Velké Meziříčí has a remarkable chateau complex and is well worth visiting. Visitors should also explore the scenic chateau park, climb the clock tower and maybe stop in the Harrach microbrewery!
Category: South Moravia
Circular routes around the forest and limestone quarries in Brno’s Hády nature reserve: 3 km to 12 km
There are many attractive walking routes in the Hády nature reserve, close to Brno. The route described on this page includes visits to a viewing tower, medieval ruin and limestone quarries.
A circular route to the U Lidušky lookout tower from Bílovice nad Svitavou, near Brno: 5 km
For an easy walk in the Hády forest close to Brno, try the circular route to the 29m U Lidušky lookout tower starting and finishing at the Bílovice nad Svitavou train station.
*Routes around the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, starting from the Roman site of Mušov: 16 km to 26 km*
The three linked Nové Mlýny reservoirs were created in the 1980’s when the village of Mušov was submerged. Today, they are popular water sports destinations and good for circular walking trips!
*On the trail of Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ – a visit to the Mušov Roman legionary camp: 2 km to 8 km*
The Mušov legionary camp in South Moravia served as a military center during the 2nd century Marcomannic Wars and is the most important Roman site in the country.
A walk along the Rosice historical education trail, near Brno: 4 km (extendable)
The Rosice education trail showcases the town’s rich history, including the 12th century Romanesque church, Renaissance chateau and lovely hilltop Baroque chapel.
*A walk around historic Náměšť nad Oslavou, with an optional stop in Velká Bíteš: 5 km (extendable) *
Náměšť nad Oslavou, renowned for its Renaissance chateau and Baroque bridge has an attractive cultural trail around the town, including a section beside the pretty Oslava river.
*A spectacular walk along the Babí lom ridge via Lelekovice and Vranov: 7 km to 16 km*
The Babí lom ridge offers a stunning hiking experience near Brno, featuring historic sites like Vranov and Lelekovice and breathtaking views of Moravia’s landscape.
*Short walks and surprises near the South Moravian town of Židlochovice: 5 km to 15 km*
Židlochovice, a charming Moravian town near Brno, features a historic Baroque chateau with a public park, an exquisite church, and scenic hiking trails, including a viewpoint on Výhon hill.
*Walks around the unique Mohelno Serpentine Steppe and reservoir area: 5 km to 20 km*
Visit the Moravian town of Mohelno to explore the unique rocky steppe landscape and (optionally) loop around the pretty reservoir for some iconic views and historic sites.
A short stop in the Vysočina brewery town of Kamenice nad Lipou: 1 km
Kamenice nad Lipou is a charming town featuring an ancient linden tree located in the pretty chateau park. Cap the visit with a stop in the superb renovated brewery.
*Discovering castles along the Sázava river – from Zruč to Ledeč: 25 km (with shorter options)*
The hiking trail between the Sázava riverside towns of Zruč to Ledeč (with their famous castles) is very attractive and can be done as a one-way route by using the railway running beside the river.
*In the footsteps of Alphonse Mucha (I) – the nature trails of Moravský Krumlov: 4 km to 14 km*
Alphonse Mucha’s famous Slavic Epic collection of canvases is currently displayed in Moravský Krumlov chateau. Visit the chateau and the St Florian pilgrimage chapel on these attractive town trails.
*The Three crosses nature trail above Nové Město na Moravě: 3 km*
The winter sports resort of Nové Město na Moravě also offers good hiking possibilities, and a couple of interesting restaurants! For a short easy walk stroll up to the Three crosses monument.
*Pernštejn castle and the nearby forest nature trails: 3 km to 8 km*
Pernštejn is one of the country’s most spectacular castles. A visit is highly recommended. Nature trails in the surrounding forests offer super views of the castle from multiple angles.
The unique almond nature trail above the South Moravian wine town of Hustopeče: 4 km to 11 km
The hills above Hustopeče boast the largest almond orchards in Central Europe. Take a tour to the viewing tower but allow time to explore some hidden architectural gems.
*A walk in the meadows above the scenic villages of Blatiny and Krátká in the Žďárské vrchy: 7 km*
A lovely short and easy walk in the hills and meadows of the central highlands of Žďárské vrchy, with picturesque farmsteads, towering rocks and an iconic café!
*Devět skal and other famous gneiss rock formations in Žďárské vrchy: 7 km to 17 km*
Devět skal (836m] is the highest point in Žďárské vrchy and a justifiably popular viewpoint, but why not visit a few other of the iconic gneiss rock towers on the same trip!
