international trains stops at both of them. None of the stations are within walking distance from the historic downtown. However a few trains also calls at Ostrava-Stodolní GPS 49.834496,18.281119, located next to the old town.

Travel on a Bus in Ostrava

The main bus station in Ostrava is Ostrava ÚAN GPS 49.830829,18.280284}}. Student Agency offers five buses a day from Brno and the journey time is 2¾ hours.

Fly to Ostrava

Ostrava has an international airport called

Ostrava Leos Janacek Airport - 49.696111, 18.110833 - Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava OSRintl with regular services to Prague (Czech Airlines, 3-4 times daily) and Dubai (Smartwings) Ryanair also has Flights to Bergamo and London-Luton. Hourly buses from the airport to Ostrava downtown through main bus station, a 40-minutes ride, depart between 7:15AM and 10:15PM, tickets can be purchased from drivers(35 crowns) . There is also a train to the Ostrava main train station.

Many passengers instead choose Katowice Pyrzowice Airport (IATA Flight Code: KTW). This airport situated kilometers 120 northeast of Ostrava, and can be visited by A1/D1 motorway in about an hour. The airport has direct connections with over 30 destinations across Europe and Asia.

Tiger Express operates a shuttle bus service from Katowice Airport operates six times a day with a timetable harmonized with the airport's air traffic. Tickets prices begin from €9 one way. The journey takes 90 minutes and free Wi-Fi and luggage transport is included in this price.

Get Around

By tram and bus

Tram and bus travel in Ostrava is affordable. A 15-minutes ticket costs 15Kč, a 60-minutes ticket 24Kč and a 24-hour ticket is 75Kč (Mar 2012) Transport is available 24 hours a day, however there is a reduced service between midnight and 4AM. See a city line map and online timetable].

What to see in Ostrava

[[2014 Ostrawa, Kamienica, náměstí Svatopluka Čecha 1, 01 - Townhouse in the Přívoz neighborhood Hornické muzeum Ostrava, interiér expozice záchranářství - Inside the mining museum in Landek Park

Landek park - Pod Landekem 64 bus stop „Hornické muzeum” ☎ +420 596 131 803 | Opening Hours: 9AM–6PM daily 70Kč (short circuit) or 150Kč (long circuit), double price for an English guide, book him in advance Located on the former Anselm Mine (one of the first to be established at the end of the 18th century in what is today the Petřkovice District of Ostrava) and the Mining Museum was opened in the early 1990s. It is the largest mining museum in the Czech Republic. The coal seams of the former Anselm Mine surface at the Landek National Nature Reserve, a world famous site in terms of geology, archaeology, history, natural sciences and mining. People wer using black coal here more than 25,000 years ago. A unique exhibition of the Mining Museum highlights the evolution of coal mining in the Ostrava-Karviná region, as well as mining technology, and rescue services. In fact, it is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world. The site includes sports and recreation facilities, bowling, cycling trails and a children’s corner.

The Vítkovice Area - Dolní oblast Vítkovice - Ruská 101 tram stop „Důl Hlubina” ☎ +420 604 603 166 | Opening Hours: May–Oct, excursions begin at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM 80Kč This had been an industrial area since the first half of the 19th century. In 2002, in view of its exceptional character and the entire ground was declared a site of National Cultural Heritage. There was the complete technological flow: the mining of coal, a coke plant, and iron and steel production, all of which was unique to the Czech Republic. This historic landmark was listed as the European Cultural Heritage in 2008. The Vítkovice complex Dolní oblast is set to undergo extensive reconstruction. The giant gas container for blast furnace gas (around 70 m wide and 33 m high) will be modified into a concert hall for 1,500 visitors, a gallery, café, etc., based on design by leading Czech architect, Josef Pleskot. Blast Furnace no. 1 was to become the start of a tour route, and the sixth energy central office was to become an industrial museum (project authored by Václav and Helena Zemánkovi). The expected date for completion of reconstruction was 2013.

The Michal Mine - Důl Michal - Československé armády 95/413 trolleybus stop „Michálkovice” Opening Hours: Apr, October: Saturday Su; May–September: Tu–Su; excursions begin at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, in July and Aug also at 5PM 90Kč, double price for an English guide, book him at least 1 day in advance Michal Mine, whose history goes back to 1843, is an extremely valuable authentic industrial site in terms of construction and technical equipment. The area was declared a National Cultural Landmark in 1995. Today and the museum provides visitors with the chance to look over all of the above groundwork areas that a miner would have to go through to get to his shift. The tour includes the dressing rooms, washrooms, registry, dispatching, and most importantly and the machine room, with its original and unique equipment that had worked until 1993, when the mine was permanently closed. The scene, intentionally left intact, without any artificial arrangements being made, gives the impression as if work there has just ended.

