Castles and UNESCO Heritage Sites

South Moravia is dotted with aristocratic residences and ancient history. You can easily spend a full day exploring these architectural marvels. Most are accessible by direct train or bus connections.

1. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex
   Type: UNESCO Heritage / Chateaux
   Why go: This is the jewel of the region. It features two massive chateaux connected by a 7-kilometer park. It is often called the "Garden of Europe" for its stunning landscaping.
   Best for: Families, couples, and architecture lovers.
   Where: Lednice and Valtice villages (direction Břeclav).
   Time: Allow 5–7 hours.
   Cost: Park entry is free; tours cost 240–300 CZK.
   Getting there: Take a train to Podivín, then a short connecting bus to Lednice. Or take a direct bus on weekends.
   Tip: Rent a bike to ride between the two chateaux on flat, paved trails. Read our full guide to Lednice-Valtice for details.
2. Name: Pernštejn Castle
   Type: Medieval Fortress
   Why go: Known as the "Marble Castle," it stood undefeated for centuries. It looks exactly like a fairytale fortress should, perched high on a rocky cliff.
   Best for: History buffs and photographers.
   Where: Nedvědice (northwest of Brno).
   Time: 4 hours.
   Cost: Tours around 260 CZK.
   Getting there: Take the S3 train to Nedvědice, then hike 1.5 km uphill.
   Tip: The "Garden" tour is easier if you want to avoid many stairs inside.
3. Name: Třebíč
   Type: UNESCO Jewish Quarter
   Why go: Třebíč hosts one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe outside Israel. The winding alleys and the St. Procopius Basilica create a unique atmosphere.
   Best for: Cultural history enthusiasts.
   Where: Třebíč (west of Brno).
   Time: 5–6 hours.
   Cost: Synagogue tickets around 150 CZK.
   Getting there: Direct trains run regularly from Brno main station.
   Tip: Don't miss the view from the Jewish cemetery. Learn more on our Třebíč UNESCO day trip page.
4. Name: Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna)
   Type: History / Battlefield
   Why go: Visit the site of Napoleon's famous 1805 victory. The baroque Slavkov Castle is beautiful, and the Peace Monument on the battlefield is haunting.
   Best for: Military history fans.
   Where: Slavkov u Brna (east of Brno).
   Time: 3–4 hours.
   Cost: Castle tours ~180 CZK.
   Getting there: Train or bus to Slavkov u Brna takes only 25 minutes.
   Tip: Visit in early December to see the massive battle reenactment events.

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

Need a break from city cobblestones? The countryside around Brno offers dramatic landscapes ranging from deep caves to river canyons.

5. Name: Moravian Karst (Moravský kras)
   Type: Nature / Caves
   Why go: It is a massive limestone protected landscape. The highlight is the Punkva Caves, where you take a boat ride on an underground river.
   Best for: Adventure seekers and families.
   Where: Blansko area (north of Brno).
   Time: 5–6 hours.
   Cost: Cave entry ~320 CZK; book weeks in advance.
   Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a connecting bus to Skalní mlýn.
   Tip: It connects to the Macocha Abyss. Check our Moravian Karst guide for booking tricks.
6. Name: Podyjí National Park
   Type: Hiking / Nature
   Why go: This is Czechia's smallest national park, protecting a pristine section of the Dyje River. It sits directly on the Austrian border and was once part of the Iron Curtain.
   Best for: Hikers and cyclists.
   Where: Near Znojmo.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Free access.
   Getting there: Bus or train to Znojmo, then local buses or hike in.
   Tip: Hike to the famous Šobes Vineyard to taste wine right in the middle of the park.
7. Name: Veveří Castle & Brno Dam
   Type: Local leisure
   Why go: It is one of the easiest excursions because you can take a city tram and a boat. The castle overlooks the water and hosts many food festivals.
   Best for: A relaxed afternoon.
   Where: Brno-Bystrc.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: Castle grounds ~50 CZK; boat ride ~100 CZK.
   Getting there: Tram 1 to Přístaviště, then take the ferry boat to the castle.
   Tip: Combine this with a walk back along the dam reservoir path.

Wine Towns and Historic Cities

Moravian culture is defined by wine and relaxed city squares. These towns offer a slower pace than Prague or Brno but are packed with charm.

8. Name: Mikulov
   Type: Wine / Scenery
   Why go: The skyline of Mikulov is breathtaking. A massive chateau dominates the town, surrounded by vineyards and the Holy Hill nature reserve.
   Best for: Romantics and wine lovers.
   Where: Austrian border region.
   Time: 5–7 hours.
   Cost: Moderate (paying for wine tastings).
   Getting there: Direct bus or train (with transfer) takes about 50–60 minutes.
   Tip: Hike up to Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill) for the best sunset photos. See our Mikulov itinerary.
9. Name: Znojmo
   Type: History / Wine
   Why go: Famous for its Romanesque Rotunda and an extensive underground catacomb system. The town walls offer great views of the river valley.
   Best for: Underground explorers.
   Where: Southwest Moravia.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Catacombs ~130 CZK.
   Getting there: Direct bus from Brno is faster than the train (approx 60 mins).
   Tip: Visit in September for the massive historical vintage wine festival. More details in our Znojmo guide.
10. Name: Olomouc
    Type: City Break
    Why go: Often called "Little Prague" but without the crowds. It features the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column and famous aromatic cheese.
    Best for: Urban explorers.
    Where: 1 hour north of Brno.
    Time: 6–8 hours.
    Cost: Inexpensive entry fees.
    Getting there: Fast trains leave frequently from Brno main station.
    Tip: Try the local "tvarůžky" cheese if you dare. Read our Olomouc day trip plan.
11. Name: Vienna (Austria)
    Type: International Capital
    Why go: The Austrian capital is remarkably close. You can enjoy world-class museums and schnitzel and be back in Brno by bedtime.
    Best for: Big city vibes.
    Where: Austria.
    Time: Full day (start early).
    Cost: ~500 CZK train ticket (if bought early).
    Getting there: Railjet trains take 1.5 hours.
    Tip: Check the last train time carefully. Plan ahead with our Brno to Vienna guide.

Practical Tips for South Moravian Travel

Traveling around Brno is incredibly efficient thanks to the IDS JMK integrated transport system. This network connects trains, regional buses, and city trams under one ticket zone system.

You often do not need to buy separate tickets for trains and connecting buses. You can purchase tickets via the "Poseidon" mobile app or at yellow ticket machines. Weekend travel is especially cheap with a "24-hour group ticket" that covers up to two adults and three children. For official schedules, always check the Brno Public Transport (DPMB) website.

If you plan to visit multiple zones, buy a multi-zone ticket rather than single trips. Almost all drivers and conductors accept contactless card payments, but carrying small cash is wise for rural bus routes. Read our full breakdown of public transport in South Moravia to save money on fares.