The Milovská nature trail including a visit to the Čtyři palice rocks: 7 km
The varied Milovská nature trail explores the nature and history of the glassmaking settlements around the Svratka river in the center of Žďárské vrch. The unique Čtyři palice rocks are nearby.
A short tour around historic Jihlava, the capital of the Vysočina region: 4 km
Jihlava straddles the Moravian/Bohemian border and is the oldest mining town in the country. It has some interesting architecture and fine medieval walls, which can be easily explored on this quick tour.
*A classic walk in the Pálava hills: from Dolní Věstonice to Mikulov along the ridge – 14 km*
This one of the most popular and best walks in Southern Moravia, following the chain of hills from the famous archaeological site in Dolní Věstonice to the historic wine town of Mikulov.
A tour around Bítov and Cornštejn castles and the magnificent Dyje river valley: 7 km to 12 km
The meandering Dyje river created many opportunities for medieval castle builders to utilize the rocky promontories. Visit two spectacular sites on a single trip from Bítov village.
*A circuit around the remarkable Vranov nad Dyjí Castle: 10 km*
Vranov is one of the most dramatic and photogenic castles in the country, perched on a crag overlooking the meanders of the Dyje. Take a tour around the castle and then visit the popular Vranov reservoir.
A short walk to the Slunečná lookout in the vineyards of Velké Pavlovice: 3 km
The town of Velké Pavlovice, in the heart of the South Moravian wine growing area, is a good base if touring the area, but the local vineyards and wineries are also worth exploring on this short stroll.
A short walk around the UNESCO listed sites in the historic town of Třebíč: 4 km
Třebíč is one of the oldest towns in the country, founded in 1101 and famous today for its UNESCO listed Jewish quarter and Christian Basilica. Take this short walk around the main sites.
*From Třešť to Telč, via the hunting castle of Roštejn – a 17 km hike*
Enjoy a slow approach to the ‘must see’ UNESCO listed Renaissance town of Telč, by hiking through the lovely Vysočina meadows and forests, stopping on the way at the unique hunting castle of Roštejn.
*Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Telč (and its 86 fishponds) – a 5 km walk*
Most people visit Telč simply to walk around its magnificent Renaissance main square, but consider extending the trip to enjoy the views beside the encircling fishponds and in the chateau park.
Walks to two splendid Vysočina chateaux: Pacov and Kámen – 2 km to 14 km
If touring the Vysočina region, take a moment to stop by and walk around two (relatively unknown) castle-chateaux: Pacov and Kámen. The gardens at Kámen are really splendid especially in late spring.
*Walks around Žďár nad Sázavou and the remarkable Zelená hora church: 3 km to 7 km*
The UNESCO listed Church of St. John of Nepomuk is a ‘must see’ site in the Czech Republic. A visit to this unique monument can be combined with a scenic walk around three local ponds.
An easy 3 km walk around a jewel of the Vysočina region – Pelhřimov
Pelhřimov may not be top of the list of famous places to visit in Vysočina, yet the lovely town square is full of superb Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is definitely worth a stop for a quick walk!
An easy walk around the historic town of Havlíčkův Brod on the Sázava river: 2 km
Havlíčkův Brod, one of several historic towns in the Vysočina region, is worth exploring on a short walk for its scenic Baroque town square and impressive medieval fortifications.
Walks to the romantic ruins of Orlík castle near Humpolec: 2 km to 8 km
The 14th century ruins of Orlík castle are perched on a hill 2 km to the east of Humpolec. The unique tower viewpoint offers a super panorama. There are various route options to reach the castle.
A walk to the ruins of Dívčí hrady and Děvín hill from Pavlov – 8 km (extendable)
A rugged hike (which can be extended to visit the famous Dolní Věstonice archaeological sites) from the wine village of Pavlov to the rocky summit of Děvín via the impressive Gothic ruins of Dívčí hrady.
*Walks along the river Dyje from Znojmo via the Sealsfieldův kámen viewpoint – 16 km to 24 km*
One of the best walks in the Podyjí National Park follows the Dyje river to visit the viewpoint of Sealsfieldův kámen and then circles back to historic Znojmo via the wine villages of Konice and Popice.
A visit to Austerlitz battlefield – site of Napoleon’s most famous victory
The battle of Austerlitz is viewed as Napoleon’s most famous victory, defeating the Austrian and Russian armies close to Brno. The extensive battlefield is worth exploring either on foot or by bike.
A short exploration of Kroměříž, UNESCO World Heritage Site – 7 km
The UNESCO listed chateau and exceptional Baroque gardens of Kroměříž are worth exploring on this easy walk around the former summer residence of the Bishops of Olomouc.
