Znojmo Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the culturally rich and scenic city of Znojmo with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay and what to eat in Znojmo.


Comprehensive Travel Guide to Znojmo, Czech Republic

Znojmo is a charming city in the South Moravia region of Czech Republic, famous for its ancient architecture, wine production, and beautiful countryside. With a fascinating history and stunning landscapes, Znojmo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information you need to plan your trip to Znojmo, including the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay and what to eat.

Introduction to Znojmo

Znojmo is a historic city located in the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic. Founded in the 11th century, it has been an important center of culture and trade for many centuries. The city is located on the banks of the Dyje river, near the border with Austria, and is surrounded by scenic vineyards and hills.

List of Places to Visit in Znojmo

Znojmo boasts an impressive array of attractions, from historic monuments, museums, and galleries to natural wonders, vineyards, and scenic vistas. Here are some of the top places to visit in Znojmo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Znojmo Castle: built in the 13th century, the castle is one of the most impressive historic landmarks in Znojmo. It includes a museum dedicated to the city’s history and culture.
  • St. Nicholas Church: a beautiful Gothic church dating back to the 13th century.
  • St. Catherine’s Rotunda: a unique Romanesque rotunda with fascinating frescoes.
  • Znojmo Underground: a network of tunnels and cellars beneath the city, once used for wine storage and defense purposes.
  • Museum of Znojmo Vysočina: a comprehensive museum showcasing the history and culture of Znojmo and the surrounding region.

Natural Attractions of Znojmo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Podyjí National Park: a UNESCO biosphere reserve with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
  • Vranov nad Dyjí Reservoir: a beautiful lake perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
  • Dyje Valley: a scenic valley with picturesque views, hiking trails, and bike paths.
  • Vineyards of Znojmo: the city is known for its wine production, and there are many vineyards in the area where you can taste and buy local wines.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Znojmo

Znojmo is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful countryside and well-marked trails. Some of the best hiking and cycling routes in Znojmo include:

  • Podyjí National Park Hiking Trail: a scenic path through the national park, starting at the Vranov nad Dyjí castle.
  • Znojmo Wine Trail: a beautiful route through the vineyards of Znojmo, including stops at local wineries and restaurants.
  • Dyje Valley Cycling Route: a challenging but rewarding trail through the river valley, passing through picturesque towns and villages.

Best Things to Do in Znojmo: Activities and Tours

Znojmo offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the top things to do in Znojmo:

  • Wine tasting tour: a must-do activity in Znojmo, where you can taste some of the best local wines and learn about the city’s rich wine-making tradition.
  • Znojmo City Tour: a guided tour of the historic center of the city, including visits to the castle, churches, and museums.
  • River cruise: a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Dyje river and surrounding landscapes.
  • Cycling tour: a fun and active way to explore the countryside around Znojmo, with various routes available for all skill levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Znojmo

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Znojmo, here is a suggested itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of the city and its surroundings:

Day 1: Explore the historic center of Znojmo, including the castle, St. Nicholas Church, and Znojmo Underground.

Day 2: Visit the Museum of Znojmo Vysočina and take a guided tour of the city.

Day 3: Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the best local wines.

Day 4: Cycle along the Dyje Valley cycling route.

Day 5: Visit the Podyjí National Park and hike one of the many scenic trails.

Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, and visit its many museums, galleries, and landmarks.

Day 7: Relax by the Vranov nad Dyjí Reservoir and enjoy the scenic views.

Food and Drink Scene of Znojmo

Znojmo has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many local specialties and regional dishes to try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Znojmo:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Znojmo pickles: a local specialty made with cucumbers, garlic, and spices.
  • Moravian sparrow: a roasted duck dish with sauerkraut and dumplings.
  • Koláče: traditional Czech pastries filled with poppy seeds, fruit, or cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Znojmo wine: the city is known for its wine production, with many local wineries offering tastings and tours.
  • Pivo: Czech beer is world-famous, and there are many excellent breweries and beer gardens in Znojmo where you can sample some of the best local brews.

