Exploring Znojmo: A Medieval Jewel in South Moravia

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 also the centre of a well-known wine region, so why not take the time to sample some of the local produce?

Nestled between Austria and Slovakia, this region boasts grand castles, distinctive cuisine, and sprawling vineyards that have earned it the moniker “Moravian Tuscany.”

Despite the convenience of an international airport in Brno, South Moravia welcomed just over 690,300 overseas tourists last year, compared to Prague’s 5.8 million. The crowd-free charm of Znojmo, founded around 1226 by King Ottokar I of Bohemia, is home to 34,000 residents and is a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital.

Znojmo’s affordability adds to its appeal. Four-star hotel rooms are available for less than 1,500 CZK a night, and attractions are reasonably priced – adult entry to the tunnels starts from 100 CZK.

Dating back to the 14th century, the labyrinthine tunnels of Znojmo offered refuge during wars and unrest, later serving as storage space. Over centuries, these passageways and cellars expanded to span 27 kilometers. Largely forgotten or kept secret until the Second World War, they were exposed after bombing raids and subsequently rebuilt.

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.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more