Kyjov
A charming small town famous for its beautifully painted houses with traditional Moravian folk motifs and its wine-making heritage. The colorful facades and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most photogenic towns in the region.
Things to do
- Stroll the Town Square — Walk through náměstí Míru, the heart of Kyjov, surrounded by iconic painted houses with bright Moravian folk patterns and local cafés.
- Visit the Painted Houses — Admire the distinctive pastel-colored facades decorated with traditional folk motifs on buildings throughout the old town, particularly along Husova and Purkyňova streets.
- Kyjov Wine Festival — If visiting in autumn, experience the town's famous Vinobraní wine festival celebrating the local wine-making tradition with tastings, food, and folk performances.
- Climb the Church of St. John of Nepomuk — Tour this prominent Baroque church overlooking the town square and climb its tower for panoramic views of Kyjov's colorful rooftops.
- Local Wine Cellars Tour — Visit traditional wine cellars in the surrounding vineyards where local winemakers produce and age their wines in historic subterranean storage.
- Folk Art Museum — Explore exhibits of traditional Moravian folk costumes, ceramics, and decorative arts that inform the town's painted house aesthetic.
Food to try
- Local Moravian Wine — Sample white wines, particularly Veltlín and Müller-Thurgau varieties, produced from vineyards surrounding Kyjov in the Moravian wine region.
- Trdelník — Taste this traditional Moravian pastry—a spiral of dough baked on a spit, topped with walnuts and sugar, often served warm with hot chocolate or wine.
- Moravian Goulash — Enjoy hearty beef goulash seasoned with paprika, a regional specialty served with dark bread or potato dumplings.
- Kyjovské parenice — Try these local sweet pastry rolls filled with walnuts or cheese, reflecting traditional Moravian dessert heritage.
- Fresh Trout from Local Ponds — Order grilled or smoked trout, sourced from the region's pond farms and prepared in traditional local style.
Local customs & good to know
- Photograph Early Morning — Visit the painted houses at dawn or golden hour when light enhances the folk motifs and colors, and fewer tourists are present.
- Learn About Moravian Traditions — Respect the folk heritage that inspired Kyjov's distinctive aesthetics; locals take pride in preserving these traditions through annual festivals and house maintenance.
- Wine Culture Etiquette — When visiting wine cellars, expect informal hospitality; locals often offer tastes generously, so be prepared to reciprocate with genuine interest and modest purchases.
- Slow Pace of Life — Kyjov is a relaxed, small-town environment where locals prefer leisurely conversations over rushed tourism; allow extra time to chat with café owners and shop vendors.
Nearby
- Uherské Hradiště (East Moravia) — 7 km
- Buchlov Castle (South Moravia) — 9 km
- Luhačovice (East Moravia) — 9 km
- Zlín (East Moravia) — 25 km