South Moravia is known above all for its vineyards, its distinctive villages with wine cellars, its chateaux and a particular landscape that often recalls the French region of Provence. It’s understandable, then, that this region has countless gorgeous places every traveller should visit. We’ve picked out the most beautiful places in South Moravia for you, ones that will leave you with lovely memories of the region. South Moravia is scattered with architectural and natural wonders of every kind, so the selection was extremely hard. And it hardly needs explaining that, alongside the culture, some serious drinking is required! 🙂
Why South Moravia in particular?
South Moravia is a slightly different world. Life here doesn’t rush – it flows slowly, like wine in a glass. A region of sun, folklore and friendly people who’ll happily pour you a second glass even if you only came for a tasting.
Whether you’re driving through the vineyards, walking the Pálava trails or discovering chateaux, one thing is certain – this area gets under your skin.
When to go and how to enjoy South Moravia in full
Spring is ideal for cycling trips and vineyards waking up. Summer is for swimming, festivals and wine celebrations – but count on the biggest crowds. Autumn belongs to the wine festivals, the grape harvest and drinking. And the area doesn’t sleep in winter either: every town has its Christmas markets, in Znojmo and Brno for instance.
Rosa Coeli monastery
The enchanting ruins of Rosa Coeli monastery are in the town of Dolní Kounice, roughly 30 minutes south of Brno. Thanks to its photogenic spaces the monastery is a much sought-after spot for tourists from all over the world. What survives from its history are the ruins of the church of the Virgin Mary with the adjoining cloister and garth. The whole complex is surrounded by a medieval wall.
The Moravian Karst protected landscape area
This area north of Brno was first declared protected back in 1956, then again in 2019, when the protected area was extended. The Moravian Karst boasts valuable karst formations, caves, underground watercourses (the river Punkva, for instance), abysses and gorges. The best-known abyss is Macocha, which got its name from a legend according to which a wicked stepmother ended up in it.
Besides the famous Macocha, the Punkva caves right next to the abyss are worth a visit. You don’t need a ticket for Macocha – it’s free. You do need one for the Punkva caves, and if you don’t want to be disappointed by there being no space, book your entry online.
Both places rightly belong on our list of the most beautiful places in South Moravia.
Vranov nad Dyjí chateau
The small town of Vranov nad Dyjí lies west of Znojmo, near the Austrian border. It boasts a Gothic chateau rebuilt in Baroque style. The chateau has become a sought-after location for film crews too – Nesmrtelná teta, Andělská tvář and even the American film XXX were shot here. Adjoining the town is a well-known reservoir, a popular destination for anglers, sportspeople and other keen day-trippers. There’s also boat transport on the reservoir.
Besides the boats, the reservoir is also known for its nightlife, which goes off especially in summer. You could easily spend a few days at the nearby campsite.
The town of Valtice
We’ll stay near the Austrian border but move to the Břeclav district. The historic core of the town is protected by law. What will certainly please a visitor’s eye is the chateau with its park, the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the neo-Renaissance town hall, the Marian column and the church of St Augustine with the adjoining monastery, which functions as a hospital. Valtice is also a significant wine town. Around it you’ll also find the Colonnade at Reistna and Diana’s Temple.
Accommodation tips
Lednice chateau
Near Valtice is another gem. For many people the Lednice-Valtice complex is the main attraction of this region, so it definitely belongs among the most beautiful places in South Moravia. Lednice chateau was originally built in the Renaissance style and later remodelled into a neo-Gothic chateau. It’s decorated with extensive gardens with ponds and rare plants. Near the chateau you’ll find more gorgeous buildings – the Moorish Minaret, John’s Castle, the Hunting Lodge and the greenhouse.
The Pálava protected landscape area
We’ll stay in this part of South Moravia a little longer and take a proper look at the countryside. A short way from Mikulov stretches the Pálava protected landscape area, made up mainly of the ridges of the Pavlovské vrchy hills. A big draw is the rare flora and fauna you can come across at every step here. Within Pálava you’ll also find the Děvičky ruins, the Děvín national nature reserve and Sirotčí hrádek. If you’re lucky, in good visibility Pálava is even visible from Brno.
The town of Mikulov
Adjoining Pálava is Mikulov, one of the main wine towns. Its historic core offers plenty of attractions – the chateau with its garden, the Dietrichstein tomb, the Holy Trinity column, the synagogue, the Jewish cemetery and Kozí hrádek. Of course you also mustn’t skip the climb up Svatý kopeček, with its iconic bell tower and the chapel of St Sebastian. A marked trail leads up, and along it you may come across more architectural gems.
Wine, dancing, singing and women/men all belong to this area. Combine your trip with a visit to one of the cellars or vineyards. We’ve put together a list of the best wineries in Moravia.
Accommodation tips
The almond orchards
Our journey through the most beautiful places in South Moravia continues with the hit of the last few years. The almond orchard that stretches out near Hustopeče, about 45 minutes’ drive along the motorway from Brno, was actually founded back in 1949. It’s currently the largest almond orchard in all of central Europe. Across 4 hectares grow around 1,200 almond trees, and visitors seek the place out mainly at the start of spring when the almonds blossom. A wooden lookout tower gives you a view over the wider area.
The town of Znojmo
The second-largest town in the South Moravian region lies 65 km southwest of Brno on the Austrian border. It boasts the Rotunda of St Catherine, whose walls are decorated with paintings from the Romanesque period and which sits within the complex of the Přemyslid castle. A short way from the rotunda the town offers a pleasant spot to rest with a view of another landmark – the church of St Nicholas and St Wenceslas chapel. If you have energy left, visit the town hall tower, the historic underground and the Znojmo wine cellars.
Accommodation tips
The Bošovice parrot zoo
This unusual zoo is in the village of Bošovice, about 45 minutes southeast of Brno. The zoo opened to the public in 2011 and in that time has won over visitors of every age. Currently you can see more than 50 species of parrot from all over the world, including some very rare ones. You can visit the parrot zoo all year round except the winter months.
The Battle of Austerlitz memorial
We all remember from history lessons that the Battle of Austerlitz took place in 1805, when Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the armies of the Austrian Empire and the Russian Empire. At a spot near the village of Prace stands the Cairn of Peace. Every year, to the day, a reconstruction of this significant battle also takes place in the area. If you head into Slavkov itself, you won’t be bored either – there’s a beautiful chateau, the church of the Resurrection, a synagogue and a lookout tower.
Kobylí vrch – the trail above the vineyards
This iconic lookout tower a short way from Velké Pavlovice shouldn’t be missing from your map. Along the way you may come across the name Homolí (especially if you ask locals). The name may not mean anything at first, but the moment you see it you’ll say: “Ah, of course.” If you’re anywhere near Pálava, Mikulov or Lednice, definitely head here. Entry is free, and we like that! 😀
The village of Křtiny
We’ll close our article on the most beautiful places in South Moravia in the picturesque small town of Křtiny in the Blansko district, whose landmark is an 18th-century pilgrimage complex. It’s dominated by the Baroque church of the Name of the Virgin Mary, designed by the architect Jan Blažej Santini. The complex also holds the chapel of St Anne, a chateau and a rectory (the former provostry). The arboretum, with its collection of various trees, is also worth mentioning.
Less known but gorgeous corners of South Moravia
Don’t want crowds of tourists? Here are a few secret tips:
- The Slunečná lookout tower (Velké Pavlovice) – a view over the vineyards straight off a postcard
- Výhon nature park – calm, nature, ideal for a picnic
- Kraví hora (Bojanovice) – a village of wine cellars
- The Nové Mlýny reservoirs – an ideal spot for paddleboarding or windsurfing
