Top 10 Spots for Hiking Podyjí National Park

The park features over 70 kilometers of marked trails. Each path offers a unique look at the river landscape. You can walk through dense woods or sunny meadows. Most trails are accessible year-round. However, spring and autumn offer the most vibrant colors.

Many routes involve some elevation gain. The canyon walls are steep in several sections. Always carry a physical map or a charged phone. Here are the top experiences to include in your itinerary.

1. Name: Šobes Vineyard Type: experience Why go: It is one of the oldest and most famous vineyards in Europe. The location inside a river meander creates a unique microclimate. Best for: Wine lovers and photographers. Where: Near Podmolí. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk; wine tasting costs extra. Getting there: Follow the green trail from Podmolí or use the cycling route from Znojmo. Tip: Visit during the summer or early autumn to enjoy a glass of wine at the seasonal stand.
2. Name: Sealsfieldův kámen Type: viewpoint Why go: This massive rock wall offers a stunning view of the Dyje canyon. It is named after the famous local writer Charles Sealsfield. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: South of Popice. Time: 1.5 hours from Popice. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike the green trail from the village of Popice. Tip: The trail can be slippery after rain, so wear sturdy boots.
3. Name: Hardegg Castle and Town Type: sight Why go: Hardegg is the smallest town in Austria and sits just across the river. The castle dominates the skyline and the bridge connects the two countries. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the Czech-Austrian border. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Castle entry fee applies; bridge is free. Getting there: Hike the blue trail from Čížov. Tip: Bring your passport as you will be crossing an international border.
4. Name: Králův stolec (King’s Throne) Type: viewpoint Why go: Legend says a Polish king watched his troops from this spot. It offers a great view of the Znojmo dam. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Near Hradiště. Time: 2 hours from Znojmo. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Znojmo-Hradiště district. Tip: This is a great spot for a picnic away from the main crowds.
5. Name: Nový Hrádek Ruins Type: sight Why go: These ruins sit on a rocky promontory surrounded by the river. It offers a 360-degree view of the meanders. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near Lukov. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small fee for guided tours of the ruins. Getting there: Take the red trail from Lukov. Tip: Check opening hours in advance as the ruins are closed in winter.
6. Name: Havranické vřesoviště Type: nature Why go: This heathland is home to rare plants and lizards. It looks beautiful when the heather blooms in late summer. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Near Havraníky. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk from the village of Havraníky. Tip: Stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.
7. Name: Ledové sluje (Ice Caves) Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: The caves themselves are closed for safety, but the viewpoint is amazing. You can see the deep cracks in the rocks where ice stays late into spring. Best for: Geology fans. Where: Near Čížov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the red trail from Čížov. Tip: The air near the rocks is noticeably cooler even in summer.
8. Name: Čížov Iron Curtain Memorial Type: experience Why go: See the last remaining section of the Iron Curtain in the Czech Republic. It includes a watchtower and barbed wire fences. Best for: Modern history. Where: Edge of Čížov village. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right at the start of the hiking trails in Čížov. Tip: Read the information boards to understand the local impact of the Cold War.
9. Name: Gránice Valley Type: nature Why go: A lush, shaded valley that leads directly from Znojmo into the park. It is perfect for a hot day. Best for: Families and casual walkers. Where: Starts in Znojmo. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the Znojmo castle area. Tip: There is a small educational trail for children along the stream.
10. Name: Braitava Ridge Type: nature Why go: This is the highest point of the park. It features old-growth forests and a very peaceful atmosphere. Best for: Solitude. Where: Western part of the park. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike from the town of Lesná. Tip: This area is less visited, making it ideal for spotting wildlife.

Planning Your Hiking Podyjí National Park Trip

Getting to the park from Brno is quite easy. Most hikers take a direct train to Znojmo. The journey takes about 90 minutes. You can find more details in our Znojmo historical town guide. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

If you prefer to drive, the trip takes about an hour. You should plan your parking in advance. Some trailheads have very limited space. We have a guide on where to park for Podyjí hikes to help you out. Always park only in designated areas to avoid fines.

Public transport within the region is also reliable. You can use local buses to reach smaller villages like Čížov or Lukov. For ticketing info, see our South Moravia public transport tips. This allows for one-way hikes across the park. You can walk from one village and take a bus back from another.

For general travel planning in the country, visit the official Visit Czechia website. It provides updates on national park rules. Remember that Podyjí is a protected area. You must stay on marked trails at all times. Cycling is only allowed on specific paved paths.

Best Seasons for Hiking Podyjí National Park

Spring is a wonderful time for hiking Podyjí National Park. The forest floor is covered in snowdrops and anemones. The river is usually high and powerful. Temperatures are cool, which is perfect for long treks. You will avoid the large summer crowds in this season.

Summer brings heat and vibrant green landscapes. This is the best time for visiting the Šobes vineyard. You can enjoy a cold drink while looking at the river. However, some trails can get very hot. Always carry plenty of water during July and August.

Autumn is perhaps the most popular season. The beech and oak trees turn bright orange and yellow. The air is crisp and clear. This is also the wine harvest season in the region. You can combine your hike with local wine festivals in Znojmo.

Winter offers a different kind of beauty. The park is very quiet and peaceful. If it snows, the canyon looks like a fairy tale. However, some services and sites like Nový Hrádek are closed. Check our hiking trails map for winter-accessible routes.

Essential Tips for Podyjí Hikers

Safety is important when exploring the canyon. The terrain can be rocky and uneven. Wear shoes with good grip and ankle support. Even the easy trails have some loose stones. Pack a light rain jacket even if the sun is shining.

Water sources are limited inside the park. There are few shops or cafes once you enter the woods. Bring at least two liters of water for a full day. Pack snacks or a sandwich for your lunch. Most villages at the park edge have small pubs for dinner.

Mobile signal can be weak in the deep gorge. Download offline maps before you leave Brno. A physical map is a great backup tool. Tell someone your planned route before you start. This is especially important if you are hiking alone.

Respect the local environment and wildlife. Do not pick flowers or disturb the animals. Take all your trash back with you. Podyjí is the smallest national park in the country. Its beauty depends on visitors being responsible. Follow the "leave no trace" principles during your visit.