SOUTH MORAVIA
South Moravia is the heart of Czech winemaking, where rolling vineyards blend seamlessly with UNESCO chateaux and vibrant city culture. It is a land of rich history, distinctive folklore, and a uniquely warm, hospitable spirit.
This region offers a captivating journey from the modern, functionalist architecture of its capital, Brno, to the romantic, vast Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. It’s the perfect place to explore caves, bike wine trails, and savor the local Moravian wines.
Most Popular Attractions
Cities & Urban Historical Core (Brno & Znojmo):
Špilberk Castle (Brno): A dominant fortress and former political prison with historic casemates, now home to the Brno City Museum.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Brno): A magnificent Gothic masterpiece with distinctive twin spires that mark the city skyline.
Old Town Hall (Brno): The oldest secular building in Brno, famous for the legend of the Brno Dragon (a stuffed crocodile) and its tower offering panoramic views.
Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market (Brno): A fascinating underground system of medieval tunnels, cellars, and corridors used for storage and defense.
St. James’ Ossuary (Brno): Europe’s second-largest ossuary, containing the remains of over 50,000 people.
Znojmo Underground: An extensive labyrinth of medieval tunnels and cellars beneath the town of Znojmo.
Znojmo Castle & Rotunda of St. Catherine: A former castle with a well-preserved Romanesque rotunda offering significant historical art.
UNESCO World Heritage & Grand Estates:
Lednice Château: The region’s most popular historic site, a stunning Neo-Gothic palace surrounded by one of the largest landscape parks in Europe.
Valtice Château & Wine Salon: A Baroque château housing the National Wine Salon, a permanent exhibition and tasting of the 100 best Czech wines.
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape: A vast, UNESCO-protected park area dotted with romantic follies, temples, and ornamental lakes, perfect for cycling and walking.
Villa Tugendhat (Brno): A world-renowned masterpiece of Functionalist architecture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wine & Vineyard Experiences:
Pálava Hills: A dramatic limestone ridge and protected landscape, offering spectacular views over the vineyards and the Nové Mlýny reservoirs.
Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček, Mikulov): A prominent pilgrimage site and natural reserve, offering a path of the cross and breathtaking views of Mikulov and the surrounding vineyards.
Mikulov Castle: A dominant Baroque castle overlooking the charming, wine-focused town of Mikulov.
Petrov – Plže Wine Cellars: A beautiful, historically protected complex of painted wine cellars in the Slovácko sub-region.
Šobes Vineyard: One of the oldest and most beautiful vineyard tracks in Europe, located in the Podyjí National Park near Znojmo.
Moravian Wine Trails (Various): Over 1,200 km of marked cycling paths connecting wine villages, cellars, and scenic vineyards.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Sites:
Moravian Karst (Moravský Kras): A huge cave system and protected landscape area featuring the deep Macocha Abyss.
Punkva Caves: A popular part of the Moravian Karst where visitors take an underground boat ride on the Punkva River.
Podyjí National Park: A small but diverse national park along the Dyje River, known for its deep canyon and preserved river meanders.
Unique & Modern Attractions:
VIDA! Science Centre (Brno): An interactive science park offering fun, hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Anthrópos Pavilion (Brno): A museum dedicated to the oldest history of mankind, focusing on the prehistory of Moravia.
Archeopark Pavlov: A modern, partially subterranean museum dedicated to the life of mammoth hunters in the Paleolithic era, near the Pálava Hills.
Strážnice Open-Air Museum: A museum of South-East Moravian villages, showcasing traditional folk architecture and customs.
Activities & Experiences
Cycle the Moravian Wine Trails (Moravské vinné stezky): Rent a bike and explore the extensive network of over 1,200 km of marked cycling routes, passing through picturesque vineyards, cellar lanes, and historic towns.
Wine Tasting at a Historic Cellar: Visit a traditional wine cellar (sklep), especially in unique cellar complexes like Šidleny (Nechory) or Vrbice, to taste local varieties like Pálava, Grüner Veltliner, and Frankovka.
