Must-See Sites on Your Austerlitz Battlefield Tour

The battlefield covers a large area east of Brno. It spans several villages and rolling hills. Each stop offers a different perspective on the 1805 conflict. You will find museum exhibits and tall monuments. Some sites focus on the French perspective. Others honor the Russian and Austrian forces. Here are the top ten locations for your Slavkov u Brna Austerlitz battlefield tour.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Cairn of Peace (Mohyla míru)
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Slavkov Castle
• Quick Pick: Best Viewpoint - Žuráň Hill
• Quick Pick: Best Free Site - Santon Hill

1. Name: Slavkov Castle (Austerlitz Chateau) Type: sight Why go: This is where the armistice was signed after the battle. The Baroque interiors are stunning and well-preserved. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Slavkov u Brna town center. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Approximately 220 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Direct train or bus from Brno main station. Tip: Visit the castle gardens for a relaxing walk after your tour.
2. Name: Cairn of Peace (Mohyla míru) Type: sight Why go: It is the first peace monument in Europe. It stands at the center of the battlefield. Best for: Reflection and panoramic views. Where: Prace hill, south of Slavkov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to see the monument; museum has a fee. Getting there: Best reached by car or organized tour from Brno. Tip: The acoustics inside the chapel are incredible.
3. Name: Žuráň Hill Type: viewpoint Why go: Napoleon used this hill as his command post. You can see the entire battlefield from here. Best for: Understanding the military tactics of the day. Where: Near the village of Podolí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the main road to Olomouc. Tip: Look for the bronze map that details troop positions.
4. Name: Santon Hill Type: viewpoint Why go: This hill served as a vital French artillery position. It defended the northern flank of the army. Best for: Hikers and military history enthusiasts. Where: Tvarožná village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a local bus from Brno to Tvarožná. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the path up can be steep.
5. Name: Stará pošta (Old Post House) Type: experience Why go: Napoleon stayed here before the battle. It now houses a museum and a traditional restaurant. Best for: A lunch break with a historical atmosphere. Where: Kovalovice. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate for meals; small fee for the museum. Getting there: Best accessed by car. Tip: Try the local Moravian dishes in the historic dining room.
6. Name: Austerlitz Museum at the Cairn of Peace Type: museum Why go: It features a modern multimedia exhibit about the battle. It is very engaging for all ages. Best for: Learning the detailed timeline of the conflict. Where: Prace hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 150 CZK. Getting there: Combined with a visit to the Cairn of Peace. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for seasonal opening hours.
7. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: While in Brno, this fortress held French prisoners and supplies. It is a symbol of the city's defense. Best for: Those staying in Brno city center. Where: Brno city center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 250 CZK for full access. Getting there: A short walk uphill from the city center. Tip: The casemates are dark and spooky but very interesting.
8. Name: Sokolnice Castle Type: sight Why go: Some of the bloodiest fighting happened around this castle's granary. Best for: Seeing the physical scars of the battle. Where: Sokolnice village. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view the exterior. Getting there: Short train ride from Brno. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby Telnice village.
9. Name: Křenovice Russian Headquarters Type: history Why go: General Kutuzov stayed here before the battle began. It highlights the Allied side of the story. Best for: Fans of Russian military history. Where: Křenovice village. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy train access from Brno or Slavkov. Tip: Look for the commemorative plaque on the old building.
10. Name: Church of the Resurrection of the Lord Type: sight Why go: This church in Slavkov holds the tombs of the Kaunitz family. They were the owners of the chateau. Best for: Quiet reflection and local history. Where: Slavkov u Brna. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walking distance from Slavkov Castle. Tip: The classicist architecture is very rare in this region.

How to Plan Your Slavkov u Brna Austerlitz Battlefield Tour

Planning your trip is quite simple from Brno. Most people start their journey at the main train station. You can take a train to Slavkov u Brna easily. The ride takes about 30 minutes. From there, you can walk to the castle. However, the battlefield is very large. To see the hills and monuments, a car is best.

If you do not drive, consider a guided tour. Many local guides offer specialized Napoleonic history trips. They provide transport between the scattered sites. This saves you a lot of time and effort. You can also use the DPMB public transport system for some areas. Buses run frequently to villages like Tvarožná and Prace.

Allow at least one full day for the tour. You can see the main sites in six hours. However, a slower pace is much better. You will have time for a nice lunch. You can also explore the small village museums. Most sites are open from April to October. Some have limited hours in the winter months.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Austerlitz Battlefield

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. Many sites require walking on grass or dirt paths. Weather in South Moravia can change quickly. Bring a light jacket even in the summer. If you enjoy nature, you might also like hiking the Pálava Hills nearby. Both areas offer beautiful views of the countryside.

Photography is allowed at most outdoor locations. However, some museums may charge a small fee for photos. Always check the signs at the entrance. Respect the monuments as they are also burial sites. Many soldiers are buried in mass graves across the area. Silence is appreciated at the Cairn of Peace.

Try to visit during the battle re-enactment. This usually happens in early December. Thousands of enthusiasts dress in period uniforms. It is a spectacular sight to behold. Keep in mind that crowds will be much larger then. Book your accommodation in Brno well in advance for this event.

Why This Tour Is a Top Brno Day Trip

Brno is the perfect base for exploring South Moravia. The battlefield is one of the best excursions from Brno for history lovers. It combines world-class history with beautiful rural scenery. You can easily return to the city for dinner. Brno has a vibrant food and drink scene to enjoy.

This tour also pairs well with other regional sights. You could visit the Třebíč Jewish Quarter on a different day. History is everywhere in this part of the Czech Republic. The Austerlitz site stands out for its global significance. It changed the map of Europe forever.

For more travel ideas, visit the official Brno tourism portal. They offer maps and event listings for the whole region. You can find information on local festivals and wine tastings. South Moravia is famous for its white wines. A glass of local wine is a great way to end your tour.