A 16 km hike to the Svatý Hostýn pilgrimage site and into the hills beyond
Svatý Hostýn, a place of many legends, is the country’s most visited pilgrimage church. It is a steep but worthwhile 4 km hike from the town of Bystřice. Once up, continue along the scenic ridge for a while.
A 4 km walk around the Mikulčice Slavic archaeological site
The Mikulčice fortified settlement is the country’s most important archaeological site relating to the Great Moravian Empire. Take an easy stroll around the remarkable site and along the Morava river.
A short walk around Milotice chateau gardens and park – 2 km
If travelling in southeast Moravia during the summer, it is worthwhile diverting to visit the fine Baroque chateau of Milotice and walk around the relatively small but well presented garden/park area.
A short walk to the impressive medieval castle ruins of Lukov – 3+ km
Lukov is one of the oldest and most interesting medieval castles in Moravia. Located in the Hostýn hills north of Zlín, take a short hike through the rocky hills to visit the impressive ruins.
A walk in the foothills of Bílé Karpaty from Luhačovice spa – 13 km
This circular walk from the famous Moravian spa town of Luhačovice provides a nice introduction to the attractive forests and meadows of the Bílé Karpaty hills in sotheast Moravia.
*Lednice, Janův hrad and the Three Graces: a circular tour from Břeclav – 22 km*
There are many ways to explore the UNESCO listed monuments around the majestic chateau of Lednice. This excellent circular walk visits some of the top sites in the east section of the Cultural Landscape.
Easy walks to the temple of Diana (Rendez-vous) in the forests of Valtice: 1 km to 10 km
The temple of Diana is a superb Liechtenstein neo classicist monument in the Valtice forest. Combine this with an easy walk to the Three Graces and the newly opened Belvedere chateau.
A short walk along Josefovská valley to the Býčí skála cave : 3 km
The scenic Josefovská valley which starts at Adamov, is lined with many caves, old Ironworks and furnaces. The most famous cave is Býčí skála, one of the most important archaeological sites in Moravia.
A visit to the Pohansko chateau and Slavic archaeological site, near Břeclav – 5 km
This short and easy walk visits the unusually sited early 19th century Pohansko hunting chateau, which is located at the edge of an important Slavic fortification from the Great Moravian Empire period.
Macocha sinkhole and the Punkva valley: 5 km to 9 km circular tours from Skalní Mlýn
This classic Moravský kras walk traverses the scenic Punkva river valley, passing the famous Punkva limestone caves and the viewpoints down into the Macocha sinkhole – the deepest in Central Europe.
*A 5 km tour of the beautiful gardens and park area at Lednice chateau*
A walk around the magnificent UNESCO listed neo-Gothic Lednice chateau and extensive park area created by the Liechtenstein noble family, is a highlight of any visit to Moravia.
Kateřinská jeskyně and the gorges of Suchý Žleb – an easy walk from Skalní Mlýn: up to 7 km
This easy walk on an asphalt cycle path traverses the scenic gorges of Suchý Žleb canyon which is lined with numerous limestone caves, including the famous Catherine cave.
A short walk in the vineyards above Valtice chateau – 5 km
Valtice is worth a visit not just for its famous neo-Gothic chateau and scenic vineyards, but also for its unique Salon vín wine exhibition. Tour the vineyards on the 5 km trail in preparation for a tasting.
*A circle around the Lednice ponds nature reserve – 12 km*
The Lednické rybníky are one of the most important protected pond systems in the country for wildlife. The attractive circuit around the main ponds also passes some extraordinary 19th century monuments.
*Highlights of Brno: a walking route around the historical capital of Moravia – 9 km*
The country’s 2nd largest city may not attract as many tourists as Prague, but the streets hold many historical and architectural delights. Take a leisurely stroll around town and prepare to be surprised!
On the trail of the mammoth hunters of Dolní Věstonice – 6 km
The prehistoric sites in the scenic vineyards near Dolní Věstonice are world famous. Discover more about the Moravian mammoth hunters on this easy walk from the archaeological museum.
Ancient fortifications near the distinctive Tabulová hora (459m) in the Pálava hills: 3 km
A short walk from Klentnice wine village into the Pálava hills to enjoy the extensive views and explore the ancient ruins on this distinctive flat-topped limestone crag.
*Mikulov town and a circuit around Svatý kopeček – a 4 km to 6 km tour*
Mikulov is a picturesque old town at the center of the Moravian wine region. Walk to the center, visit the impressive chateau and then take the pilgrimage route up ‘Holy Hill’ for some excellent views.