UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Royal History

South Moravia boasts a high concentration of UNESCO-listed sites that define the region's history. These locations offer a glimpse into royal grandeur and preserved cultural traditions. They are educational, beautiful, and accessible via public transport. Most of these sites can be fully explored in a relaxing half-day or full-day trip.

Visitors often prioritize these spots for their architectural significance. You will find stunning gardens, intricate palaces, and unique urban districts. Reservations are recommended for guided tours inside the historic buildings. Check the Visit Czechia portal for broader regional context before you go.

1. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: Iconic sight/UNESCO Why go: It is often called the Garden of Europe for its massive landscaped park. The Neo-Gothic chateau features stunning wood carvings and a palm greenhouse. Best for: Families, couples, and architecture lovers. Where: Lednice village, south of Brno. Time: 4–6 hours. Cost: Park is free; castle tours vary. Getting there: Take a bus from Zvonarka station or a train to Breclav with a bus transfer. Tip: Visit the Lednice-Valtice Complex early to avoid large tour groups in summer.
2. Name: Kroměříž Gardens and Palace Type: Historic garden/Palace Why go: The Flower Garden is a masterpiece of European baroque garden art. The Archbishop’s Palace contains a valuable art collection and historic library. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Kroměříž, east of Brno. Time: 3–5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fees for gardens and tower. Getting there: Direct buses run frequently from the main bus station. Tip: Combine your visit with a tour of the palace interiors to see the famous Assembly Hall.
3. Name: Třebíč Jewish Quarter Type: Cultural heritage/UNESCO Why go: This is one of the best-preserved Jewish ghettos in Europe outside Israel. The narrow lanes, synagogues, and cemetery create a powerful atmosphere. Best for: Cultural explorers and walkers. Where: Třebíč, west of Brno. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Free to walk; small fee for monuments. Getting there: Trains run regularly from the main station (Hlavni nadrazi). Tip: Read our guide on the Třebíč Jewish Quarter to find the best viewpoints over the river.

Scenic Nature Escapes and Best Excursions from Brno

Sometimes you need to escape the city noise and breathe fresh air. The landscape around Brno varies from limestone karsts to limestone hills covered in vineyards. These outdoor spots act as perfect palette cleansers after days of urban sightseeing. They offer hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels.

For travelers searching for the best excursions from Brno involving nature, these two spots are unbeatable. They are iconic symbols of the Moravian landscape. Always check the weather forecast before heading out for hikes. Proper footwear is essential for the uneven limestone terrain found in these areas.

• Name: Moravian Karst (Moravský kras) Type: Nature/Caves Why go: It is a protected landscape area with over 1,000 caves and gorges. The main draw is the Punkva Caves boat ride on an underground river. Best for: Adventures and families. Where: North of Brno near Blansko. Time: 5–7 hours. Cost: Cave tours require paid tickets. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a connecting bus to Skalny Mlyn. Tip: Book your boat ride months in advance; see our guide on visiting the Moravian Karst for alternatives if tickets are sold out.
• Name: Pálava Hills & Děvičky Ruins Type: Hiking/Viewpoint Why go: The limestone cliffs offer panoramic views of vineyards and the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. The hike leads to the romantic ruins of a medieval castle. Best for: Hikers and wine lovers. Where: Pavlov and Klentnice area. Time: 3–5 hours. Cost: Free hiking trails. Getting there: Bus or train to Mikulov or Pavlov. Tip: Plan your route using advice from our Palava Hills hiking guide to find the easiest ascent.

Historic Towns and Wine Regions

Moravian towns are famous for their relaxed pace and picturesque squares. Wine culture is deeply embedded in the lifestyle here, especially in the south. A day trip to these towns often involves sightseeing followed by a local wine tasting. The architecture ranges from Renaissance facades to mysterious underground tunnels.

These destinations are functioning towns, not just tourist sites, so you get a feel for local life. Restaurants here serve hearty Moravian cuisine at reasonable prices. Trains connect these major hubs efficiently. Visit the Go To Brno portal for current regional events that might be happening in these towns.

• Name: Mikulov Type: Town/Wine Region Why go: The baroque chateau dominates the skyline above a charming historic square. It is the center of the Moravian wine sub-region with many cellars. Best for: Romantics and foodies. Where: Austrian border region. Time: Full day. Cost: Free town access; tasting fees vary. Getting there: Direct bus or train from Brno. Tip: A Mikulov day trip is best finished with a sunset walk up to Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill).
• Name: Olomouc Type: City Break/UNESCO Why go: Olomouc is a mini-Prague without the crowds, featuring the UNESCO Holy Trinity Column. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere and great cafes. Best for: Urban explorers. Where: Northeast of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Train ticket is affordable; sights are reasonably priced. Getting there: Fast trains take about 60 minutes. Tip: Check out our itinerary for an Olomouc city sightseeing trip to hit the main squares efficiently.
• Name: Znojmo Type: Town/Underground Why go: Situated above the Dyje River, it features a massive medieval underground labyrinth. The town is also famous for its rotunda and local pickles. Best for: History fans and adventurers. Where: Southwest border. Time: 5–6 hours. Cost: Underground tours have a fee. Getting there: Direct bus is often faster than the train. Tip: For a spooky experience, book the adventure route in the Znojmo underground.

Medieval Castles and Battlefields

History in this region is often defined by stone fortresses and sweeping battlefields. These sites transport you back to different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Napoleonic Wars. They are excellent educational trips that remain engaging for all ages. Most castles have English-language tour options available.

These locations are generally open from April to October, with limited winter hours. Always check opening times before travelling during the off-season. They provide a dramatic contrast to the baroque beauty found elsewhere in the region.

• Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: Castle/History Why go: Known as the Marble Castle, it retains its gothic and renaissance look without modern reconstruction. It has appeared in many vampire movies due to its spooky atmosphere. Best for: Fantasy fans and history buffs. Where: Nedvědice. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Tour tickets required. Getting there: Train to Nedvědice, then a walk uphill. Tip: See our guide on Perštejn Castle tours to choose the right route for your fitness level.
• Name: Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) Type: History/Battlefield Why go: Site of the famous Battle of the Three Emperors where Napoleon defeated the allied armies. The baroque chateau and the Peace Mound memorial are key stops. Best for: Military history enthusiasts. Where: Slavkov, east of Brno. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Museum fees apply. Getting there: Very short train or bus ride. Tip: Consider the Austerlitz battlefield tour if you want to understand the troop movements on the actual terrain.