Znojmo Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit and Explore

As we are on a mission to explore lesser-known towns that aren’t overrun with selfie sticks, we recently spent two days exploring Znojmo, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots in South Moravia. This charming historic town is full of character, featuring medieval streets, underground tunnels, scenic viewpoints, and lush vineyards. Most of the top things to do in Znojmo are free, and even the paid attractions, like the Znojmo Castle or underground tours, are surprisingly budget-friendly. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend or a day trip to Znojmo, this guide covers what we think are the must-see sights, best waddles, and most unique experiences. Here’s our list of what to see in Znojmo, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful Czech town without spending a fortune. Stick till the end, where you will find our favorite viewpoints.

13 Top Things to See and Do in Znojmo

1. Waddle Through The Medieval Streets of Znojmo

Wandering through the winding streets of Znojmo feels like stepping into a forgotten chapter of European history, one still alive with cobblestones, crumbling ramparts, and timeworn facades. The town dates back over 800 years, officially founded in 1226, though its roots stretch even deeper into Moravian prehistory. The town unfolds like a tapestry of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, anchored by two charming main squares: Masaryk Square, lively and open, where locals sip coffee beneath 19th-century facades, and Horní náměstí (Upper Square), more intimate, where the Gothic Town Hall tower rises like a stone sentinel over the rooftops. Today, its Old Town remains remarkably intact, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and pastel-colored buildings that spill down a hilltop overlooking the Dyje River valley. You’ll pass hidden courtyards, weathered frescoes, and the occasional Gothic church that seems to emerge straight from a fairytale. What makes Znojmo so captivating isn’t just its age; it’s how effortlessly it balances the past with a laid-back, small-town charm. There are no crowds here, only echoes of history and the slow rhythm of everyday Czech life.

Znojmo, Czechia: What to Know Before You Go

2. Town Hall Tower

Rising 75 meters above the rooftops of Znojmo, the Town Hall Tower is the town’s most iconic landmark and one you can’t help but spot from nearly every corner of the old city. Built between 1445 and 1448, this slender Gothic spire was originally designed not just as a symbol of civic pride, but also as a lookout post to warn residents of approaching enemies or fires. Today, the tower welcomes curious travelers who climb its winding wooden staircase to reach a panoramic viewing gallery near the top. From there, Znojmo unfurls in every direction—red-tiled roofs, vineyard-draped hills, and on clear days, even the distant Austrian border. It’s a rare example of late medieval architecture that has survived both wars and modernization, offering a glimpse into Znojmo’s storied past while rewarding you with one of the best views in South Moravia.

3. Explore Podyjí National Park

Just minutes from the heart of Znojmo, Podyjí National Park unfurls like a living tapestry of forested hills, vineyard-lined ridges, and dramatic river valleys. It’s the smallest national park in the Czech Republic, covering just 63 square kilometers, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in ecological richness and untouched beauty. As you follow the trails that wind along the deep Dyje River canyon, you’re treated to sweeping views, centuries-old oak trees, and quiet encounters with wildlife. Rare butterflies, golden eagles, and even wildcats call this park home. One of the park’s most captivating viewpoints, Sealsfield Stone, offers a cinematic panorama that feels lifted from a postcard. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply savoring the stillness, Podyjí is where nature lovers can truly unplug, yet remain just a stone’s throw from Znojmo’s historic center.

4. Znojmo Reservoir

Just outside the historic center, the Znojmo Reservoir offers a refreshing contrast to the cobbled streets and ancient fortifications of the town. Spanning nearly 120 hectares, this shimmering body of water was created in the 1960s as part of a hydroelectric project designed to regulate the Dyje River and prevent seasonal flooding. Today, it’s a beloved local escape. With its forested banks, quiet coves, and sweeping views of the Znojmo Castle silhouetted against the skyline, the reservoir feels like a hidden retreat. Paddleboarding, swimming, and sunbathing are all fair game here, and in the warmer months, the area buzzes gently with picnickers and cyclists tracing the scenic trails. It’s one of those rare places where nature, history, and leisure meet effortlessly, and it’s still completely free to enjoy.

5. Check Out the Znojmo Railroad Bridge

Rising dramatically above the Dyje River valley, the Znojmo Railroad Bridge is an engineering feat and a symbol of the town’s quiet grandeur. Completed in 1871, this towering stone viaduct stretches over 220 meters in length and stands at an impressive 48 meters high, making it one of the tallest railway bridges in the Czech Republic. Originally built to connect Vienna and southern Moravia by rail, the bridge continues to serve trains to this day, blending 19th-century craftsmanship with modern utility. As you waddle beneath it or catch a view from the nearby trails of Podyjí National Park, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe.