Silesian Ostrava Castle - Slezskoostravský hrad - @louka.cz Hradní 1 bus stop „Hradní náměstí” or tram stop „Důl Zárubek” ☎ +420 596 115 967 | Opening Hours: Mar–May, Sep–Dec Tu–Su 10AM–6PM; Jun–Aug 9AM–8PM daily 70Kč The Silesian Ostrava Castle is the city's most historic cultural monument. It was built in the second half of the 13th century, close to the confluence of the Lučina and Ostravice rivers, where a fortified Slavonic settlement had once stood. In 1872 and the castle burnt down, but was later re-built. The main cause of its destruction was coal-mining, with seams worked directly beneath the castle. The whole structure sank 16 m into the ground! The castle has been reconstructed and visitors now can view in its interior several permanent exhibitions telling the history of the building and the city of Ostrava, an exhibition of torture instruments and the castle’s vaulted cellars with witches, fresh-water fish aquaria and the castle gallery.

The Miniuni - @louka.cz Výstaviště Černá louka tram stop „Výstaviště” ☎ +420 596 119 900 | Opening Hours: Mar–May, Sep–Oct Tu–Su 10AM–6PM, Jun–Aug 9AM–8PM daily, Nov–Dec Tu–Su 10AM–4PM 70Kč The Miniuni is an interesting attraction for children and adults. Spread out over 1.5 hectares visitors can see more than 30 models of significant buildings of European cities, like Big Ben, Old Town Hall or one of the best-known monuments of Berlin the Brandenburg Gate, all dominated by the 12 metre-high Eiffel tower. The models are built at a scale of 1:25. Recently added are the Wonders of the Ancient Times. There are railway lines with little trains running across the grounds and waterways with a steamship. Special exhibitions and entertainment events for children are organized here regularly.

The Ostrava Zoo - @ostrava.cz Michálkovická 197 bus stop „Zoo” ☎ +420 596 241 269 | Opening Hours: Sep–Mar 9AM–16PM, Apr–Aug 9AM–7PM 90Kč The Ostrava Zoo was founded in 1951. It covers an area of 100 hectares and is the home to nearly 360 different species of animals. One of the most popular attractions is the seasonal, commented feeding of animals, evening guided al-tours/ tours and a number of accompanying events, not only for children (Children’s Day, lampion parades, decoration of the Christmas tree, etc.) There are several children’s corners inside the Zoo compound. If there is enough snow, visitors may go cross-country skiing directly inside the Zoo.

The Ostrava Museum - Masarykovo náměstí 1 ☎ +420 597 578 450 | Opening Hours: Mo–Friday 9AM–5PM, Saturday 9AM–1PM, Sunday 1PM–5PM 60Kč The museum is situated in one of the oldest buildings in Ostrava and the Old Town Hall on Masaryk Plaza. A new permanent exhibit opened here in June 2009, containing art history collections, history of the city and the nature and landscape of the local area. The unique exhibit, and the pride of the Ostrava Museum, is the indoor astronomical clock, 225cm high – a work by Jan Mašek. The astronomical clock offers 4 parts – its own clock face and the calendar, and the astronomical and planetary parts.

The Viewing Tower of the New City Hall - Vyhlídková věž - Prokešovo náměstí 6 bus and trolleybus stop „Nová radnice” ☎ +420 599 443 096 | Opening Hours: 9AM–7PM daily The Viewing Tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. On a clear day, it is feasible to see the entire city and the nearby Beskydy Mountains, and neighbouring Poland. The Viewing Tower has dominated the Ostrava skyline since it was built at the New City Hall (the largest in the Czech Republic) in 1930. The strict functionalist style of the tower creates, in the opinion of its designers, a noble beacon of concrete, metal and glass. The tower reaches 298.05 metres above sea level, or roughly 85.60 metres above ground level. The tower is equipped with an illuminated clock face, an elevator, and a lookout deck 72 metres above the ground. The Ostrava City Information Centre, located directly beneath the tower, provides information about the city, in several languages.

Divadlo Antonina Dvoraka 6 - Antonín Dvořák Theatre in Ostrava

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ostrava

[[2014 Ostrawa, Archiwum miasta 02 - Ostrava Archive

Golden Spike Ostrava - Zlatá tretra Ostrava - Závodní 86 tram stop „Městský stadion” - Athletics meeting, part of the IAAF World Challenge. Normally held at the end of May or beginning of June. Usain Bolt has competed here from 2007 to 2010.

Colours of Ostrava - The Colours of Ostrava international music festival features many domestic and world renowned musical acts. The festival is organised in the Ostrava downtown and in clubs on Stodolní Street every year, with the participation of more than 100 bands and DJs from around the world. The pleasant summer atmosphere is enhanced with a movie theatre presenting musical video clips and movies, a special dancing stage, drums, salsa, and belly-dancing workshops, and the Children's World, enjoyed especially by parents and kids. It was awarded the 2005 Festival of the Year.

The International Music Festival Janáček's May Ostrava - Janáčkův máj - The Janáček May International Music Festival is the oldest and largest music festival in Ostrava, founded in 1975. It is organised by the City of Ostrava and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival attracts not only renowned musical talent from Europe and around the world, but also hosts musicological conferences, exhibitions and theatre performances.

