Are you travelling through South Moravia or looking for a great day trip? Then be sure to visit Znojmo. This historic town near the Austrian border is known for its charming old town, underground tunnels, and excellent Moravian wines. Znojmo is also located on the edge of Podyjí National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Czech Republic. In this article, you’ll find my tips for the best things to do in Znojmo, Czechia, from historic sights and scenic walks to wine tastings and great restaurants.
Znojmo is located in the south of Czechia, close to the Austrian border, and is part of the South Moravian region. The town is about an hour’s drive from Brno and is surrounded by vineyards, historic villages, and rolling hills. Thanks to its location, around one hour from Brno and one and a half hours from Vienna, Znojmo is a great destination for a day trip or a longer stop during a South Moravia road trip.
During my trip through South Moravia, Znojmo was one of the towns that surprised me the most. You’ll find a beautiful historic centre filled with medieval streets, churches, and old town walls. Znojmo is also one of the most important wine towns in Czechia, something you’ll quickly notice from the large number of wine bars throughout the town. The surrounding area is home to countless vineyards and wine cellars where you can sample local Moravian wines, something I love to do.
What makes Znojmo even more special is its location next to Podyjí National Park. This beautiful nature reserve offers excellent hiking and cycling routes through forests, past scenic viewpoints, and along the Dyje River. I hope you enjoy my tips for things to do and see in Znojmo.
Planning a South Moravia road trip? Be sure to check out my detailed South Moravia guide, where you’ll find even more inspiration for sights, wine routes, and beautiful places to visit in this fascinating region of Czechia.
One of the best ways to get to know Znojmo is by seeing it from above. The Gothic Town Hall Tower, built in the 15th century, is one of the sights in Znojmo you shouldn’t miss. After a relatively short climb up the narrow staircase, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
The historic centre of Znojmo is easy to explore on foot. You’ll wander through narrow medieval streets lined with colourful houses, historic façades, and small passageways. Getting lost is part of the experience here, as every corner seems to reveal another picturesque square or viewpoint. Because Znojmo is still relatively undiscovered by international tourists, it’s also easy to take beautiful photos without large crowds. If you’d like to learn more about the town and its history at your own pace, you can also book a practical audio tour.
St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important sights and things to do in Znojmo. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture, with impressive proportions and a great appearance. Step inside to admire the architectural details and historic elements, but don’t forget to walk around the building as well. Behind the church, you’ll find one of the best photo spots in Znojmo, with beautiful views over the river and the surrounding landscape.
One of the other things to do in Znojmo is to walk to the former castle, located on a hill above the town and now home to a museum. Not only is it one of the most interesting sights in Znojmo for history lovers, featuring Baroque frescoes and portraits of Bohemian and Moravian rulers, but it also offers some of the best views in the area. From the castle grounds, you can look out over the town, the Dyje River, and the surrounding valleys, making it a worthwhile stop.
Just outside the town centre, within the grounds of Znojmo Castle, stands the Romanesque Rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St. Catherine. From the outside, it appears to be a simple circular building, but it is one of the oldest monuments in Czechia and one of the few sights in Znojmo where you can step directly into the 11th century.
Inside, you can admire rare frescoes depicting Biblical scenes. These are among the best-preserved Romanesque paintings in the country. To protect them, visits are restricted: entry is only possible at set times and in small groups. Humidity levels also affect visitor access, and photography and talking are not permitted inside.
Znojmo lies in the heart of one of the most famous wine regions in Czechia. The area is particularly known for white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Riesling. As you can probably imagine, no visit to Znojmo is complete without stopping at a local wine cellar or wine bar.
One of the best places for wine tasting is Enotéka znojemských vín. The concept is simple: you purchase a tasting card and then choose from hundreds of wines produced by both small and larger wineries from across the region. You can decide exactly how much you would like to taste, from a small sample to a full glass. What I especially liked was being able to discover a wide variety of wines at my own pace. On a sunny evening, you can take a seat on the terrace overlooking the surrounding area or find a cosy spot indoors while enjoying a glass of Moravian wine.
Located just outside the centre of Znojmo, Louka Monastery is one of the region’s most important historic landmarks and sights. This former Premonstratensian monastery was once one of the largest and most influential monastic complexes in Central Europe. Over the centuries, the original Romanesque monastery developed into an impressive Baroque complex with grand halls and extensive underground cellars. Today, Louka Monastery serves as a cultural centre with exhibitions and wine cellars operated by Znovín Znojmo, one of the best-known wineries in Czechia. Here, you can sample local wines, learn more about South Moravia’s wine traditions, and join guided tours of the historic complex.
