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In the small Czech town of Kopřivnice, you’ll find a truly unique place – the Tatra Truck Museum. In my opinion, it’s not only one of the most fascinating technical attractions in the region, but also a story of engineering passion, national pride, and over 170 years of automotive tradition. On more than 5,000 m², you can explore over 80 historic Tatra vehicles – from prototypes and military trucks to Dakar racing legends.
A visit to this museum is a real treat not only for motor enthusiasts. The extraordinary design of the trucks, their powerful engines, unusual suspensions, and unique engineering solutions impress even those who don’t usually look under the hood. Tatra is more than a brand – it’s a Czech icon whose history is inseparably linked with the story of Central European industry.
The exhibition is organized at the highest level – every truck has its own space and description, complemented by multimedia stations, engine models, vehicle test films, and interactive educational zones. This museum doesn’t just tell a story – it lets you feel the uniqueness of these machines.
In Kopřivnice, you’ll also find a second Tatra museum dedicated to passenger cars. There, you’ll discover more exhibits and stories related to Tatra’s automobile production, which are equally impressive!
Location and Getting There
Kopřivnice, a town of just under 25,000 residents, is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic, in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The location is highly symbolic – it’s here that the legendary Tatra trucks were produced for decades.
Reaching Kopřivnice is very convenient, especially by car. The town lies about 40 km from Ostrava and 60 km from the Polish border. The quickest access from Poland is via the Chałupki or Cieszyn border crossings. From Katowice, you can get here in under 2 hours.
For those traveling by train – Kopřivnice has its own railway station, served by regional trains from Ostrava and Valašské Meziříčí. The station is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. The museum is also easily accessible by bus, with a local stop located just next to the entrance.
On-site, you’ll find parking for cars and buses, as well as bicycle racks – which might be important if you’re planning an active trip through the region. Kopřivnice is located along several cycling routes running through the Beskids.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Tatra Truck Museum is open all year round, except on selected public holidays (keep in mind that in the Czech Republic some holidays differ from those in Poland). The opening hours are convenient for both individual visitors and organized groups:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00 (May–September) and 9:00–16:00 (October–April)
- Mondays: closed (except for certain public holidays)
Ticket prices are very reasonable and depend on the age category and type of ticket:
- Standard ticket: 220 CZK
- Reduced ticket (children, seniors, students): 160 CZK
- Family ticket (2+4): 600 CZK
- Children under 6 years: free admission
There are also discounts for organized groups, as well as combined tickets with the second branch of the museum – the Tatra Passenger Car Museum, dedicated to passenger cars and the company’s history.
The museum also has a souvenir shop, and in the summer season it often hosts special events – open days, vintage truck rallies, and live machine demonstrations.
Some of the lectures held at the Tatra Truck Museum can also be viewed on the museum’s website.
Exhibition at the Tatra Truck Museum
The interior of the Tatra Truck Museum feels like a huge garage full of automotive legends. On an area of more than 5,000 m², over 80 vehicles are on display – not only those known from roads and construction sites, but also true rarities that never went into mass production.
The exhibition is arranged both thematically and chronologically – making it easy to trace the development of Tatra’s designs from the very first models up to the most modern trucks and specialized machines.
The tour begins with the oldest vehicles, including military, fire-fighting, and transport models from the 1930s and 1940s. Among them is the legendary Tatra 111 – a truck that played a key role in rebuilding Europe after World War II. From there, you move through the era of post-war industrialization, the socialist planned economy, and the Cold War, before arriving at the latest high-tech constructions with 8×8 drive systems, designed for export and military use.
The racing vehicles draw particular excitement – the massive Tatra trucks that took part in the Dakar Rally – but more on them in a moment!
The exhibition is complemented by engines, technical cutaways, construction models, and multimedia presentations. In several places, visitors can peek inside the cabins, and even… sit behind the wheel! For the youngest guests, there is an educational corner with interactive boards, puzzles, and toys. The whole display is modern yet respectful of history – this is not just a collection of vehicles, but a well-told story of Czech automotive heritage.
Children can also explore the exhibition using small ride-on Tatra trucks, powered by pushing with their feet – guaranteed fun! However, the age limit is quite low, so older kids and adults can only dream of such a ride. The vehicles are available free of charge.
Tatra Motorcycles
Although the Tatra Truck Museum focuses primarily on massive trucks, it also reserves a place for the brand’s motorcycles. These two-wheelers, though less famous than the legendary lorries, played an important role in the company’s history and the automotive heritage of the region. Known for their solid build and reliability, Tatra motorcycles were popular both for everyday use and for tougher off-road conditions.
The museum displays several unique examples that showcase the versatility of Tatra’s production and the evolution of its engineering over the years. It’s a fascinating highlight for any fan of classic machines and automotive history. The motorcycle and bicycle exhibition is located on Level +1.
Rally Trucks
The Tatra Museum also boasts a remarkable collection of rally trucks that earned worldwide fame in extreme conditions. Models such as the Tatra 815 became legends of prestigious off-road competitions, including the iconic Dakar Rally, where they impressed with their reliability, power, and durability. These massive machines, equipped with advanced technology and specialized modifications, were designed to conquer the toughest terrains – from deserts to mountain trails. At the museum, visitors can see both original rally vehicles and training prototypes, offering a deeper look into how these motorsport icons were created.
The collection also includes specially modified Tatra expedition trucks that traveled around the globe. The largest of them is even equipped with a hang glider!
