Jul 13, 2025

Exploring Znojmo: A Medieval Jewel in South Moravia

Prague Morning

The historic town centre with its numerous churches, all surrounded by medieval city walls, has preserved its Renaissance look and is full of crooked lanes, romantic views and picturesque nooks and crannies.

Znojmo is a quiet town in South Moravia that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It sits near the border with Austria and Slovakia, in a region famous for its vineyards and traditional food. Locals sometimes call it “Moravian Tuscany” because of its rolling hills and charming villages.

Last year, South Moravia welcomed just over 690,000 tourists from abroad. That’s a fraction of the millions who visit Prague, which means places like Znojmo stay peaceful and less crowded.

Founded around 1226 by King Ottokar I, the town has about 34,000 residents and is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital.

One big draw here is the price. Four-star hotels often charge less than 1,500 CZK per night, and most sights are easy on the wallet. For example, you can explore the town’s famous tunnels for about 100 CZK.

These tunnels, carved in the 14th century, run under Znojmo and stretch for 27 kilometers. They were originally built as shelters during times of war and later used for storage. Over centuries, the network grew, but most people forgot about it until World War II bombing raids exposed parts of the tunnels. Since then, they have been restored and opened to visitors.

If you want a taste of traditional Moravian wine, some history, and a break from busy tourist spots, Znojmo is a solid choice.

Today, these tunnels are a major tourist attraction, offering classic sightseeing routes and “adrenaline trails” of varying difficulty. Above ground, a journey through Znojmo’s history and modern culture is incomplete without sampling local cuisine.

ReZtaurace, a microbrewery in the grounds of Znojmo Castle, serves as an ideal venue. Here, you can enjoy fragrant beef broth and wild garlic soup for 60 CZK, followed by beef tenderloin with dumplings for 200 CZK. The venue is a local favorite, with a bustling beer garden offering views of the lush valley below.

In the evening, Enoteka, a former brewery turned wine bar, offers a relaxed setting to explore over 120 wines. Prices range from 12 CZK per small sample to 80 CZK for a glass.

Nature enthusiasts will find South Moravia’s greatest splendor in Podyjí National Park. Spanning 63 square kilometers, the park includes flood plains, the river Dyje, and forests that provide a habitat for species such as otters, beavers, wild boars, and the black stork.

An e-bike ride through the park, reveals landscapes reminiscent of the Alps in summer, dotted with poppies and fragrant elderflowers.

Along the route, former Soviet watchtowers have been transformed into viewing platforms overlooking vineyards. A stop at Šobes Vineyard in the heart of the park offers a taste of its produce, benefiting from a unique microclimate.

A glass of dry Riesling costs about 20 CZK, a refreshing reward after a four-hour cycle.

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