Why You Need a Znojmo Historical Town Guide

Znojmo is a town where every corner tells a story. Its history dates back to the 11th century. A Znojmo historical town guide helps you navigate the winding cobblestone streets. You can see how the town evolved from a royal fortress. The mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture is truly breathtaking.

Wine culture is another major reason to visit this region. Znojmo is the heart of the South Moravian wine industry. You can taste local varieties like Grüner Veltliner in historic cellars. The town also hosts the massive Znojmo Wine Festival every September. This event attracts thousands of visitors for parades and tastings.

The location of the town is also a highlight. It perches high above the river valley, offering dramatic views. You can walk along the medieval fortifications for hours. These walls once protected the town from invading armies. Today, they provide the perfect backdrop for your travel photos.

Quick Picks for Your Znojmo Trip

If you are short on time, here are our top recommendations. These picks cover the essential experiences in the town. They ensure you see the most important sights quickly.

• Best Overall: Znojmo Underground (unique medieval tunnel system).
• Best for Families: Town Hall Tower (great views and fun climb).
• Best for Nature: Podyji National Park (hiking trails near the center).
• Best for Wine: Enotheque of Moravian Wines (modern tasting in a historic setting).

10 Must-See Attractions in Znojmo

Follow this list to see the very best of the town. Each location offers a unique look at Moravian culture. This Znojmo historical town guide focuses on the most iconic spots.

1. Name: Znojmo Underground Type: Experience Why go: It is one of the largest labyrinth systems in Central Europe. The tunnels span nearly 27 kilometers under the historic center. Best for: History buffs and adventure seekers. Where: Entry near Slepičí trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (booking recommended). Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cool underground even in summer.
2. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic masterpiece dominates the town's skyline. Inside, you can find a unique pulpit shaped like a whale. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Mikulášské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk to the edge of the old town cliff. Tip: Look for the beautiful views of the river from the terrace outside.
3. Name: Ducal Rotunda of St. Catherine Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque buildings in the country. The interior features rare 12th-century frescoes of Premyslid rulers. Best for: Art historians. Where: Near Znojmo Castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Moderate (limited entry to protect frescoes). Getting there: Short walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Entry depends on weather conditions to preserve the wall paintings.
4. Name: Znojmo Castle Type: Sight Why go: The castle offers a deep dive into the town's royal past. The museum inside hosts fascinating archaeological and historical exhibits. Best for: Families and museum fans. Where: Hradní street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Follow the signs from the main square. Tip: The castle courtyard is a great spot for panoramic photos of the valley.
5. Name: Town Hall Tower Type: Experience Why go: This late Gothic tower is nearly 80 meters tall. It offers the best 360-degree view of the entire region. Best for: Viewpoint hunters. Where: Obroková street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Located right in the heart of the pedestrian zone. Tip: The stairs are steep, so wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
6. Name: Enotheque of Moravian Wines Type: Experience Why go: This modern tasting room is located in the old brewery building. You can sample dozens of local wines using a self-service machine. Best for: Wine enthusiasts. Where: Near the castle entrance. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by consumption. Getting there: Walk towards the castle. Tip: This is a great way to try South Moravian wines without visiting multiple vineyards.
7. Name: Medieval Town Walls Type: Sight Why go: Znojmo has one of the best-preserved fortification systems in the Czech Republic. You can walk along sections of the walls and see several defense towers. Best for: Casual walks. Where: Surrounding the old town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from various points in the center. Tip: Visit at sunset for the most atmospheric views of the stone fortifications.
8. Name: Podyji National Park Type: Nature Why go: This is the smallest national park in the country but incredibly beautiful. It features deep canyons, rare plants, and the winding Dyje River. Best for: Hikers and cyclists. Where: Starts at the edge of the town. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: You can start hiking Podyji National Park directly from the town center. Tip: Follow the yellow trail for a scenic route along the riverbanks.
9. Name: Masaryk Square Type: Sight Why go: This is the main hub of the town. It is surrounded by colorful Renaissance houses and lively cafes. Best for: People watching and coffee breaks. Where: Masarykovo náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Check out the plague column in the center of the square.
10. Name: Gránice Valley Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful forest valley located right below the town walls. It is a favorite spot for locals to relax away from the tourist crowds. Best for: A quiet escape. Where: Gránické údolí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the path near the St. Nicholas Church. Tip: There is a small children's trail with wooden statues and educational signs.

Essential Travel Tips for Znojmo 2026

Getting to Znojmo from Brno is very easy. Most travelers prefer the direct train which takes about 90 minutes. You can also take a bus for a similar travel time. If you plan to use public transport, check the South Moravia public transport tips for the best deals. Regional trains are frequent and usually very affordable.

The best time to visit is from May to October. During these months, all the major historical sites are open. If you visit in late September, you can experience the wine harvest festival. However, be aware that the town gets very crowded during this time. Booking your accommodation months in advance is essential for the festival season.

Znojmo is a very walkable town. Most of the historic center is a pedestrian zone. You will not need a car once you arrive at the train station. The walk from the station to the main square takes about 10 minutes. This makes Znojmo a perfect destination for a stress-free day trip.