Casino znojmo

There are enough epic things to do in Znojmo, Czechia, to make it an absolutely worthwhile stop while exploring South Moravia – or on the way from Austria, too.

A magical small town dating to the middle ages, Znojmo had a colorful history up until it became a communist industrial city for over 50 years. But in the last 10+ years, it’s done an incredible amount to restore its previous vibrancy, which was overwhelmingly apparent during my time there.

The cobblestone streets and vine-laden Romanesque houses give way to views of rolling hills covered in vineyards and forests. The town is bordered by a national park on one side and vineyard-dotted countryside on the other – and you can find viewpoints, hiking and biking trails, more wine, castles, hilltop chateaus, and even a super fun adventure park with tons of activities to do.

For the best things to do in Znojmo, including activities, places to eat and drink, and places to visit in the area, keep reading! But first some important questions:

Unmissable Things to Do in Znojmo

Here are the top things to do in Znojmo in the city center. Scroll down for everything to do in the region or check out my video too.

Explore the Charming City Center

The most important first thing to do in Znojmo is get lost in the beautiful streets of the city center, of course! It’s a small and manageable area with a main square that’s perfect to start your adventure – with the main road heading to Prague in one direction and Brno in the other.

Pop into some cafes as you wander the cobblestone streets past historic sites, museums, towers, and churches. Here are some of the stops you’ll want to make as you explore Znojmo:

Check out the Znojmo Castle

Sitting atop one of the hills of Znojmo is the current Znojmo Castle – positioned on the site of the previous P&#;emyslid castle from the 9th century.

The castle has some of the best views in Znojmo, especially for sunset. Check out the old brewery and also a small museum with information about South Moravian history inside the museum. Most of the castle was renovated in the 17th century, apart from the Rotunda of St Catherine.

Rotunda of St Catherine

The Rotunda of St Catherine is the only remaining part of the castle that dates back to the 11th century, making it the oldest structure in Znojmo!

Although they used to hold parties in the rotunda up until only a few centuries ago, they have since learned better! The rotunda is only open in perfect weather conditions, so visit on a sunny and non-humid day to experience the oldest part of Znojmo and see some historic paintings inside.

Learn History in the Znojmo Underground (Znojemské podzemí)

One of the most fascinating things to do in Znojmo is not obvious to the naked eye at all. When arriving in this city, one would never guess there are over 27 kilometers of maze-like underground tunnels beneath the city!

The tunnels began as underground cellars to keep meat and food fresh, but residents quickly discovered that the underground was the perfect place to hide during invasions of the city. Construction of the labyrinth them began! The people of Znojmo could hide underground and make it into a ghost town at the drop of a hat, even carrying out secret attacks on attackers from below.

Although it’s not exact, it is believed that the tunnels were started in the 13th and 14th centuries and completed in the 17th century, before they were briefly lost in history and rediscovered after WW2. There’s still a lot unknown about the underground – it’s one of the most mysterious things to do in Znojmo.

Climb the Town Hall Tower

You can’t miss the beautiful 15th-century clock tower on Znojmo’s other main street. This tower was also used in war, as a high vantage point to see enemies coming. Today, you can climb up over steps to (almost) the top of the tower to what is still one of the best vantage points around!

St Nicholas Church

The Church of St Nicholas is another unmissable attraction in Znojmo that is both beautiful and historic. This church is visible in most photos of Znojmo – its impressive architecture incorporates a few different styles, from the baroque pulpit to the Gothic temple. The correct church is from the ’s, and you can find the best view of it from the Castle or Enoteka.

Take the Tourist Train

For the easiest way to see the best of Znojmo, jump aboard the tourist train, which takes you around the best things to do in Znojmo in 90 minutes. You will receive some stories and history and won’t have to walk a single step if you don’t want to!

Try a Pickle (or Ten)

Znojmo somehow became one of the best places to eat/make pickles in all of Czechia. Rumor has it that a farmer was able to sprout Hungarian cucumbers here back in the s, and the rest is history! Now, there are multiple Znojmo-based pickle companies, and they are the most beloved snack in town.

Wineries to Visit Near Znojmo

South Moravia is a spectacular and lesser-known European wine region that, in my opinion, deserves more attention! The region is known mostly for different white wine varietals, such as Reisling and Sauvignon Blanc, but there’s some variety among wineries too.

If you are in the region in Autumn, make sure to try the fresh young wine, or bur&#;ak. This time is known as bur&#;ak season, and many wineries sell this sweet, low-alcohol drink by the bottle for very cheap!

Lahofer Winery

Lahofer Winery is a MUST-SEE of the things to do in Znojmo. The winery started in from nothing and now comprises over hectares.

One of the most impressive things about this winery is its incredible design. The winery itself was designed by a famous architecture firm, and was nominated for one of the 10 most beautiful new buildings in the world in !

Thaya Winery

Thaya is another spectacular winery just outside Znojmo. Thaya is comprised of beautiful and unique cellar-like hotel rooms, amazing gardens, a design-forward restaurant, and of course, a winery. You can tour the winery and try some of its fantastic products (I actually got a pinot noir here), but you can’t leave without trying the on-site restaurant!

The Thaya restaurant is simply fantastic. The food is elegant, with a beautiful space and great service too! Make sure to enjoy the view from the rooftop patio afterwards.

Louka Monastery

The Louka Monastery is a historic monastery just outside of town (and actually on the route of the tourist train). A lot of it is being repaired at the moment, but many people enjoy visiting this monastery to taste wine from Znovín winery here in a beautiful setting!