Explore the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape: Wander through this vast, UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the romantic Lednice Chateau, the impressive Valtice Chateau, expansive English parks, and unique folly buildings like the Minaret and Temple of Apollo.
Descend into the Moravian Karst: Take a boat ride through the underground Punkva Caves and visit the Macocha Abyss, a massive sinkhole, for a dramatic natural experience.
Visit the National Wine Salon of the Czech Republic: Located in the cellars of Valtice Chateau, this permanent exhibition features the top 100 wines of the Czech Republic, offering a curated tasting experience.
Hike the Pálava Hills (Pálava Protected Landscape Area): Trek to the ruins of Děvičky Castle for spectacular, panoramic views over the vineyards, the Pavlov lakes, and the entire region.
Wander the Historic Town of Mikulov: Explore the charming town center, climb to the iconic Mikulov Castle, and visit the dramatic Holy Hill (Svatý kopeček) for a beautiful perspective of the region.
Experience a Wine Festival (Vinobraní): If visiting in late summer/early autumn (typically September), attend a lively local wine harvest festival, which includes music, food, and the chance to taste burčák (partially fermented young wine).
Explore Brno, the Region’s Capital: Visit the majestic Špilberk Castle, the unique Ossuary at St. James’ Church, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, and the functionalist architecture of the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat.
Step back in time at the Slavkov (Austerlitz) Battlefield: Visit the site of Napoleon’s great 1805 victory. Explore the battlefield and the nearby Mohyla míru (Cairn of Peace) monument and museum.
Take a Traditional Boat Ride: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the canal from Lednice Chateau to the Minaret or explore the beautiful park and lakes.
Local Tips & Transport
Car and Bicycle are Best: The region is primarily rural, and a rental car offers the most flexibility to explore the wide area of vineyards, chateaus, and small villages. However, due to the excellent network of wine trails, the region is also perfectly suited for cycling. Many hotels and wine cellars offer bike rentals.
Train & Bus: The main city, Brno, is easily reached by direct train from Prague and Vienna. From Brno, you can use a combination of regional trains and buses to reach the major wine towns like Břeclav, Mikulov, Znojmo, and Hodonín. Public transport is reliable, but journey times between smaller villages can be long.
Integrated Transport (IDS JMK): The South Moravian Region has a well-integrated public transport system, IDS JMK, which covers trains and buses. You can often buy tickets that work for both modes, making day trips from Brno easier.
Brno Transport: Brno has a comprehensive system of trams, trolleybuses, and buses. The city center is very walkable, but public transport is efficient for getting to the suburbs or the main train/bus stations.
Wine is King: Unlike the rest of the Czech Republic, which is famous for beer, South Moravia is dedicated to wine, producing over 90% of the country’s grapes. White wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Pálava, are the most dominant. Don’t be afraid to try some of the indigenous Moravian varieties.
- Burčák Season: If you visit between late August and November, you must try burčák, a delicious, partially fermented young wine with a low alcohol content. It’s an important cultural experience and is only legally sold during this short window.
- Cellar Culture (Sklep): The wine cellars are often small, family-run operations. Tastings are intimate and personalized, sometimes offered directly by the winemaker. It’s common to buy a bottle or two directly from the cellar. A “Sklep” (cellar) is pronounced ‘sklep’.
Dining Times: Meals are generally earlier than in Spain. Lunch is typically around 12 PM – 2 PM, and dinner is often served starting around 6 PM – 8 PM. Many smaller village restaurants or cellars may have earlier closing times than big cities.
Moravian Hospitality: Moravians are known for their warmth and hospitality. While English is spoken in Brno and the main tourist spots, a small effort to use Czech phrases (like Dobrý den – Hello, Děkuji – Thank you, and Na zdraví! – Cheers!) will be greatly appreciated.
Hidden Gems:
- Šatov Painted Cellar (Malovaný sklep): Near Znojmo, this cellar is famous for its bizarre, colorful folk art paintings covering the walls, done by a single local artist over 20 years.
- The Wine Cellars of Petrov-Plže: A unique, beautiful complex of nearly 80 decorated, whitewashed cellars with blue bases, often referred to as an open-air folk architecture museum.
