Mikulov: Wine and Views in South Moravia

Mikulov is arguably the most picturesque town in the region. It sits right on the Austrian border, surrounded by limestone hills and vineyards. The town is dominated by a massive baroque castle. This is the top choice for travelers seeking a Mikulov wine region itinerary.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and distinctly Mediterranean. You will find cobblestone streets lined with cafes and wine bars. It is perfect for couples or groups of friends. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for ideal weather.

At a glance:

• Best for: Wine lovers and couples.
• Travel time: 1 hour by bus or train.
• Must-try: Pálava wine.

Day 1: Castle and Holy Hill

Morning: Arrive by bus (number 105) or train. Drop your bags at your hotel. Head straight to Mikulov Castle for a tour of the museum and gardens.

Afternoon: Eat a light lunch on the main square. Hike up to Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) for sunset views. The walk takes about 45 minutes and offers panoramic photo opportunities.

Evening: Visit a local wine cellar. Taste the local Riesling or Pálava varietals. Enjoy a hearty dinner at a traditional Czech pub.

Day 2: Caves and Nature

Morning: Explore the Jewish Quarter. Visit the beautifully preserved synagogue and cemetery. It is a quiet and reflective start to the day.

Afternoon: Walk to the Turold Cave on the edge of town. Take a guided tour of the limestone underground. Alternatively, take a short bus ride to nearby Klentnice for castle ruins.

Where to stay: Consider booking romantic boutique hotels in Mikulov for couples early. Summer weekends fill up fast.

Olomouc: Historical Gem Just an Hour Away

Olomouc is the historical capital of Moravia and a hidden gem. It has fewer tourists than Prague but equal charm. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an excellent option for a Brno to Olomouc city break.

University students keep the city vibe young and energetic. The squares are filled with fountains and baroque columns. Prices here are often lower than in Brno or Prague. It is a very walkable city.

At a glance:

• Best for: History buffs and foodies.
• Travel time: 1 hour by fast train.
• Must-see: Holy Trinity Column.

Day 1: The Historic Core

Morning: Take a morning train from Brno main station. Walk from the station to the Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Admire the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column.

Afternoon: Visit the Town Hall and see the Socialist Realist astronomical clock. Climb the Town Hall tower for a view of the city spires. Stop for coffee in the Lower Square.

Evening: Try the famous Olomoucké tvarůžky cheese. Many local restaurants serve it fried or on pizza. Pair it with a local craft beer.

Day 2: Spirituality and Gardens

Morning: Take a bus to Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc. Visit the minor basilica that overlooks the Haná region. It is a stunning baroque pilgrimage site.

Afternoon: Visit the Olomouc Zoo located right next to the basilica. Afterward, head back to the city center for a walk through the Bezručovy sady parks.

Logistics Tip: Trains run frequently. Check established schedules or ask at the station. For local transit in Brno before you leave, check DPMB - Brno Public Transport.

Lednice-Valtice Complex: A UNESCO Fairytale

This massive landscape park is often called the Garden of Europe. It was shaped by the Liechtenstein family over centuries. The area connects two stunning chateaus with ponds and forests. It is a top choice when visiting Lednice-Valtice complex.

The terrain is completely flat, making it perfect for casual cycling. You can rent bikes at the train station or in town. Electric boats also cruise along the river dyke system.

Day 1: Lednice Chateau

Morning: Take a bus or train to Lednice. Join a guided tour of the chateau's representative halls. The wooden staircase inside is a carved masterpiece.

Afternoon: Walk through the French gardens to the Palm House. Continue walking through the park to the Minaret tower. Climb up for a view all the way to Austria.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a resort restaurant in Lednice. The town is quiet and peaceful after dark.

Day 2: Valtice and Wine

Morning: Rent a bike or take a bus to nearby Valtice. Visit the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic located in the chateau cellar. This is a premier tasting experience.

Afternoon: Explore the Colonnade on the Reistna hill above Valtice. The view encompasses the entire engineered landscape. Return to Brno in the late afternoon.

Vienna: Cross-Border City Break Capital

Vienna is closer to Brno than Prague is. A weekend trip here feels grand and international. You can experience imperial history, opera, and world-class museums. Many travelers plan a Brno to Vienna weekend trip regularly.

Trains are fast and comfortable, taking about 90 minutes. You arrive at Vienna Main Station (Hauptbahnhof). From there, the subway connects you to the entire city. It is an easy international adventure.

Day 1: Imperial Classics

Morning: Catch an early Railjet train. Drop bags at your hotel and head to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Walk down the Graben luxury shopping street.

Afternoon: Explore the Hofburg Palace complex. Visit the National Library or the Sisi Museum. Stop for a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional coffee house.

Evening: Walk around the Opera House and Karlsplatz. Have a Schnitzel dinner. If you have energy, visit the Prater amusement park.

Day 2: Art and Palaces

Morning: Take the U-Bahn to Schönbrunn Palace. Walk the immense gardens up to the Gloriette. The grounds are free to enter.

Afternoon: Return to the center for the Museum Quarter. Choose between the Leopold Museum or the Natural History Museum. Take a late train back to Brno.

Travel Tip: For specific schedules, look up the best train times from Brno to Vienna for weekends to maximize your stay.

Nature Escapes: Podyjí Park and Moravian Karst

Sometimes you need to escape the city concrete. South Moravia offers incredible nature reserves. You can explore deep river valleys or underground cave systems. These are active trips requiring good walking shoes.

These destinations are great for clearing your mind. Access is possible by public transport, though a car helps in Podyjí. Check the weather forecast before you go.

Option A: Podyjí National Park

This park preserves the pristine Dyje river valley. It is located near Znojmo. Podyjí National Park hiking trails offer spectacular views of meanders. Stay in Znojmo and hike the trails during the day.

Option B: Moravian Karst

Just north of Brno lies a land of caves and gorges. A Moravian Karst weekend guide usually centers on the Punkva Caves. You must book cave entrance tickets weeks in advance. The Macocha Abyss is a stunning 138-meter deep gorge.

Day 1 (Karst): Train to Blansko, then bus to Skalní mlýn. Tour the Punkva Caves and take the boat ride. Cable car up to Macocha.

Day 2 (Karst): Hike the trails to other caves like Balcarka or Sloupsko-šošůvské. Enjoy the forest silence before returning to Brno.