Where to Eat/Drink in Znojmo

Here is the Znojmo travel guide for food and drinks!

Sunset/ Wine at Enoteka

Enoteka is another must-visit in Znojmo. Not only is it an incredible wine bar located in the old castle, but it has over samples from over 30 wineries AND the best sunset view in Znojmo!

Simply grab a glass, load up a tasting card with some money, and taste away by inserting the card! You can choose between a small taste, a bigger taste, and a half or full glass of each wine. You can even sample some delicious local ice wine!

Znojemský m&#;stský pivovar (Znojmo City brewery)

If you didn’t get enough with the wine, there’s a fabulous brewery next to Enoteka, also within the old castle walls. The brewery had been there since and briefly moved production to Brno before an investor purchased it to make beer in Znojmo again. They say it’s not a proper Czech town without a brewery!

Expozice pivovarnictví is a museum inside the old brewery where you can learn about production through the ages.

Slepi&#;ák Restaurant

Slepi&#;ák is one of the best restaurants in Znojmo, with a varied menu of classic Czech dishes. The setting is pleasantly modern, and they also have a massive selection of wines to choose from with your meal.

&#;okoládovna Znojmo – LUI Chocolate Café

If you need a coffee before your Znojmo adventures, this is a great place to get it! The service is warm and welcoming to go, with good coffee and baked goods.

ReZtaurace

This restaurant is just behind the city brewery in the castle and is well-known in the city. It’s a classic brewpub with a bit of a retro vibe, with old black and white photos adorning the walls. The menu serves twists on Czech classics as well as local beer and wine.

Tusto Znojmo

Tusto is a trusted favorite Italian restaurant in Znojmo – great to visit as long as you have already tried plenty of local Czech food at the places above!

Things to Do Around Znojmo

Exploring the city and wineries is just the beginning of what to do in Znojmo! Here are some of the best places to visit around Znojmo, from the countryside to the national park.

Podyji National Park

There are only five national parks in the Czech Republic, and one of them borders Znojmo! The Podyji National Park actually begins with the Gránice Valley just below the Znojmo castle, and is fantastic for hiking, biking, and kayaking on the Dyje River.

Hike to Vyhlídka Dev&#;t mlýn&#; (The prospect of Nine Mills) Viewpoint and enjoy the view of one of the oldest vineyards in Europe, the Šobes vineyard.

Hnanice Cellar Street

Just outside the above hike in Podyji National Park is the tiny town of Hnanice, which is known for a cute cobblestone street completely full of wine cellars. They aren’t open every day, and I wasn’t so lucky when I went. But there are over a dozen beautiful old doors leading to historic cellars, so it’s an amazing sight to see whether any are open or not.

Vranov nad Dyji Chateau

Visiting the Chateau Vranov is truly one of the most fairytale-like things to do in Znojmo. This Baroque chateau is impressively perched atop a rocky cliff, standing sentinel above the Dyje River and Vranov Village.

The previous owners, the Althann family, had the Chateau built upon the site of an 11th-century medieval castle that burned down. It’s now state-owned, with tours running all year for history (and fairytale) buffs!

The entire chateau is set up as it would have been in Victorian times, and visitors can learn about how things looked and worked back then. The entire chateau is stunning, but the most spectacular part is the Great Hall (pictured above), covered in baroque paintings.

Leave Lock at Lover’s Viewpoint

Lover’s Viewpoint is the best viewpoint of the Chateau Vranov from across the valley – where you can truly grasp the architecture and splendor. Perhaps the fairytale-like view enamored lovers passing by, as there are now dozens of locks placed on the fence at the viewpoint. Will you add one of your own?

Vranov Reservoir Holiday Park (Vranovska Platz)

The Vranov Reservoir is MUCH more than a simple lake – it’s a super fun holiday park with tons going on! Rent kayaks, SUPs, and paddle boats from the holiday park and head out on the lake. Try the ropes course on-site, go paintballing, trampolining, water sliding, or play Zorb games.

If you’re truly adventurous, however, you can try the rope swing off the hanging bridge. I did it (and was the only one in our group to do it), and it was SO much fun!!! The holiday park also has a few restaurants and cafes on-site, as well as camping and tons of hotel rooms.

Visit Excalibur City

In the border city of Hat&#; about 15 minutes from Znojmo, you will find one of the most interesting places in Czechia – Excalibur City! Excalibur City is home to multiple casinos, massive theme parks, duty-free malls, and an awesome museum. When you pass by, you can’t miss the huge (fake) castle with a fire-breathing dragon, massive planet earth, and airplane bar.

Read more about Excalibur City in my article here.

Terra Technica Museum

The Terra Technica Time Travel Museum is one of my favorite and most fun museums in the world. The owners have the largest collection in the world of both juke boxes and pinball machines and have organized them by decade along with other memorabilia from through the ages. It is AWESOME.

Where to Stay in Znojmo

Here are some of the best places to stay in and around Znojmo.

Hotel Lahofer

We were hosted at Hotel Lahofer for our night in Znojmo city, and loved it! The hotel is situated around a central courtyard with comfortable, spacious rooms.

Jukebox Hotel

If you spend a night in Excalibur City, you HAVE to stay at the Jukebox Hotel. It’s definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Czechia! It has a retro jukebox theme, walls decorated in records, 50’s diner furniture, and rooms themed after different famous artists. Oh, and each room has a juke box!

Thaya Winery Rooms