- Mikulov Cave of Turold: Explore a unique limestone cave in the heart of the Pálava Hills, one of the few places in the country where Aragonite crystal is found.
- The Moravian Tuscany Viewpoints: Find the iconic rolling green hills and solitary trees near villages like Šardice or Kyjov for breathtaking, photograph-worthy views.
Top Restaurants
Hostinec U Bláhovky [$15-$25] – A Brno institution famous for its traditional Czech and Moravian pub fare, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere popular with locals.
Lokál U Caipla [$20-$30] – Located in Brno, this popular ‘hospoda’ (pub) serves classic, perfectly prepared Czech and Moravian dishes using high-quality, local ingredients and excellent unpasteurized beer.
Pivnice Pegas [$15-$25] – A classic brewery restaurant in Brno’s center offering traditional meals and four types of its own excellent craft beer, popular for a hearty Czech/Moravian experience.
Restaurace U Tlustých [$20-$30] – Found in the town of Lednice (part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape), this spot is known for its authentic Czech cuisine and rustic, Moravian atmosphere.
Restaurace Podloubí Brno [$15-$25] – A reliable Brno restaurant for traditional Czech meals like řízek (schnitzel), guláš, and smažený sýr (fried cheese), located in the city center.
Hostinec U Semináru [$20-$30] – A well-regarded traditional tavern, often recommended for its solid, authentic Czech and Moravian cooking, providing a true local feel.
Restaurace U Tomana [$15-$25] – Located in Brno’s city center, this traditional restaurant and brewery is a great choice for classic Czech dishes and a glass of local beer.
Restaurace Šílová Winery Mikulov [$20-$30] – A restaurant connected to a winery in Mikulov, offering a combination of traditional Moravian cuisine and wine-tasting in a pleasant environment.
Restaurace Albero Valtice [$20-$35] – Situated in Valtice, this restaurant is praised for its traditional Moravian cuisine, including ribs, and has a lovely garden area for outdoor dining. (Note: Often cash only.)
Sojka & spol. [$20-$35] – A popular spot in Mikulov that offers a mix of traditional Moravian food with modern twists, focusing on local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
Vinařství Lahofer (Restaurant & Winery) [$30-$50] – Near Znojmo, this modern winery complex includes a highly-rated restaurant focusing on dishes that pair perfectly with their high-quality Moravian wines, using regional ingredients.
Vinný sklep U Frolišů [$25-$40] – A quintessential experience in the wine village of Velké Pavlovice, offering traditional Moravian food, wine tasting directly in a cellar, and often live cimbál (dulcimer) music.
Zámecké vinařství Bzenec – Zámecká restaurace [$30-$50] – The restaurant of the Bzenec Chateau Winery, offering contemporary Moravian gastronomy and excellent wine pairings in an elegant, historic setting.
Vinný sklep Moravská Nová Ves [$20-$35] – Representing the smaller village cellars, this is one of many authentic spots in the region for a simple, honest meal paired with local wine, providing a truly non-touristy experience.
Sklípek pod Věží [$20-$35] – A restaurant connected to a wine cellar in a wine-producing village like Zaječí or Vrbice, focusing on simple, hearty food and an authentic cellar atmosphere.
Enotéka Znojmo [$25-$45] – While primarily a wine-tasting hall with hundreds of local wines, it offers sophisticated small bites and charcuterie plates perfect for a lighter meal or wine pairing in a beautifully modern and historic setting.
Restaurace Vinice Hnanice [$30-$50] – Located near Znojmo amidst the vineyards, this restaurant offers superb views and a menu dedicated to pairing regional cuisine with the local wine varieties.
Restaurace U Tří růží (Mikulov) [$25-$40] – Located in the center of Mikulov, this establishment provides a good selection of Moravian wines along with traditional cuisine, popular for its central location and atmosphere.
Vinařství U Kapličky (Wine Cellar) [$25-$40] – A large, popular complex in the village of Zaječí with a restaurant that serves local dishes and their own wine, great for experiencing the winemaking lifestyle.
