*Mikulov town and a circuit around Svatý kopeček – a 4 km to 6 km tour*

• Mikulov is an old town, dating from the beginning of the 12th century, situated at the center of an important southern Moravian wine area. The Mikulov wine region is amongst the warmest in the country and the vines were probably first planted here when the Roman legions created outposts at the southern end of the Pálava hills, nearly two thousand years ago. Mikulov town center is also one of the most picturesque in the country, dominated by the massive Baroque chateau constructed by the Dietrichstein noble family on the site of the Gothic 13th century castle. The chateau today houses an interesting town museum.
• The town is nestled below the slopes of Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill), a Jurassic limestone crag that forms part of the Pálava hills. On the summit is the chapel of St. Sebastian, established by Cardinal Franz von Dietrichstein in 1623 to give thanks after the town overcame a plague outbreak. A ‘Way of the Cross’ leads up to this important pilgrimage site, and there is a marked educational trail to the summit, which enjoys excellent views over the vineyards in the south Moravian plain below.
• It is a 1 km walk into the center of town from the station, if travelling on regional train line that runs between Břeclav and Znojmo. For drivers there are a number of paid parking areas closer to the center. After exploring the town center and chateau area, head up Svatý kopeček, taking the circular educational trail up the hill, returning along the edge of the vineyard area. The educational trail is around 2 km long and has a number of information boards describing the history of the hill and the nature.
• If starting at the station this is a 6 km walk in total with around 200m of height to ascend/descend. None of the paths are difficult, but the route up and down Svatý kopeček is quite steep and not suitable for strollers. There are several good cafés and restaurants in Mikulov, but try the atmospheric retro-styled (Ne)vinná kavárna on the corner of the main street-square. It also has a pleasant terrace area. There is also a good ice cream parlor further along this main street.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• From the train station, follow the BLUE hiking trail to reach the edge of the town center and the Mikulov – nám junction
• From there continue either continue on the BLUE trail to begin the ascent of Svatý kopeček or divert into the town center to visit the chateau (follow the RED trail for 200m along the main street and then climb up to the chateau)
• Return back to the Mikulov – nám junction to continue the journey onto Svatý kopeček
• Follow the BLUE trail for 300m to reach the bottom of the hill and the beginning of the educational trail
• Continue on the BLUE trail up the hill and then across the plateau past St Sebastian’s chapel to reach the Pod Božím hrobem junction after 1.1 km
• At the Pod Božím hrobem junction, turn right onto the GREEN trail which leads back around the hill to the starting point at the Pod Olivetskou horou junction
• From there retrace the route back to the town center/train station