Where to Stay in Znojmo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Znojmo offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Here are some of the top places to stay in Znojmo:

  • Hotel Prestige: a stylish hotel in the heart of the city, with spacious rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Pension Phoenix: a cozy guesthouse with a central location and affordable prices.
  • Hostel Pod Loubím: a budget-friendly hostel with a great atmosphere and friendly staff.

What to Buy in Znojmo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Znojmo is famous for its wine production, so be sure to buy a bottle or two to take home with you. Other great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Znojmo include:

  • Ceramic pottery: the city is known for its unique ceramics, which make a great souvenir or gift.
  • Znojmo honey: a delicious local honey made from flowers and herbs found in the surrounding countryside.
  • Handmade crafts: there are many shops and galleries in Znojmo that sell handmade crafts and local products, such as candles, soaps, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Znojmo

Znojmo is a culturally rich city with many traditions and customs that visitors should be aware of. Here are some of the key aspects of local culture in Znojmo:

  • Wine-making traditions: wine is an integral part of Znojmo’s culture, and there are many local festivals and events celebrating the city’s winemaking heritage.
  • Folk music and dance: traditional Moravian folk music and dance are popular in Znojmo, with many local events and performances throughout the year.
  • Religious heritage: Znojmo has a strong Catholic heritage, with many historic churches and religious landmarks.

Best Time to Visit Znojmo

The best time to visit Znojmo is in the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the countryside is at its most beautiful. However, the city can be busy during this time, so consider traveling in the shoulder season (May or September) for slightly fewer crowds and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Znojmo

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Znojmo:

Do:

  • Drink local wine: Znojmo is known for its wine production, so be sure to try some of the local vintages.
  • Dress modestly: when visiting churches or other religious sites, be sure to dress conservatively.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions: Znojmo has a rich cultural heritage that should be cherished and respected by visitors.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing: it’s considered inappropriate to wear revealing clothing in public places in Znojmo.
  • Leave a tip: tipping is not common in the Czech Republic, so don’t feel obliged to leave a tip at restaurants, cafes, or bars.
  • litter: keep the city clean and tidy by disposing of your rubbish properly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Znojmo

Znojmo is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions, such as keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Znojmo

The quality of medical care in Znojmo is generally high. In case of an emergency, dial 112. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Znojmo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Znojmo is easily accessible from other major cities in the Czech Republic, as well as neighboring countries. Here are some of the best transportation options for getting to Znojmo:

Airports Near Znojmo

The closest international airport to Znojmo is Vienna International Airport in Austria (90 km away). Other popular airports near Znojmo include:

  • Brno-Turany Airport: 80 km away
  • Prague Airport: 240 km away

Bus Stations Near Znojmo

Znojmo has excellent bus connections to other cities in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. Some of the most popular bus stations in Znojmo include:

  • Znojmo Bus Station: located in the city center, with regular connections to Prague, Vienna, Brno, and other destinations.
  • Vienna International Bus Terminal: located in Vienna, with frequent buses to Znojmo and other destinations in the Czech Republic.

Other Options

You can also reach Znojmo by train or by car. The city has a train station with connections to major cities in the Czech Republic, as well as neighboring countries. If you’re driving, there are several parking options in the city center, including paid parking lots and street parking.

How to Get Around in Znojmo

Znojmo is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot. However, if you want to venture beyond the city center, there are several transportation options available, including:

  • Public transportation: Znojmo has a good public transportation system that includes buses and taxis.
  • Rental cars: you can rent a car in Znojmo if you prefer to have your own vehicle.
  • Cycling: cycling is a popular way to explore the surrounding countryside, with many bike rental shops in the city.

Where to Go Next from Znojmo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Znojmo is ideally located for day trips and excursions to other nearby destinations in the Czech Republic and Austria. Here are some of the best options:

  • Brno: the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Vienna: the capital of Austria, known for its grand palaces, museums, and galleries.
  • Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning castles, palaces, and gardens.

Conclusion

Znojmo is a beautiful and culturally rich city in the heart of the Czech Republic. With its historic landmarks, natural wonders, and delicious food and drink, Znojmo offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience that should not be missed. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this charming city.

St Nicholas' Church St Nicholas' Church The Ducal Rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St Catherine The Ducal Rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St Catherine Town Hall Tower Town Hall Tower