South Moravia
Grand architecture, folkloric festivals, varied topography and viticulture await in South Moravia. Find towns with ancient castles and UNESCO-protected monuments on riverbanks. Discover a countryside of caves, forests, valleys and vineyards interwoven by biking routes and wine trails. South Moravia lies toward the southeast corner of the Czech Republic, bordered by both Austria and Slovakia.
A great place to start is Brno, the regional capital, centered on an atmospheric Old Town. It’s a city of architecturally impressive buildings, from a 13th-century fortress to the functionalist masterpiece Villa Tugendhat. Visit the fairytale-like town of Telč, revered for its Renaissance arcades, bridges, mansions and walkways. Stroll along the charismatic streets of the well-preserved Jewish Quarter of nearby Třebíč.
Castles are a staple of South Moravia’s architectural landscape, with fine examples in Buchlovice, Boskovice, Jevišovice and Nedvědice. Walk amid colorful and symmetrical gardens in Kroměříž. Marvel at the star-shaped chapel complex perched on a hilltop in Žďár nad Sázavou.
Spend a day at the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a complex of botanical gardens, châteaus and fishponds. Traverse the grounds on rented bike or get an aerial view from a minaret.
Cruise along a subterranean river before delving deep into the caves of Moravian Karst. Follow a network of well-marked trails across the forested hills of Pálava Protected Landscape Area. Enjoy bird-watching, fishing and windsurfing on Věstonická Reservoir. Cross-country ski at the winter sports center in Nové Město na Moravě.
South Moravia is the Czech Republic’s leading wine-growing region. Mikulov and Znojmo both have notable wineries. Alternatively, retrace the nation’s beer-making culture at breweries in Černá Hora and Sentice.
Located 127 miles (205 kilometers) from Prague, Brno is South Moravia’s main transportation hub. From here, reach the region’s major attractions easily via public bus, train or rented car.
Time your South Moravia vacation to coincide with lively regional celebrations. Among these is May’s Ride of the Kings, a festival of costumed parades, folkloric dancing and live music held in Vlčnov.