Things to Do in South Moravian Region, Česko

The South Moravian Region (Jihomoravský kraj) is a captivating area in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-class wine production. Centered around the vibrant city of Brno, the country's second-largest city, this region seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern sophistication. The area is home to magnificent castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and some of Europe's most prestigious wine regions, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and cultural explorers. Beyond Brno's dynamic urban landscape, the South Moravian Region offers diverse experiences from the fairy-tale Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape to the historic town of Mikulov nestled among rolling vineyards. The region's strategic location has shaped its unique identity, influenced by Austrian, Hungarian, and Czech cultures throughout centuries. Visitors can explore underground cave systems, sample exceptional Moravian wines, discover architectural gems ranging from Gothic cathedrals to Bauhaus masterpieces, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local people who take pride in their regional traditions and culinary specialties.

Top Things to Do in South Moravian Region

Explore Brno's Historic Center and Villa Tugendhat

Discover Brno's medieval old town with its stunning Gothic cathedral and Renaissance town hall, then visit the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece of modern architecture. The villa represents one of the most important works of the Bauhaus movement and offers guided tours showcasing its innovative design and historical significance.

Booking Tip: Villa Tugendhat tours cost around 350-500 CZK and must be booked well in advance online as spots fill quickly. Visit Tuesday-Sunday, with English tours available on weekends. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season.

Wine Tasting in Moravian Wine Country

Experience the renowned Moravian wine region through cellar visits and tastings in picturesque towns like Mikulov, Valtice, and Znojmo. The region produces exceptional white wines including Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and unique local varieties, with many family-run wineries offering intimate tasting experiences in historic cellars.

Booking Tip: Wine tours range from 800-2000 CZK per person including tastings and transportation. Spring through fall offers the best weather, with harvest season (September-October) being particularly special. Look for tours that include multiple wineries and traditional Czech lunch.

Visit Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring two magnificent castles connected by a designed landscape of parks, gardens, and romantic follies. The Lednice Chateau showcases neo-Gothic architecture with stunning English-style gardens, while Valtice Chateau houses the National Wine Centre where you can taste the best Moravian wines.

Booking Tip: Castle entry fees are 150-250 CZK each, with combination tickets available for 400 CZK. Gardens are free to explore. Visit April-October for full access to grounds and boat trips on the castle pond. Audio guides available in English for 100 CZK.

Discover Špilberk Castle and Underground Brno

Tour the imposing Špilberk Castle, once a feared Habsburg prison, now housing the Brno City Museum with panoramic city views. Combine this with a journey through Brno's extensive underground network including the Ossuary, Europe's second-largest bone repository, and historic cellars beneath the old town.

Booking Tip: Castle admission is 120-180 CZK with student discounts available. Underground tours cost 80-150 CZK and run hourly. Best visited in morning or late afternoon for photography. Combined tickets offer savings when visiting multiple underground sites.

Explore Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves

Venture into the Moravian Karst, a protected landscape area featuring over 1,000 caves and gorges. The highlight is the Punkva Cave system with its underground boat ride on the Punkva River and the famous Macocha Abyss, a 138-meter deep sinkhole that can be viewed from observation platforms.

Booking Tip: Cave tours cost 180-320 CZK depending on route length. Book online in advance during summer months. Tours run year-round at constant 8°C, so bring warm clothing. Combined tickets with cable car to Macocha viewpoint available for 450 CZK.

Getting There

The South Moravian Region is easily accessible by various transportation methods. Brno, the regional capital, is well-connected by direct train services from Prague (2.5 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours), making it an excellent base for exploring the region. Brno-Tuřany Airport offers flights from several European cities, while Vienna International Airport (120km away) provides more international connections with direct bus transfers. The region's central European location makes it perfect for multi-country itineraries, with excellent highway connections to Austria, Slovakia, and other Czech regions.

Getting Around

Public transportation within the South Moravian Region is efficient and affordable. Brno has an excellent network of trams, buses, and trolleybuses with day passes costing around 110 CZK. Regional trains and buses connect major towns like Mikulov, Znojmo, and Blansko, with the KORDIS integrated transport system offering convenient ticketing across different operators. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring wine regions and countryside attractions, as it provides flexibility to visit multiple wineries and small villages. Many attractions offer free parking, and driving distances between major sites are typically under an hour.

Where to Stay

Brno City Center

Brno-Střed District

Mikulov Wine Region

Lednice-Valtice Area

Znojmo Historic Quarter

Moravian Karst Region

Food & Dining

South Moravian cuisine reflects the region's position at the crossroads of Central European cultures, featuring hearty Czech dishes alongside Austrian and Hungarian influences. Brno offers everything from traditional pubs serving svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce) and local Moravian sparrow to modern restaurants experimenting with regional ingredients. Don't miss trying local specialties like Znojmo gherkins, Moravian wine, and traditional pastries. The wine regions around Mikulov and Valtice feature excellent wine bars and restaurants that pair regional wines with local cuisine. Brno's farmers markets and food festivals showcase the region's agricultural bounty, while traditional wine cellars (sklepy) offer authentic dining experiences in historic underground settings.

When to Visit

The South Moravian Region is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when weather is pleasant and all attractions are fully operational. Late spring (May-June) offers mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sightseeing and wine cellar visits. Summer (July-August) brings warm weather perfect for outdoor activities, though it's also the busiest season. September and early October are exceptional for wine tourism, coinciding with harvest season when many wineries offer special events and fresh wine tastings. Winter visits can be charming with Christmas markets and cozy wine cellars, though some outdoor attractions have limited hours.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Brno City Card for free public transport and discounts on major attractions - it pays for itself after visiting just 2-3 sites

Many wine cellars in villages around Mikulov offer informal tastings if you simply knock and ask - locals are proud to share their wines with visitors

The best panoramic views of Brno are free from the gardens behind Špilberk Castle, especially beautiful at sunset with the cathedral spires silhouetted against the sky

Things to Do in South Moravian Region