Magical Znojmo, Czech Republic: Things to Do + Visit Guide
Last Updated on July 4, 2024
Travelers looking to explore the Czech Republic should not miss the Znojmo region. This charming and historic city in the heart of the country’s wine region is known for well-preserved historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and delicious food and drink. Add on outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and cycling, and you’ll fall for Znojmo!
Can’t get enough of Czech history, wine, and landscapes? Be sure to include Znojmo in South Moravia in your itinerary. This region along the Austrian border is easy to reach by train, just 1.5 hours southwest of Brno.
Whether you want to visit on a day trip from Brno or add it as a stop between Prague and Vienna, I’ve got all the tips you need to visit. Keep reading for the top sights, where to eat and drink, and the best places to stay to explore this picturesque region.
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Thank you to the tourism boards for the Czech Republic and South Moravia for hosting my trip to the Znojmo region.
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In this Guide to Znojmo, Czech Republic
History of Znojmo | Things to Do in Znojmo | Znojmo Center | Town Hall Tower | Znojmo Castle | Rotunda of St. Catherine | St. Nicholas Church | Znojmo Underground | Enoteka Wine Bar | Vranov Chateau | Lover’s Viewpoint | Lahofer Winery | Podyjí National Park | Thaya Winery | Moravian Wine Route | Vranov Dam | Terra Technica Museum | Where to Eat and Drink in Znojmo | Where to Stay in Znojmo | Getting to Znojmo
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History of the Znojmo Region
Znojmo is a city in the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic along the Dyje River. It has a long and rich history, with settlements dating back to the 7th century, although the town was established in the 12th century.
During the Middle Ages, Znojmo was an important stop for trade and commerce between Vienna, Brno, and Prague.
In the 13th century, Znojmo was surrounded by a series of fortifications to protect it from invaders. These fortifications included a castle, walls, and a city tower that still stands today.
Over the centuries, Znojmo has been ruled by a variety of different powers, including the Czech kings, the Habsburgs, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During World War II, the city was occupied by Nazi Germany.
After the war, Znojmo became part of Czechoslovakia and then, following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, it became part of the newly formed Czech Republic.
Today, Znojmo is known for its historic sites, landscapes, and cultural heritage. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of the Czech Republic.
Napoleon Slept Here
In 1805 Znojmo received what might have been its most famous visitor to date: Napoleon Bonaparte! Napoleon stayed here before the Battle of Austerlitz, one of the most important engagements of the Napoleonic Wars.
You can eat at the modern-day restaurant here now, Restaurace Napoleon, or just stop by for a photo with the plaque.
Top Things to Do in Znojmo, Czech Republic
The town of Znojmo is small and very walkable. You can speed through its sights in a few hours. But it’s better to spend a few days exploring at a leisurely pace, adding on day trips to explore the region.
Wander the Charming City Center
Znojmo has a main square, Masarykovo Namesti, which is the perfect place to begin your visit. A tourist information center just off the square toward the tower can assist with details on local events, tours, biking maps, and rentals.
It’s a short walk from the square to Saint Nicholas Church and the castle. Along the way, you’ll encounter many medieval buildings and houses of the Renaissance and Baroque periods which are preserved in Znojmo’s old town center.
There is also a tourist train a few blocks from the church.
The Haphazard Traveler Pro Tip: How to Pronounce “Znojmo”
The name of the town of Znojmo is pronounced [ˈznoimo]. In German the town is called Znaim.
Take in Views from the Town Hall Tower
The Znojmo Town Hall Tower is an 80m tall medieval tower that was built in 1447-1448 by the local stonemason Mikuláš of Sedlešovice. It is believed to have been part of the original fortifications of the city, which were constructed to protect it from invaders. The tower was used as a lookout point and as a defense against enemy attacks.
Over the years, the tower has undergone several renovations and restorations. Today, it is open to the public and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Explore the Znojmo Castle
The original fortress and castle of Znojmo date to the 9th century. The only remaining structure from this era, the Rotunda of St. Catherine, was built in 1101.
Over the years the castle was demolished and sections rebuilt.
Today, the castle is open to the public and serves as a museum and art gallery. Visitors can explore the castle’s history and see a variety of exhibits, including art, artifacts, and historical documents. The castle also offers views of the city and river valley.
Tour the Rotunda of St. Catherine
This structure, one of the oldest remaining parts of the castle, was a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Catherine which dates to 1101. Inside are frescoes commissioned by Konrad II of Znojmo to mark his wedding with Marija, the daughter of Uroš I of Serbia in 1134.
To preserve the interior, tours are only permitted during optimal weather conditions, so I didn’t get to go inside during my rather rainy visit! You can inquire at the tourist information office near the rotunda.
Outside, though, there is a lovely overlook of the Djye river, a restaurant, and seating areas.
Visit St. Nicholas Church
Across from the Castle, St. Nicholas Church is a three-nave cathedral with beautiful vaulting, a baroque pulpit, and fresco paintings. The church overlooks the valley, with views of the river and castle on the opposite hill (named Cow Hill).
