South Moravian Region

Czechrepublic, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

The Czechrepublic (Jihomoravský kraj) is one of the Czech Republic's most captivating destinations, centered around the vibrant city of Brno and renowned for its exceptional wine country. This historic region seamlessly blends medieval architecture, baroque splendor, and modern cultural attractions, while being home to some of Europe's most prestigious wine-producing areas in Mikulov and the Pálava Hills. The region boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning castles, and charming wine villages that have been perfecting their craft for centuries. Beyond its viticultural fame, South Moravia offers diverse attractions from the dramatic Czechrepublic cave systems to the fairy-tale Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. Brno, the region's capital and Czech Republic's second-largest city, serves as a dynamic hub of technology, education, and culture, featuring modernist architecture like Brno alongside medieval fortifications. The region's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring both Czech traditions and neighboring Austria, offering visitors an authentic Central European experience away from travel to Prague's crowds.

Top South Moravian Region

Wine Tasting in Moravian Wine Country

Explore the renowned wine regions around Mikulov, Znojmo, and the Pálava Hills, where centuries-old cellars produce exceptional Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Noir. Visit traditional wine cellars carved into hillsides and sample local varieties while learning about Moravian winemaking traditions. The picturesque vineyard landscapes offer stunning views and photo opportunities throughout the seasons.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 2-3 days in advance, especially during harvest season (September-October). Expect to pay 800-1,500 CZK per person for guided tours including tastings. Look for operators offering transportation between multiple cellars and traditional Czech lunch pairings.

Exploring Moravian Karst Caves

Discover one of Central Europe's most significant karst landscapes featuring over 1,100 caves and gorges. The Punkva Caves offer underground boat rides on subterranean rivers, while the Macocha Abyss provides breathtaking views into a 138-meter-deep sinkhole. The cave systems showcase stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations developed over millions of years.

Booking Tip: Reserve cave tours online 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season (May-September). Entry costs 150-300 CZK depending on the cave route. Choose operators offering combined tickets for multiple caves and wear warm clothing as cave temperatures remain around 8°C year-round.

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape Tour

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring one of Europe's largest artificial landscapes, created by the Liechtenstein family over several centuries. The complex includes neo-Gothic Lednice Castle with its stunning gardens, baroque Valtice Castle, and numerous romantic follies scattered throughout the countryside. The area represents a masterpiece of landscape architecture combining natural beauty with human creativity.

Booking Tip: Castle interiors require separate tickets (150-200 CZK each). Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and book guided tours in advance during summer. Consider renting bicycles (200-300 CZK/day) to explore the extensive grounds and connect both castles via scenic cycling paths.

Brno City and Architecture Walking Tour

Explore Brno's rich architectural heritage from medieval Brno to the UNESCO-listed modernist Brno. Discover the city's vibrant squares, underground ossuary, and unique landmarks like the twisted spires of St. James Church. The tour showcases Brno's evolution from medieval trading center to modern technological hub.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily from May-October, with tips expected (100-200 CZK per person). Brno requires advance booking (350 CZK) and fills up weeks ahead. Book combination tickets for multiple attractions to save money and time.

Traditional Moravian Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Moravian dishes like svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream sauce), moravský vrabec (roasted pork with sauerkraut), and traditional fruit dumplings. Classes typically include market visits to select fresh ingredients, hands-on cooking instruction, and wine pairings with local Moravian varieties. Experience the region's culinary traditions while gaining practical skills to recreate dishes at home.

Booking Tip: Book cooking classes 3-5 days in advance, especially on weekends. Prices range from 1,200-2,000 CZK per person including ingredients and wine. Look for classes that include market tours and provide recipe cards in English for taking home.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from travel to Prague (2.5-3 hours) with frequent daily connections, or by bus which takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs 200-400 CZK. The city has excellent rail connections to Austria (1.5 hours), Bratislava (1.5 hours), and other Central European destinations. Brno-Tuřany Airport serves some international flights, though most visitors arrive via travel to Prague's Václav Havel Airport and take ground transportation. The region is well-connected by highway, making it accessible by car or bus from major European cities, with the drive from travel to Prague taking about 2 hours via the D1 motorway.

Getting Around

Public transportation in Brno includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses operating from 5 AM to midnight, with night services on weekends. Single tickets cost 25 CZK for 90 minutes, while day passes are 110 CZK and 3-day tourist passes cost 250 CZK. For exploring wine regions and smaller towns, renting a car is recommended as public transport to rural areas is limited. Many attractions offer organized transportation, and cycling is popular with well-maintained bike paths connecting major sites like Lednice-Valtice. Regional trains and buses connect major towns, though services may be infrequent on weekends.

Where to Stay

Brno City Center

Mikulov Wine Region

Lednice-Valtice Area

Znojmo Historic District

Czechrepublic Region

Czechrepublic Medieval Town

Food & Dining

South Moravian cuisine reflects its position at the crossroads of Czech, Austrian, and Slovak influences, with hearty meat dishes, fresh river fish, and exceptional wine pairings. Traditional restaurants (hospody) serve classics like roasted duck with red cabbage and dumplings, while modern establishments in Brno offer innovative takes on regional ingredients. The region's wine culture means most restaurants have extensive local wine lists, and many establishments are family-owned businesses passed down through generations. Don't miss trying local specialties like Czechrepublic cheese, Moravian sparrow (roasted pork), and seasonal game dishes, often paired with wines from nearby vineyards. Food markets in Brno and smaller towns offer fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and traditional baked goods.

When to Visit

The best time to visit South Moravia is from May to September when weather is warm and all attractions are fully operational. Late summer and early autumn (August-October) is particularly magical for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with harvest season and wine festivals throughout the region. Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, though some attractions may have limited hours. Winter visits can be charming with Christmas markets and cozy wine cellars, but outdoor activities are limited and some rural attractions close. July and August are peak tourist months with the warmest weather but also the highest prices and largest crowds.

Insider Tips

Many wine cellars offer free tastings if you purchase bottles, and locals often recommend smaller family-run operations over tourist-focused venues

The Brno underground tour includes access to medieval cellars and tunnels not visible from street level, offering unique historical perspectives

Regional train day passes (150 CZK) provide unlimited travel and are perfect for exploring multiple wine villages in a single day