Vinný sklípek U Šťastných [$20-$35] – A classic family-run wine cellar in a village like Mutěnice, known for its warm hospitality, homemade food, and, of course, a full roster of local wines.
Atelier Cocktail Bar & Bistro [$30-$50] – A trendy Brno spot offering creative, modern Czech and international small plates and a focus on high-quality ingredients, located in the city center.
Bistro Bastardo [$25-$45] – A popular Brno bistro known for its creative menu, often blending Moravian flavors with international cooking techniques, specializing in gourmet sandwiches and light, modern dishes.
Soul Bistro [$25-$40] – A highly-regarded bistro in Brno known for its fresh, healthy, and modern approach to cuisine, offering daily specials and a contemporary, bright atmosphere.
La Bouchée [$35-$60] – A modern European bistro in Brno with a focus on seasonal and high-quality ingredients, known for its excellent French and continental-inspired dishes.
Monte Bú restaurant a steakhouse [$40-$70] – Located in Brno, this restaurant offers high-quality steaks and modern cuisine in an upscale, stylish setting, popular for meat lovers.
Bistro Drogérka [$20-$35] – A modern bistro in Mikulov that puts a contemporary spin on Czech cuisine, offering light, seasonal dishes and a stylish, casual atmosphere.
Kohout na víně [$35-$60] – A modern Brno restaurant focusing on gourmet European cuisine with an emphasis on wine pairings, providing a more refined dining experience.
Marcel Ihnačák Restaurant [$30-$50] – Found in Mikulov, this restaurant is tied to a well-known chef and offers contemporary, inventive cuisine that highlights local produce.
Koishi Fish & Sushi Restaurant [$40-$70] – One of Brno’s top choices for fine dining, specializing in modern Japanese cuisine, particularly high-quality fish and sushi, offering an alternative to local Moravian flavors.
Restaurace Castellana Tratoria [$30-$50] – A popular, modern Italian restaurant in Brno that uses high-quality ingredients to create authentic Italian flavors, providing a nice break from traditional cuisine.
Borgo Agnese [$60-$100] – A well-established fine dining restaurant in Brno known for its impeccable service, elegant atmosphere, and refined international and modern Czech cuisine.
Pavillon [$70-$120] – Housed in a beautifully renovated functionalist pavilion in Brno, this restaurant offers high-end gastronomy and tasting menus with a focus on modern European cuisine.
Sunset restaurant (Hotel Volarik Mikulov) [$50-$80] – Located at the Volarik Winery, this restaurant offers refined cuisine with a stunning view over the Pálava Hills and Mikulov, perfect for a special occasion.
Restaurace Konfit [$50-$80] – A gourmet kitchen in Brno offering sophisticated, modern dishes in a luxurious setting, often utilizing classic techniques and high-quality seasonal ingredients.
Restaurace Noem Arch [$60-$90] – Located within a unique boat-shaped hotel in Brno, this fine dining restaurant offers a premium culinary experience with a focus on creative international dishes.
Būcheck [$15-$25] – A cult-favorite street-food spot in Brno, famous for its gourmet pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, offering a delicious, casual, and non-traditional experience.
Butcher’s [$30-$50] – A high-quality butcher shop in Brno that doubles as a modern steakhouse and grill, focusing on the quality of the meat and simple, excellent preparation.
Bar, který neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist) [$20-$40] – While primarily a cocktail bar, they offer a small, excellent menu of creative and refined bar food, providing a very unique and hip experience in Brno.
Super Panda Circus [$20-$40] – Like its sister bar, this is a unique experience-driven cocktail bar in Brno that also serves small, high-quality, and creative snacks and light dishes in a highly themed environment.
Tržnice Brno (Zelný Trh) [$10-$20] – Not a single restaurant, but a fantastic renovated marketplace with various small food stalls (pastrami, burgers, pasta, local delicacies) perfect for a quick, diverse, and affordable lunch.