Feel like going for a nice walk? Then one of the best things to do in the surroundings of Znojmo is to visit the Podyjí National Park, one of the lesser-known natural areas in Czechia. The park stretches along the Dyje River and is known for its deep valleys, dense forests, and scenic viewpoints. One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Sealsfieldův kámen (Sealsfield’s Stone). This circular walk is approximately 5 kilometres long and largely follows the green hiking trail markers. From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the meanders of the Dyje River and the famous Šobes vineyard, one of the oldest and most prestigious wine-growing sites in Czechia.
Another recommended walk leads to Vyhlídka Devět mlýnů. This route is around 4 kilometres long and starts near the village of Hnanice, where parking is available. From the viewpoint, you’ll once again enjoy beautiful views of the river and the Šobes vineyard, but from a completely different perspective. If you’d like to explore even more of the area, continue walking towards the Austrian town of Hardegg, where you’ll be rewarded with views over the river bend and the historic town nestled in the valley below.
One of the most unique things to do in Znojmo is visiting the Underground, a network of tunnels stretching for more than 30 kilometres beneath the historic town centre. The tunnels were originally used for storing food and goods, as well as providing shelter during sieges. Over time, this created a labyrinth beneath the town, part of which is now open to visitors. As you walk through the narrow passageways, you’ll get a good impression of how complex and strategic this underground world once was.
You can choose between a regular tour and an adventure tour. During the standard tour, you’ll walk comfortably through the tunnels while learning about their history. The adventure tour takes things a step further, leading you into narrower, deeper, and more challenging sections of the tunnel system. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you’ll navigate low passages and areas where water may be present.
After a day of exploring the many thing to do and see that Znojmo has to offer, there’s nothing better than relaxing at a pleasant terrace such as Bistro Mikuláš. Located in the historic centre, this cosy bistro is especially enjoyable on sunny days, when you can sit outside on the terrace or in the peaceful courtyard garden. Bistro Mikuláš focuses on seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients, which means the menu changes regularly throughout the year. It’s an excellent spot for lunch while discovering the town.
The Dyje River plays an important role in the landscape surrounding Znojmo. During the warmer months, it’s a wonderful place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Along the riverbanks, you’ll find quiet walking paths, grassy meadows, and benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. The sounds of birds and flowing water create a peaceful atmosphere, making it easy to forget you’re only a short distance from the town centre.
One of the most famous events in Znojmo is the annual Wine Harvest Festival, held each September. During this three-day celebration, the entire town comes alive with parades, live music, historical costumes, and, of course, plenty of wine tastings.
The festival has an almost medieval atmosphere, with street performances and events that bring the town’s history to life. If you’re visiting at the right time of year, this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Znojmo and a fantastic way to experience the local wine culture.
Looking for a place to stay in Znojmo? The town offers a wide range of accommodation options, from wellness hotels to charming guesthouses. Here are some of my recommendations:
You can find even more hotels in Znojmo through the booking platforms and accommodation websites.
Of course, you can make your visit to Znojmo as short or as long as you like. If you only want to see the main attractions and sights in Znojmo, one day is enough. However, if you’d also like to explore Podyjí National Park and the surrounding wine region, I would recommend staying for at least two to three nights.
The best time to visit Znojmo is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are at their most beautiful. September is an especially great time to visit, as the town comes alive during the annual Znojmo Wine Harvest Festival.
Znojmo is easily accessible from several cities in the region, making it an excellent stop on a South Moravia road trip. You can fly into Vienna, Bratislava, or Prague and rent a car at the airport through Discover Cars. Travelling by train or bus is also possible, depending on your route and preferences. Znojmo is also a popular day trip from Brno, allowing you to visit several of the town’s main sights without needing to stay overnight.
Looking for a rental car for your South Moravia road trip in Czechia? With Discover Cars you can easily compare prices and options. It’s a convenient tool so you don’t need to open dozens of tabs to find the best deal. You often save money and can cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide about the best things to do in Znojmo Cezchia? You will find more inspiration and tips in the next articles. And make sure to have a look at Brno City Tourism, South Moravia, and VisitCzechia, which helped compile this guide.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