6. Visit the Rotunda and Castle of Znojmo

Climbing the hill to the Rotunda of St. Catherine feels like entering a hidden chamber of Czech history. This 11th-century Romanesque chapel, once part of a royal Přemyslid stronghold, is home to some of the oldest frescoes in the country. Painted in 1134, the murals intertwine biblical stories with portraits of early Czech rulers, including the mythical Přemysl the Ploughman. Next door, don’t miss the Znojmo Castle that unfolds along a rocky cliff above the Thaya River. Originally a wooden fort, it evolved into a Baroque residence and now houses the South Moravian Museum. From its grounds, sweeping vineyards, river valleys, and red-tiled rooftops stretch out in every direction. Want more details before you visit? Read about our waddle in the Znojmo Castle Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting.

7. St. Nicholas’ Deanery Church & St. Wenceslas Chapel

St. Nicholas’ Deanery Church is one of Znojmo’s most iconic landmarks. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture that anchors the historic heart of the town. With its steeply pitched roof, pointed arches, and centuries-old stonework, the church feels like a portal into the medieval soul of South Moravia. Step inside, and the hush of history is immediate. The lofty nave, filled with soft, filtered light, invites quiet reflection, while the intricate interior details speak to a deep spiritual and cultural heritage. Built in the 14th century, the church once stood as part of a fortified royal complex and has withstood centuries of upheaval and transformation.

Adjacent to it is the exquisite St. Wenceslas Chapel, a lesser-known treasure said to be inspired by its namesake in Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral. From the terrace just outside, you are treated to sweeping views over Znojmo’s red rooftops and the rolling vineyards of the Dyje River valley. We recommend the waddle.

8. Explore Karolininy Sady

You can find this treasure just below Znojmo’s old town walls. Karolininy sady unfolds like a secret garden waiting to be discovered. Named after Caroline Augusta (1792–1873), Empress of Austria and Queen of Bohemia, this garden honors a remarkable woman whose legacy stretched from Vienna to Znojmo. Born a Bavarian princess, Caroline married Emperor Francis I after his third widowhood, and though they had no children together, she became a beloved stepmother to his royal heirs. The imperial couple visited Znojmo in 1833, and her name endures here, not only in this serene green space, but also in Prague’s Karlín district and Brno’s now-renamed Francis Park. After the Napoleonic Wars, local citizens infused with the spirit of Viennese Biedermeier transformed the steep slope below St. Nicholas’s Church into a landscaped haven. In 1824, the city wall was opened and a Classicist gate erected, making way for a serpentine path that wound down through terraced vineyards, past blooming bushes and trees, all the way to the Dyje River. Music once drifted from Hillitzer’s gazebo, and Sundays saw locals promenade beneath the city walls, soaking in the views and atmosphere. The opposite vineyard hillside, known as the “Paradise Garden,” was recently restored, echoing the past in lush green form. Today, Karolininy sady invites you to do the same, wander, reflect, and take in Znojmo’s poetic blend of history and nature. It’s a peaceful, panoramic stroll, completely free to enjoy, and a quiet reminder that this wine town has long been a crossroads of culture, royalty, and the rhythms of the land.

9. The Dog Tower

The Dog Tower (Psí věž) is one of the city’s most intriguing landmarks, steeped in legend, layered in history, and impossible to ignore. Standing at 48 meters tall, this late Gothic tower once formed part of Znojmo’s fortified city walls, serving both as a watchtower and a belfry. Its curious name comes from the fact that guard dogs were once kept here, trained to patrol the ramparts and alert the town of any approaching danger. Today, the tower no longer echoes with barks but offers something just as thrilling: a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, the Dyje River, and the red-tiled sprawl of the medieval town below.

10. The Wolf Tower

The Wolf Tower (Vlkova věž) stands as a majestic 22–25 m‑high Gothic fortress that once guarded the vital Vienna (Lower) Gate as part of the city’s medieval wall system. Constructed in the mid-13th century under Přemysl Otakar II, its name, “Wolf Tower,” likely stems from its position near the “wolf” emblem of the Lower Gate, symbolizing fierce protection. Today, visitors ascend the tower via the wall’s elevated gallery, just as its original guardians did, to enjoy sweeping panoramas of Znojmo’s pastel rooftops, river gorge, and surrounding vineyards. Once a sentinel of medieval defense, complete with signaling links to the Loucký Monastery garrison, the tower now charms guests with interpretive arrows pointing out notable sights and even offers wine tasting on its upper terrace. For a deeper dive into the Wolf Tower’s history and how you can waddle up, check out our thoughtful post on Znojmo’s Wolf Tower.