Bukovanský mlýn [$25-$40] – Located near Kyjov, this traditional Moravian mill complex includes a restaurant offering local and regional specialties in a picturesque, folk-architecture setting, great for a cultural immersion.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Super Panda Circus (Brno): A truly unique experience in the city center. This award-winning, slightly hidden bar is known for its playful, eccentric décor and a highly theatrical approach to cocktails.
Bar, který neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist) (Brno): Located in Brno’s city center, this popular and sophisticated venue offers world-class cocktails, an extensive list of spirits, and an atmosphere inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies.
4pokoje (Brno): Situated near the main square (Náměstí Svobody) in Brno, this hip and stylish restaurant transforms into a bar and club as the night goes on, known for its cool neon lights and being open 24 hours.
Spektrum (Brno): A centrally located bar in Brno known for its focus on electronic music and quality mixed drinks, offering a trendy and vibrant atmosphere for a pre-clubbing drink.
Atelier Bistro (Brno): This spot, found in a relaxed setting possibly near the city center, emphasizes simple yet smart food and beverage menus, offering imaginative cocktails with global inspiration and an excellent Manhattan.
Whisper Bar (Brno): A well-regarded cocktail bar in Brno, celebrated for its creative drinks and often a more intimate, sophisticated environment.
Září – Bar (Brno): A modern and stylish bar in the bustling center of Brno, offering a pleasant spot for evening drinks and conversation.
Naproti (Brno): An atmospheric bar near the center of Brno that specializes in absinthe, but also offers beer and mixed drinks in an unusual setting.
Leon (Brno): Known as a place with an “experience in itself,” this centrally located bar in Brno is often recommended for its unique character and is a popular spot for a drink.
YELLOW FISH Billiard club & cocktail bar (Brno, Kohoutovice): Located a bit outside the central core, this venue combines a billiard club with a cocktail bar, darts, and a jukebox, ideal for a fun, active night out.
Barvino BAR (Znojmo): Found right on Horní náměstí in the center of Znojmo, this bar is an ideal place for various types of events and offers a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in the historic town.
Korek vinný bar & bistro (Lednice): Though more focused on wine, this location in Lednice offers a stylish setting as a wine bar and bistro, perfect for sampling Moravian wines in a picturesque wine region town.
Bar U Osla (Brno): A classic Brno bar offering a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere in the city center.
Café Bar 99 (Kyjov): A local bar in Kyjov providing mixed drinks and a good spot for a casual evening out in the wine region.
Aloha (Brno): A bar with a large garden, likely in the city center, known for offering all sorts of fancy drinks alongside beer and food.
Fléda (Brno): A major cultural and music venue in Brno, known for hosting a diverse program including concerts by local and international artists, and various club nights focusing on genres like rap, hardcore, metal, rock, and especially electronic music like techno and drum and bass.
7. nebe (7th Heaven) (Brno): One of the most basic and popular clubs in Brno’s city center, it’s a reliable spot to meet people and offers a mix of mainstream and house music.
Exit Club (Brno): A venue in Brno that frequently hosts electronic music events, including house, techno, and drum and bass, sometimes featuring events outside the club premises.
Enter Club (Brno): Often mentioned alongside Exit, this club in Brno’s city center also focuses on techno and drum and bass, and is known for hosting various themed events.
Perpetuum Club (Brno): A centrally located club in Brno known for putting on all sorts of electronic music events (techno, house, dnb), often hosting after-parties.
Sono Music Club (Brno): A multifunctional cultural space associated with a renowned Czech recording studio, which hosts large concerts, cultural events, and themed club nights (like oldies).
Pitkin music bar / Pitkin music club (Brno): A popular music bar and club in Brno that can get packed during events, known for a more intimate atmosphere.
Kabinet MÚZ (Brno): A legendary alternative music club and cultural space in Brno, frequently featuring live bands and DJs, often focusing on a more underground or indie scene.
Lemon Club (Brno): A popular spot in Brno, particularly known as a nice queer club on weekends, offering a lively dance atmosphere.
Tabarin (Brno): Known as a club for the truly brave and dedicated, often sought after for late-night and early-morning after-parties in Brno.