Spectaculo Interesse - Pivovarská 15 - In 1995, Ostrava's Puppet Theatre held the first Spectaculo Interesse International Puppet Theatre Festival, establishing the city on the map of European puppetry. Every two years, puppet masters from such diverse places as France, Russia, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, South Korea, Slovakia, and Austria come to perform. The festival holds a competition, and many of the performances are held in the city's modern, custom-designed Puppet Theatre, and out on the streets among the public.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ostrava

Ostrava is the shopping centre of the region. You can find small specialised shops, hypermarkets and shopping galleries. Souvenirs are sold in branch offices of the Ostrava City Information Centre.

Forum Nova Karolina, a large and modern shopping mall close to the downtown with many stores from international chains, a hypermarket, specialty stores and a food court.
Laso, a shopping centre containing many smaller shops just off the main city square.

Ostrava, pohled do ulice Stodolnísměrem od nádraží - |Stodolní and the main street of Ostrava

Halal Restaurants in Ostrava

In such a big city the number of restaurants is naturally enormous, ranging from the very famous restaurants to the less expensive trattorie or pizzerie. Whether you are looking to enjoy classical Czech food, regional specialities or international cuisine, Ostrava probably has what you are looking for. A visit to the region would not be complete without a pint of the local “Ostravar”, which has been brewed in the city since 1897. The main street for wining, dining and having a great time is Stodolní Street, in the heart of the city. It boasts over 60 restaurants in an area covering just a few blocks.

La Petite Conversation - Chelčického 8 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 7AM Monday - 7PM, Friday 7AM Monday - 8PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 3PM Sandwiches from 49 Kč Close to the Stodolní tram stop and the only real Belgian café in Ostrava. Very good sandwiches and Coffee.

Café au pere tranquille (French café) - On Stodolní street. Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 7AM Monday - 7PM, Friday 7AM Monday - 8PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 3PM Pancakes, French cuisine from 75 Kč

Harenda u Barborky - stylish restaurant at the Mining museum - On Landek park - Czech, Mining cuisine from 15 Kč

Koras - culinary specialities, International cuisine - On Soukenická 9 street culinary specialities, International cuisine

Moravská chalupa - stylish restaurant with regional specialities - Close to Stodolní street czech specialities from 40 Kč

The secret sweet treats of Ostrava are the katowicke rurki, named after the nearby city of Katowice in Poland - although they are arguably a version of a similar treat popular in the entirety Poland, and not peculiar to Katowice at all. The katowicke rurki consist of a sweet wafer rolled into a tube, and then filled with pařížská šlehačka, both using a specially-designed machine. Pařížská šlehačka, in turn, is a filling vaguely resembling chocolate-flavoured whipped cream, although quite often having nothing to do with either cream or Chocolates when it comes to its ingredients, and obviously having no obvious connection to the city of Paris after which it is ostensibly named.

Katowicke rurki are usually made by specialized confissers in possession of one of the unique machines, who often have been operating their specialized businesses for decades. One of those is hidden in the Hornicka street].

Výhled z Nové Radnice - Ostrava by night

Ostrava is home to the famous Stodolní street and the biggest strip of cafes and pubs in the nation. Drinks are generally cheaper than in Prague and atmosphere is more local.

E99 - Porážková 22 49.834430, 18.281544 Western end of Stodolní street ☎ +420 595 542 060 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11AM Monday - 2AM. Saturday 11AM Monday - 4AM. Sunday Closed Gambrinus 26Kč, Plzen 30Kč - Friendly pub at the end of Stodolní street, near the train station.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ostrava

Ostrava - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ostrava, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ostrava. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ostrava and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ostrava. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ostrava. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inOstrava: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ostrava.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ostrava: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ostrava, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ostrava.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ostrava, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ostrava, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ostrava and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ostrava, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ostrava, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ostrava without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ostrava is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ostrava.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ostrava is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ostrava, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ostrava Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The city offers a wide variety of accommodation covering all kinds of travel budget and level of service.

Imperial Hotel Ostrava - Tyršova 6 49.834199, 18.290083 ☎ +420 599 099 099 - Renowned hotel with restaurants, relaxation centre and meeting facilities. Located in the downtown.

Park Inn Ostrava | Hornopolní 3313/42 49.842248, 18.268571 ☎ +420 595 195 000 - Maybe Ostrava's most modern hotel, and something of a flagship for the brand given the standard and quality compared to the chain's older properties.

Mercure Ostrava Center Hotel | Ceskobratrska 18/1742 49.839327, 18.288101 ☎ +420 595 606 600 - Located in a historic building with an impressive dining terrace and the Mercure provides an expectable standard.

Hotel Brioni - Stodolní 876/8 49.835960, 18.285004 ☎ +420 599 500 000 - A four-star hotel right on the Stodolní street, with a unique military-themed café.

Stay safe

While Ostrava remains a quiet and pleasant city, local residents will let you know that many areas have sadly gained an unfortunate reputation for widespread drug consumption. Always be on the lookout for junkies.

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