11. Znojmo Northern Access Path

This entry path we found by accident, but it felt like a secret. You can find it behind old stone walls and vineyards. It’s like a portal to the past. While most people arrive through one of the town’s three main roads, this lesser-known route reveals itself only to those willing to wander. It’s next to the Jesuit Square, and it served as a medieval entryway. Today it’s a scenic detour. There’s a kind of magic here, where history breathes through the landscape, and each step pulls you deeper into the soul of the town. You can see the Fat Tower from here.

12. St. Michael’s Church & Chapel

A short waddle from the main square and next to the entryway mentioned above, St. Michael’s Church (Kostel svatého Michala) is one of Znojmo’s quiet masterpieces, easily missed, yet utterly captivating. This elegant Baroque church, with its distinct twin towers and soft cream facade, rises gracefully above the rooftops, offering a moment of serenity amid the city’s medieval energy. Step inside and you’re greeted by delicate frescoes, ornate altars, and a sense of stillness that feels almost sacred. Built on the site of a much older Gothic church, St. Michael’s has long been a spiritual anchor for locals. What many don’t know is that it’s slightly tilted as a result of being built on uneven terrain.

13. The Znojmo Underground

This is a must when you’re in Znojmo. Beneath the historic streets of Znojmo lies a hidden world few expect, a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels that twists and turns for over 27 kilometers under the Old Town. The Znojmo Underground is one of the most fascinating and eerie attractions in the region, offering a rare glimpse into medieval urban engineering. Originally carved out in the 14th century as a refuge during times of war, the tunnels served as escape routes, storage for food and wine, and even secret meeting spaces. Today, guided tours lead you through narrow stone corridors and atmospheric chambers, some of which are enhanced with light and sound effects that bring the past to life. It’s cool, mysterious, and surprisingly budget-friendly, making it perfect for those who love a bit of adventure. Check out our detailed guide and waddle of Znojmo Underground Tunnels: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit.

Znojmo is full of breathtaking views, but these are our absolute favorite spots to take it all in, from hilltop churches and castle walls to quiet corners overlooking vineyards and river valleys.

1. Viewpoint to Znojmo Castle (48.856883272, 16.044696942)

Vyhlídka na Znojemský hrad offers a stunning panoramic view of Znojmo Castle framed by the dramatic cliffs and the winding Dyje River below, perfect for a quiet pause or a memorable photo.

2. Viewpoint to the Water Reservoir (48.85516° N, 16.04203° E)

The Viewpoint to the Water Reservoir offers a peaceful, panoramic look over the shimmering surface of Znojmo’s dam, perfect for a quiet moment away from the crowds.

3. Viewpoint of the vineyards and Railway Bridge (48.85458° N, 16.04394° E)

One of the most scenic viewpoints in Znojmo overlooks the sweeping vineyards and the striking arch of the historic Railway Bridge, perfectly framing the Dyje River below.

4. Castle Garden Viewpoint (48.85526° N, 16.04275° E)

The Castle Garden Viewpoint offers one of the most iconic panoramas in Znojmo, with sweeping views of the Dyje River and vineyards.

5. Chapel of St. Václav Viewpoint (48.85451° N, 16.04538° E)

The narrow balcony of the Chapel of St. Václav Viewpoint hugs the late-Gothic chapel beside St Nicholas Church and rewards climbers with sweeping views over Znojmo Castle, the town brewery, and the wild Dyje River valley.

Znojmo Castle Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

6. Viewpoint at Karolininy sady (48.85413° N, 16.04566° E)

The Karoliny Sady Viewpoint offers a serene escape framed by leafy gardens, where you can gaze across the city rooftops to the gentle curves of the Dyje River and the rolling South Moravian vineyards beyond.

7. Wolf’s Tower Viewpoint (48.85357° N, 16.05129° E)

The Wolf’s Tower Viewpoint perches atop the historic tower’s ramparts, offering a dramatic 360° vista of Znojmo’s red-tiled rooftops, winding Dyje River, and the lush vineyard-draped hills beyond.

Whether you’re wandering through ancient tunnels, sipping wine above the vineyards, or soaking in sunset views from the castle walls, Znojmo proves that unforgettable experiences don’t need to come with a high price tag. This charming town blends history, nature, and culture in a way that feels both authentic and refreshingly off the beaten path. We left feeling inspired, relaxed, and already planning our return. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly escape in South Moravia, Znojmo is a place that truly delivers.