Discover the Znojmo Underground
The city of Znojmo has many secrets, not the least of which is 27km of tunnels hidden beneath the city! This underground was constructed beginning in the 13-14th centuries and finished around the 17th. It originally served as a hiding place and shelter from invaders during times of war and was rediscovered at the end of World War II.
The largest underground tunnel network in Central Europe, the Znojmo Underground can be seen on a guided tour. The tunnels are uneven and slippery in places, with low ceilings, but it’s an interesting experience to walk under the homes of the city and hear this part of Znojmo’s history! The tunnels are roughly the same temperature year-round – they feel cool in winter and warm in summer.
As you walk through the city, you might see brass plates that mark air shafts for ventilation and fires.
Plan your visit: Znojmo Underground
Enjoy Sunset and Czech Wine at Enoteka
Want to know the best spot for sunset in Znojmo? The Enoteka wine bar has the perfect viewpoint overlooking St. Nicholas Church.
Enoteka offers wine by the glass with self-service vending machines. Load a card with the amount of your choice, then head to their tasting room to see the wide variety of local and regional wines on offer. The machines offer three quantity options, from a tasting to a full glass.
In addition to being the perfect sunset spot, Enoteka allows you to experience the wine profiles of the region. You can also buy bottles of your favorites – I left with an ice wine!
Plan your visit: Enoteka Wine Shop & Cafe
Fall in Love with Vranov nad Dyjí Castle | Vranov Chateau
Zámek Vranov nad Dyjí, or Vranov Chateau, is set within Podyjí National Park and has views of its charming namesake town and the lush river valley. It’s located about 20 kilometers from Znojmo.
Built first in the 11th century, the original medieval fortress was destroyed by fire and reconstructed into a Baroque gem by the Althann family. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries and has served as a residence for several noble families.
Chateau Vranov’s showstopper is its great hall. Just when you think you’ve seen all the splendid rooms and furnishings and vistas the castle has to offer, you’re escorted into the hall, an oval-shaped marvel adorned with mythical frescoes. Along the walls are niches with statues of ancestors of the Althann family.
The architect of the hall and the castle’s chapel was Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, whom you might already know from his other designs, the Karlskirche in Vienna and the imperial residence at Schönbrunn.
Today, Vranov Chateau is open to the public and offers several exhibits, including art, artifacts, and historical documents. The castle also has views of the surrounding countryside.
Plan your visit: Vranov Chateau
Leave a Lock at Lover’s Viewpoint
The best view of the Vranov Chateau is from a spot overlooking the valley and Chateau above. You can leave a lover’s lock and even get a photo of the locks with the Chateau and valley in the distance.
Lover’s Viewpoint is located along a winding road about 2km from the Chateau. There is only room for a few cars to pull off to the side. If you stop, be very careful crossing the road!
Lover’s Viewpoint on Google Maps
Visit Lahofer Winery
Lovers of both architecture and wine must visit the Lahofer Winery, located about 5km from Znojmo. Set within its lush vineyard, the Lahofer compound includes a winemaking cellar, visitor center, and tasting room in one modern structure built in 2020. Its curved roof forms an amphitheater, the perfect spot for visitors to take in panoramic views of the countryside or on-site events as they sip.
Lahofer has 430 hectares of vineyards, which it uses to produce 800,000 bottles of wine annually – all from its own grapes. Visit for guided wine tastings or to buy some of their award-winning bottles. I left with a “six-shooter” of mini bottles of six of their top wines including reds, whites and a rosé, as well as a full-size delicious Sauvignon Blanc. (Yes, my suitcase was very heavy and sloshy by the end of the trip!)
Plan your visit: Lahofer Winery
The Haphazard Traveler Pro Tip: Burčák or “Young” Czech Wine
At Lahofer Winery, I kept seeing people stop in and quickly leave, with happy smiles and unmarked bottles of a mystery liquid. We soon learned that it was burčák, young wine that has only been fermenting for a short time. During this early stage of the process, the wine is sweet, cloudy, and slightly fizzy. (I also thought it tasted a bit like pear and smelled like lilies of the valley, but I might have drunk too much!) If you visit during the fall harvest time from August to November, you MUST try burcak. Keep an eye out for it at festivals, or stop in a winery. We even found it in restaurants later in the trip!
Enjoy Nature at Podyjí National Park
Podyjí National Park is a national park located along the border with Austria and covers an area of approximately 56 square kilometers.
The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many species of trees, plants, and animals. The park is home to several hiking and biking trails, as well as natural landmarks such as castle ruins and the Vranov Dam.
Podyjí National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many visitors coming to the park to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Plan your visit: Podyji National Park
Thaya Winery
Thaya Vinařství (winery) is another must-see because of its stunning setting, award-winning wines, and inventive architecture. The winery uses both traditional and modern winemaking processes to farm and produce from its own 105 hectares of vines.
Thaya also offers another reason to visit: it has a fantastic restaurant that pairs each of its dishes with their wines. The menu is based on traditional recipes with a modern twist and fresh local ingredients, including herbs grown on-site. The rooftop of the restaurant is open, allowing for 360-degree views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside which includes the national park. (I wish we could have stayed for sunset!)