Tatra Museum in Kopřivnice
It’s worth knowing that right next to the Tatra Truck Museum you’ll find the Tatra Passenger Car Museum – the first and more traditional institution dedicated to the brand’s history. Opened in 1947, it documents the development of passenger and sports cars that Tatra produced alongside its trucks. Although smaller in scale, this museum has a unique atmosphere and several truly one-of-a-kind exhibits – especially since many people don’t associate Tatra with passenger cars at all.
The biggest highlights here are the automotive legends: the aerodynamic limousines Tatra 77, Tatra 87, and Tatra 603– futuristic cars with distinctive streamlined bodies and rear-mounted engines. These models made the brand famous worldwide and earned it the title of a pioneer in aerodynamics.
The museum also displays prototypes, racing cars, luxury models for Czechoslovak dignitaries, as well as bicycles, sleds, baby carriages, and other products manufactured in the Kopřivnice factory in the 19th and 20th centuries.
To get the full picture of Tatra’s history, it’s best to visit both museums – they’re only a few minutes’ walk apart. Combined tickets are available, and the exhibitions complement each other perfectly. Together, they form a complex that will satisfy both technology enthusiasts and fans of retro design and industrial history.
A Brief History of Tatra
Tatra is one of the oldest automotive companies in the world – older even than Mercedes-Benz. Its origins date back to 1850, when Ignác Šustala began manufacturing horse-drawn carriages in Kopřivnice. The company developed rapidly, and by the 1890s it had built the first passenger car in Central and Eastern Europe – the Präsident (1897).
In the 20th century, Tatra gained worldwide recognition as a manufacturer of utility vehicles with reliable engineering and exceptional off-road capabilities. A distinctive feature of Tatra trucks was the so-called “central backbone tube” – a special load-bearing frame that provided durability, flexibility, and resistance in the toughest conditions. Combined with independent suspension on each axle, it gave Tatra vehicles off-road abilities unmatched by competitors.
During World War II, the factory produced for the Third Reich, but after the war, the company regained independence and became a symbol of Czechoslovak industry. It manufactured both military and civilian vehicles. In the 1970s and 1980s, Tatra trucks were exported to dozens of countries – from the USSR to Africa and Asia.
After 1989, the company faced the challenges of a market economy. Passenger car production was discontinued, but the trucks survived – today, Tatra Trucks still operates, producing modern vehicles for industry and the military.
The Tatra Train – Slovak Arrow
One of the unique exhibits at the Tatra Truck Museum is the historic “Slovenská strela” (Slovak Arrow) train, which perfectly complements the truck collection. This legendary train illustrates the development of transport and technology, combining elements of both automotive and railway engineering. Visitors can admire the details of the carriages, explore the driver’s cab, and learn about railway technology, which often worked hand in hand with Tatra trucks for transporting goods and equipment.
This extraordinary combination of two transport worlds makes a visit to the museum even more fascinating – especially for families and technology enthusiasts.
What’s Nearby?
Although the Tatra Truck Museum is Kopřivnice’s main attraction, it’s worth setting aside more time to discover other places in the town and its surroundings. This is a region full of surprises – with a diverse landscape, an industrial past, and a touch of Beskid mountain charm.
In the very center of Kopřivnice you’ll find the small but interesting Fojtství Museum – the oldest preserved building in town, once the seat of the village reeve from the 18th century. Today, it serves as a museum documenting the beginnings of craftsmanship in Kopřivnice. While strolling through the town, it’s also worth visiting the municipal park with its modern playground and checking out the new town square with a fountain.
Just a few kilometers away lies Štramberk – a picturesque little town famous for its charming wooden houses, steep lanes, and the castle tower Štramberská Trúba, which offers panoramic views. It’s often compared to Český Těšín for its beauty. Here, you can also taste the local delicacy – Štramberk Ears, gingerbread cookies baked according to a traditional recipe.
For fans of nature walks and mountain vibes, we recommend a trip to the Hukvaldy Nature Reserve – featuring castle ruins, scenic views, and even a monument to a fox! This place is closely connected with composer Leoš Janáček, who was born in the area.
If you’re traveling with children, consider following the Technotrail – a route connecting the region’s industrial attractions. It features steelworks, historic machines, narrow-gauge railways, and interactive educational exhibits. You might also want to visit nearby Nový Jičín, a town of hat-making tradition and elegant architecture.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Tatra Truck Museum is a place that surprises even those who have little interest in motor vehicles. A well-organized space, carefully curated exhibitions, a huge number of unique trucks, and the chance to see the evolution of Czech engineering up close – all this makes the visit truly unforgettable.
This isn’t just a museum for “truck fans.” It’s a story of imagination, determination, and the ability to create big things – literally and figuratively. Tatra is a source of pride for Czech engineering, and Kopřivnice showcases it with both passion and class. The exhibition is accessible, modern, and engaging for all ages – children, teenagers, and adults alike.
A visit to the museum can be an ideal stop during your trip – a great stopover between Ostrava and the Beskid Mountains. You can spend just an hour here or half a day – and in both cases, you’ll leave with a smile. An added bonus is the chance to visit the Tatra Passenger Car Museum and explore the nearby attractions.
If you’re looking for a place that combines history, technology, local identity, and big impressions – the Tatra Truck Museum hits the spot. And no, you don’t need a category C driving license to be amazed by it! 🚚
