Lednice-Valtice

Lednice-Valtice, Czech Republic - Complete Travel Guide

The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, represents one of Europe's most remarkable examples of landscape architecture. This extraordinary cultural landscape spans 200 square kilometers in South Moravia and showcases the vision of the noble Liechtenstein family, who transformed the region into a romantic English-style park over several centuries. The area features two magnificent castles - the neo-Gothic Lednice Castle and the Baroque Valtice Castle - connected by a series of romantic follies, artificial lakes, and meticulously designed gardens. Today, this living museum offers visitors a unique blend of architectural splendor, natural beauty, and viticultural heritage. The region is not only famous for its castles and gardens but also as one of the Czech Republic's premier wine-producing areas, with numerous cellars and vineyards dotting the landscape. The combination of cultural monuments, pristine nature, and wine culture makes Lednice-Valtice an exceptional destination for those seeking both historical grandeur and authentic Czech experiences.

Top Lednice-Valtice

Lednice Castle and Gardens

Tour the impressive neo-Gothic Lednice Castle with its opulent interiors and climb the famous minaret for panoramic views. The surrounding English-style park features romantic walkways, artificial lakes, and exotic plant collections in the historic greenhouse. The castle's rooms showcase period furniture, paintings, and decorative arts spanning several centuries.

Booking Tip: Castle tours cost around 200-300 CZK for adults, with combination tickets available for multiple attractions. Book online in advance during peak season (May-September) and arrive early to avoid crowds. Choose the extended tour to access more rooms and learn about the Liechtenstein family history.

Valtice Castle and Wine Cellars

Discover the magnificent Baroque Valtice Castle, former seat of the Liechtenstein princes, featuring lavishly decorated halls and period furnishings. The castle houses the National Wine Centre, where you can sample premium Moravian wines and learn about local viticulture. The historic cellars beneath the castle offer wine tastings in atmospheric underground chambers.

Booking Tip: Castle admission is 150-250 CZK, while wine tastings range from 300-800 CZK depending on the selection. Book wine tastings in advance, especially on weekends. The best value is combination tickets that include both castle tour and wine tasting experiences.

Cycle Through the Cultural Landscape

Explore the UNESCO landscape on dedicated cycling paths that connect Lednice and Valtice through romantic parkland and vineyards. The flat terrain and well-marked routes make it perfect for leisurely cycling while discovering hidden follies, ponds, and architectural gems. The main cycle route covers about 20 kilometers and passes by most major attractions.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost 300-500 CZK per day from local shops or hotels. Spring through early autumn offers the best weather, with May-June ideal for blooming gardens. Rent early in the day during weekends and holidays when bikes are in high demand.

Take a Boat Trip on Zámecký Pond

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the castle pond (Zámecký rybník) near Lednice Castle, offering unique perspectives of the castle and its romantic landscape setting. The boat trips provide access to areas not visible from land and create perfect photo opportunities. During summer, the pond becomes a serene escape surrounded by ancient trees and water lilies.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost around 100-150 CZK per person and operate from April to October, weather permitting. No advance booking required - tickets available at the dock. Best times are early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Romantic Garden Follies

Hunt for the scattered architectural follies throughout the landscape, including the Temple of Diana, Rendez-vous hunting lodge, and various romantic ruins and monuments. These 18th and 19th-century structures were designed to create picturesque views and serve as destinations for romantic walks. Each folly tells a story of the Liechtenstein family's vision for their ideal landscape.

Booking Tip: Most follies are free to view externally, with some interiors accessible for 50-100 CZK. Use the official cultural landscape map available at visitor centers. Plan a full day to see multiple follies, and consider combining with cycling for efficient exploration.

Getting There

Lednice-Valtice is located in South Moravia near the Austrian border, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Prague and 60 kilometers from Brno. The most convenient approach is by car via the D2 highway from Brno (about 45 minutes) or by train to Břeclav station, followed by a local bus or taxi to either Lednice or Valtice. Direct buses run from Brno and other major Czech cities, with the journey taking about 1.5 hours. Austria is only 80 kilometers away, making it accessible for international visitors flying into Austria.

Getting Around

The compact area is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with well-maintained paths connecting all major attractions. Local buses run between Lednice and Valtice villages, but services are limited, especially on weekends. Many visitors rent bicycles, which can be picked up in either village and provide the most flexibility for exploring the scattered follies and landscape features. Horse-drawn carriages are available for romantic tours, while boat trips offer unique perspectives from the water. A car is helpful for reaching more distant follies and provides independence, though parking can be limited near popular attractions during peak season.

Where to Stay

Lednice village center

Valtice town center

Břeclav (larger town nearby)

Mikulov wine region

Countryside guesthouses

Austrian border towns

Food & Dining

The culinary scene focuses on traditional Moravian cuisine paired with excellent local wines, as this is one of the Czech Republic's premier wine regions. Family-run restaurants and wine bars (vinárny) serve hearty dishes like roasted duck, goulash, and regional specialties such as Moravian sparrow and wine soup. Many establishments are located in historic cellars, creating atmospheric dining experiences. The area is famous for its white wines, particularly Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Gewürztraminer, which pair beautifully with local cuisine. Several restaurants offer wine-pairing menus, and many local winemakers operate small restaurants or provide dining experiences in their cellars.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from late April through October when the gardens are in bloom and all attractions are fully operational. May and June offer the most spectacular garden displays with mild weather perfect for cycling and walking. Summer (July-August) brings warm weather ideal for boat trips and outdoor activities, though it's also the busiest period. September is excellent for wine harvest season, with special events and fresh wine tastings available. Winter visits are possible but many outdoor attractions close, and the focus shifts to castle interiors and cozy wine cellar experiences.

Insider Tips

Purchase the combined ticket for both castles and major attractions to save money and skip some queues - it's valid for multiple days

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography light and fewer crowds, especially at the iconic minaret and castle reflections

Download the official mobile app for detailed maps and audio guides in multiple languages, plus information about seasonal events and wine harvest festivals