Ancient fortifications near the distinctive Tabulová hora (459m) in the Pálava hills: 3 km

• This short walk starting and finishing in the south Moravian wine village of Klentnice visits the ancient fortifications on the distinctive Tabulová hora (459m) – an almost flat limestone ‘table mountain’ which rises up from the fertile plain filled with vineyards. Tabulová hora is part of the chain of Pálava hills, the main ridge of which can be walked end to end in a single long hike, or split into smaller segments.
• This short walk explores the middle segment of the ridge, first climbing up to visit the romantic ruins of Sirotčí hrádek, a 13th century Gothic castle founded by the knight Siegfried Sirotek, apparently a famous wrestler in courtly tournaments. The castle went through various ownership changes before being abandoned in the 16th century.
• From the castle ruin, the route then climbs up to the main table mountain, with its super viewpoints and remnants of a prehistoric hillfort. The plateau appears to have been occupied from the Neolithic period through to the end of the Bronze Age (around 1000 BC) and was probably fortified at least from the middle of the Bronze Age onwards. The fortress ramparts are most visible in the southern and southeastern edges of the hill, but it is likely the whole plateau was ringed with a rampart.
• On the way down from the hill, consider a stop at the very attractive wine cellar, Sklepnice, which serves its own wine, accompanied by simple snacks. The short route – no more than 3 km including a tour around the flat plateau – involves 130m of height to ascend/descend. The paths are not difficult or particularly steep.

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Directions

• Klentnice is on a bus route between Breclav and Mikulov and for drivers there is a parking area in the center of the village
• From Klentnice village, follow the GREEN hiking trail up to the saddle between the two hills – direction Sirotčí hrad sedlo
• At the saddle, first take a tour around the ruins of Sirotčí hrádek medieval castle (ascending on nthe YELLOW trail, returning back to the saddle on the RED trail
• From the saddle ascend Tabulová hora by taking the RED trail up the side of the mountain, cross through the center of the plateau and return back to the saddle by following the YELLOW trail along the western side of the mountain, before returning back to the saddle
• Descend back to Klentnice on the outbound path. The wine cellar is on the right side shortly before reaching the village