Znojmo

Perched dramatically above the Dyje River on the Austrian border, Znojmo is famous for its Romanesque Rotunda decorated with 11th-century frescoes and its extensive medieval cellars (sklepy) carved into the limestone cliffs below the old town. The town combines historic appeal with scenic riverside walks and access to the Podyjí National Park.

Things to do

• St. Nicholas Rotunda — Marvel at this remarkable 11th-century Romanesque chapel featuring original frescoes depicting the life of St. Wenceslas and St. Stephen, carved dramatically into the cliff face above the Dyje River.
• Medieval Wine Cellars (Sklepy) Tour — Descend into the atmospheric limestone cellars beneath the old town where local wine merchants have stored their bottles for centuries in naturally cool, humid conditions.
• Dyje River Walks — Follow scenic hiking trails along the Dyje River gorge with dramatic cliff views and access to Podyjí National Park, perfect for half-day or full-day excursions.
• Znojmo Castle Ruins — Explore the remnants of this 10th-century fortress overlooking the town, offering panoramic views across the Dyje valley toward Austria and surrounding countryside.
• Podyjí National Park — Visit this protected nature reserve adjacent to Znojmo featuring pristine limestone gorges, diverse flora and fauna, and marked trails suitable for various difficulty levels.
• Town Hall and Old Town Square — Wander the Renaissance and Baroque architecture surrounding the main square, featuring the reconstructed town hall with its distinctive tower and surrounding historic buildings.

Food to try

• Znojmo Gherkins (Znojemské Okurky) — These small, sweet pickled gherkins are a protected regional specialty packed with dill, mustard seeds, and spices, traditionally produced in the area since the 19th century and available fresh or bottled.
• Moravian Wine — Sample local wines—particularly white varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling—from the Znojmo wine region, often enjoyed in the medieval cellars where they've been aged for generations.
• Tripe Soup (Dršťková Polévka) — This traditional Czech dish of slow-cooked beef tripe in a rich, paprika-spiced broth is a warming winter specialty found in local taverns and restaurants throughout the old town.
• Moravian Potato Pancakes (Brambořáky) — Crispy grated potato pancakes served with sour cream or mushroom sauce represent hearty Moravian comfort food, available in restaurants and local pubs near the town center.
• Fresh Trout from the Dyje River — Local restaurants feature grilled or pan-fried trout caught from the nearby river, often prepared simply with herbs and served with potatoes or vegetables.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Cellar Etiquette — When visiting the medieval wine cellars, maintain quiet respect for the cool, preserved environment and follow guide instructions carefully, as some passages are narrow and low-ceilinged.
• Plan Around River Conditions — The Dyje River can swell seasonally, affecting hiking trail accessibility and boat trips, so check local conditions before planning riverside activities, particularly in spring.
• Learn Border History — Znojmo sits directly on the Austrian border with deep Cold War significance; locals appreciate visitors who understand the town's geopolitical importance and the nearby fortifications and border crossings.
• Visit the Wine Cellars in Late Afternoon — Tours are less crowded and the lighting is more atmospheric in the late afternoon, and many local wine enthusiasts gather in cellars for tastings and conversation during early evening hours.

Nearby

• Podyjí National Park — 11 km
• Mikulov — 44 km
• Brno — 56 km
• Telč — 56 km