South Moravia Road Trip: Castles, Vineyards, Hidden Ruins and Wild Nature

South Moravia is often associated with wine cellars and sunny vineyards, but this region offers far more than most visitors expect. Within a relatively compact area, you can explore mysterious castle ruins, dramatic limestone caves, medieval Jewish quarters, hidden river valleys and fairytale chateaux surrounded by gardens and lakes. This circular road trip begins and ends in Brno and is designed as a logical route with minimal unnecessary driving.

Brno – A City of Legends Beneath the Surface

Start your journey in Brno, a city that often surprises travelers who expect only another Central

European regional capital. Beneath the streets lies one of Europe's strangest underground labyrinths, including ancient wine cellars, ossuaries and hidden tunnels. At the old town hall, locals will proudly

show you the legendary "Brno dragon" hanging from the ceiling — which is actually a crocodile that terrified medieval citizens centuries ago.

Do not miss the hilltop fortress of Špilberk, once one of the harshest prisons in the Habsburg Empire.

In contrast, the nearby functionalist Villa Tugendhat reveals another side of Brno: elegant modernism and interwar optimism.

From Brno, take the D1 motorway northwest toward Tišnov and continue approximately 40 km to one of Moravia's most impressive castles.

Pernštejn Castle – The Marble Fortress

Pernštejn Castle rises dramatically above forests and rocky hills. Unlike many Czech castles later transformed into luxurious baroque residences, Pernštejn retained its medieval character. Thick stone walls, hidden passages and steep defensive towers make it feel more like a fantasy fortress than a museum.

The castle was considered almost unconquerable. According to local legends, defenders could survive sieges thanks to secret water systems and hidden supplies deep within the rock. Film directors love the atmosphere here, and several historical movies and fairy tales were filmed inside its courtyards.

Continue southeast toward the Moravian Karst.

Moravian Karst – Underground Rivers and Bottomless Darkness

The Moravian Karst is one of the most fascinating natural areas in the Czech Republic. The landscape hides more than a thousand caves beneath the surface. The most famous is the Punkva Cave system, where visitors float silently on underground rivers through enormous cathedral-like chambers.

Nearby lies the Macocha Abyss, a gigantic sinkhole over 138 meters deep. For centuries, locals believed it was bottomless and connected to hell itself. Standing at the edge and looking into the dark forest growing far below is still an unforgettable experience.

From here, drive north along local roads to Boskovice.

Boskovice – A Forgotten World of Noble Families and Jewish History

Boskovice is one of South Moravia's hidden treasures. Few towns in Central Europe preserve so many historical layers in such a small area. Above the town stand the ruins of a medieval castle with panoramic views across the countryside. Just below it lies an elegant château, while the old Jewish quarter preserves narrow streets, ritual buildings and one of the best-preserved synagogues in the country.

Walking through Boskovice feels strangely authentic because it has avoided excessive tourism. Old stone stairways, quiet courtyards and small cafés create an atmosphere that feels frozen somewhere between the 18th and early 20th centuries.

Return southwest toward Brno and continue west along the E50 toward another remarkable castle.

Veveří Castle – Legends Above the Brno Reservoir

Veveří Castle stands above the Brno Reservoir and once guarded important medieval trade routes.

Despite its massive size, the castle feels surprisingly wild and remote because of the surrounding forests and water.

According to legend, Winston Churchill visited Veveří before World War II, while local stories speak of hidden treasure buried somewhere beneath the castle walls. During summer evenings, boats crossing the reservoir below create one of the most romantic atmospheres in the region.

From here, follow the E461 south toward Dolní Kounice.

Rosa Coeli – The Beautiful Ruin

The ruined monastery of Rosa Coeli looks almost unreal. Roofless Gothic arches open directly toward the sky, while ivy climbs slowly across centuries-old stone walls. Unlike fully reconstructed monuments, Rosa Coeli still feels mysterious and abandoned.

Legends say the monastery declined after scandals involving undisciplined monks, although historians debate how much of the story is true. Regardless, the atmosphere here is magical, especially during late afternoon light.

Continue southwest toward Znojmo and the nearby national park.

Znojmo and Podyjí National Park – Wild River Valleys and Medieval Wine Cellars

Znojmo is one of the oldest towns in Moravia, yet international tourists often skip it entirely. That is a mistake. Beneath the historic center stretches a vast network of medieval tunnels originally used for defense, storage and survival during sieges.

South of town lies Podyjí National Park, one of the Czech Republic's most untouched natural areas.

Deep river valleys, forests and rocky viewpoints create scenery that feels closer to Austria's alpine borderlands than to the flat vineyards people usually imagine when hearing "South Moravia."

A short drive west brings you to Vranov Reservoir.

Vranov Reservoir – Czechia's Hidden Mediterranean Corner

Surrounded by steep forested hills, Vranov Reservoir has a surprisingly southern atmosphere during summer. Small beaches, boats and warm weather make it popular with locals, but it still remains relatively unknown internationally.

Nearby Vranov Castle dramatically overlooks the water from high cliffs, especially beautiful during sunset.

Now begin the eastern section of the route by following roads through wine country toward Mikulov and Pálava.

Mikulov, Pálava and Lednice – White Limestone Hills and Fairytale Landscapes

Mikulov is one of the most photogenic towns in the country. Jewish history, baroque architecture and vineyards combine beneath a massive château rising above the town center. From the Holy Hill viewpoint, the white limestone ridges of the Pálava Protected Landscape Area stretch across the horizon.

Pálava itself feels almost Mediterranean. Rare plants grow here thanks to the unusually warm climate, and ancient ruins hidden among the hills remind visitors that Romans once passed through this landscape nearly two thousand years ago.

Nearby Lednice Castle offers a completely different atmosphere. Built by the Liechtenstein family, the château resembles an English neo-Gothic fantasy. The surrounding park contains hidden temples, artificial ruins and quiet lakes where boats glide through tree-lined canals.

Continue northeast toward Milotice Castle.

Milotice, Bučovice and Bošovice – Baroque Elegance and Unexpected Surprises

Milotice Castle is often called the "pearl of Moravian baroque." Unlike many overcrowded tourist sites, the gardens here remain peaceful and intimate.

Further north, Bučovice Castle hides one of the Czech Republic's most unusual Renaissance courtyards, decorated with bizarre stone creatures and symbolic carvings.

Finally, families can stop at Parrot Zoo Bošovice, where colorful parrots from around the world create a surprisingly exotic ending to the journey.

From Bošovice, return west to Brno, completing one of the most diverse and rewarding road trips in the Czech Republic.