The winery also offers hotel stays in its block of rooms designed to look from the outside like wine cellars! Inside the rooms are comfortable and stylish, and there is even a spa onsite.
Thaya produces 95% dry wines; during the tour, our winemaker guide joked, “We are a winery, not a candy shop!” But still, be prepared to leave with a few bottles from their shop after your visit.
Plan your visit: Thaya Winery
Experience the Moravian Wine Route
South Moravia is traversed by over 1200km of trails known as the Moravian Wine Route. This wine-tasting and touring circuit includes wineries and vineyards.
One of the increasingly popular ways to experience this route is via bicycle or e-bike. It follows through the countryside past wine cellars, vineyards, villages, and viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate close-up the landscapes and wine culture of South Moravia.
Znojmo is part of the Znojmo Wine Trail, one of the longest of the 10 routes, which leads to villages south of the city as well as Podyji National Park. More information and bicycle rentals are available at the Cycling Information Center near Loucký Monastery or at their website. It’s also recommended to get a map detailing the terrain, difficulty levels, and wine cellars before you set off.
Plan your visit: Moravian Wine Trails
Vranov Dam and Holiday Park
Located just a half hour from Znojmo at the edge of the national park, the Vranov Dam area is popular for family holidays. You can camp or stay in cottages and guesthouses here. And you’ll probably want to stay to experience all the fun activities, especially if you’re traveling with kiddos.
The park has a large lake with a sandy beach that is popular for swimming and a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are also hiking and biking trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
In the summer there are also daily kids’ activities, as well as events for adults like wine tastings, festivals, and even a bridge swing. There is a convenient restaurant onsite.
Vranov Holiday Park is close to Znojmo the Vranov Chateau, so it makes a convenient base for travelers who want to explore the region while staying in a natural setting with tons of outdoor activity options.
Plan your visit: Vranov Dam and Holiday Park
Time Travel at the Terra Technica Museum
Would you believe it if I told you that the largest collection of jukeboxes in the world is in the Czech Republic?
Located in Chalovice, Czechia along the border with Austria, Terra Technica opened in 2017 and features the world’s largest collection of jukeboxes, pinball machines, and classic video games – over 8500 square meters to be exact!
From Edison’s earliest recording devices to the first pinball machine, space age jukeboxes, and classic 80’s video games, Terra Technica doesn’t just appeal to music buffs and game lovers. It’s great for kids and the young at heart – and will leave everyone marveling at the history of humanity’s desire to have music and entertainment not just in music halls and theaters, but every home.
I seriously loved visiting here – so many video games from my childhood, and the history was fascinating!
Terra Technica is located in the Excalibur City entertainment complex, which includes the Jukebox Hotel (where we stayed). Also, check out the Phoenix restaurant which had a wide menu including Czech favorites as well as fantastic desserts and friendly service (plus burcak!).
Plan your visit: Terra Technica
*Terra Technica typically closes for a winter break, so check their operating dates and hours before you visit.
Where to Eat and Drink in Znojmo, Czech Republic
- Slepičák Restaurant & Wine Bar | This adorable local spot means “the hen.” They feature a lunch menu during the week and offer vegetarian options. Meat eaters: don’t miss trying the traditional Czech meat dish Svíčková with cranberries and bread dumplings.
- Enoteka Wine Bar | This wine bar allows you to try regional wines, with its innovative self-serve system that dispenses servings from a taste to a full glass. Be sure to head here for sunset!
- Pivovar Znojmo | After sunset, head here for local beer and tasty traditional cuisine.
- Restaurant Apri at Thaya Winery | This was my favorite meal of the trip, and it was a pleasure to dine in such a lovely setting. Their innovative menu, wine pairings, and top-notch service make it a must-visit for your trip.
Where to Stay in Znojmo
- Hotel Lahofer | We were hosted by Hotel Lahofer, which had large rooms, comfy beds, and even a gift shop where you could buy bottles from the winery if you determine you have even a smidge of extra room in your luggage. Book at the hotel website | Book at Booking.com
- Znojmo also has other well-rated hotels, guesthouses, and apartments available on Booking.com
Getting to Znojmo, Czech Republic
The closest airports to Znojmo are Prague (PRG) and Brno (BRQ) in the Czech Republic, and Vienna (VIE) in Austria.
Even for Americans like me who aren’t used to using trains, it was easy to get around in Czech Republic on Czech Railways (České dráhy). You can download their app and create an account to have your tickets on your phone.
I flew into Prague and took a train to Brno. Our press trip then transported us to Znojmo and around the region by van, but I could have easily taken a train. From Znojmo I traveled to Vienna by train.
The station in Znojmo is centrally located, about 1.5km from the center of town.
Are you adding Znojmo to your Czech Republic itinerary?
I was totally charmed by the landscapes, sights, food and wine of Znojmo and South Moravia, so I hope this has made up your mind to add it to your Czech Republic trip too. Save this guide for planning!
