Znojmo Travel Guide – What to See & Where to Stay

Living just a two-hour drive from the Czech border, I’ve been to the Czech Republic quite a few times already.

Besides visiting Prague twice, I’ve also been to Český Krumlov three times — but somehow, I’d never made it further east.

A real shame, because I recently discovered that the region of South Moravia has so much to offer! One of the best places to visit there is the charming town of Znojmo, sitting just across the border from Austria.

Famous for its wine region (a dream come true for a wine lover like me) and its beautiful medieval old town, Znojmo makes a fantastic getaway.

Together with my partner, I spent two full days exploring everything this lovely town has to offer. In this post, I’m sharing my insider tips, including the best places to visit, fun things to do, and my top pick for a place to stay.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

Top 10 Places to See & Things to Do in Znojmo

1. Znojmo Castle

Znojmo Castle is one of the town’s main highlights, perched high above the Dyje River and offering absolutely fantastic views over the town and surrounding vineyards.

The castle dates back to the 11th century and was an important stronghold in medieval times, guarding the southern border of the Czech lands.

Inside the main castle building, you’ll find a collection of historical furniture reflecting early modern life in the region. There’s also a gallery of Habsburg rulers and the Deblín Chapel, with its beautiful ceiling paintings.

The castle is open in the off-season only on weekends, while from May to September it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on Mondays.

The entrance fee depends on which exhibition you want to see. Exhibitions on the first floor cost CZK 100 (€4) for adults, while the second-floor exhibitions are CZK 70 (€2.80). There’s also a combined ticket for both floors, which costs CZK 150 (€6).

In front of the castle, there are benches where you can sit, relax, and fully soak in the stunning views – I absolutely loved this area!

2. Rotunda of St. Catherine

The Rotunda of St. Catherine is a tiny but interesting Romanesque chapel located right next to Znojmo Castle.

It’s mostly famous for its beautifully preserved medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Přemyslid rulers.

It follows the same opening times as the castle, and the entrance to the rotunda costs CZK 150 (€6). While you can explore the inside, photography isn’t allowed.

3. St. Nicholas Church

One of the most dominant buildings in Znojmo, and the one that really stands out when viewed from the castle, is St. Nicholas Church. Built in the Gothic style during the 14th century, the church later received Baroque renovations.

Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes, a grand altar, impressive stained-glass windows, and remains that are said to be Saint Bonifacius the Martyr, displayed in a glass coffin and elaborately dressed.

The pulpit in front of the altar is especially fascinating — its carvings resemble a world map, something I’ve never seen in a church before!

The church is still active today, it’s free to enter, and you can explore it daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

4. Town Hall Tower

INFO: The tower is currently closed for renovation but is expected to reopen soon.

The Town Hall Tower is one of Znojmo’s most iconic landmarks, rising above the main square. It was built between 1445 and 1448 and reaches a total height of 80 meters.

Over the centuries, the tower has been renovated and restored, and today it’s open to visitors.

Climbing to the top is well worth it — from up there, you get breathtaking panoramic views over Znojmo, the Dyje River, and the surrounding vineyards, making it one of the town’s must-see attractions.

The Town Hall Tower is usually open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the summer months, and from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the off-season.

Entrance costs CZK 50 (€2) for adults, and reduced admission is available for children aged 6–15, students, and seniors.

5. Znojmo Underground

Exploring the Znojmo Underground was definitely one of my absolute favorite experiences in the town!

This fascinating network of cellars and passageways stretches 27 kilometers beneath the historic center — some even believe it’s longer — and reaches up to four levels deep.

Built gradually over more than 400 years, starting in the 14th century, the Znojmo Underground served many purposes, from storage to defense and even escape routes during sieges.

Walking through the narrow corridors and vaulted chambers felt like stepping back in time, and the guide shared interesting stories about the town’s history along the way.

It was both daunting and unbelievable to imagine that people actually hid here for long periods, bringing food, supplies, and even live animals down into the underground to survive.

Tours of the Znojmo Underground are only possible with a guide, and there are several types available.

We joined the classic tour, which lasted about an hour and offered a great glimpse at the underground corridors and chambers. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can join one of the three adrenaline tours.

Exact opening times and entrance fees for each type of tour can be found on the Znojemská Beseda website.

6. South Moravian Museum

If you have some spare time during your stay in Znojmo, definitely visit the South Moravian Museum located in the beautiful Minorite Monastery.

The monastery itself dates back to the 13th century and is a real architectural gem with a courtyard and impressive vaulted ceilings.

Inside, the museum showcases a mix of archaeological, historical, and natural science exhibitions. You’ll find everything from fossils and prehistoric tools to artifacts from medieval Znojmo, as well as one of the largest collections of Oriental weapons in the Czech Republic.

The exhibitions are spread across several rooms and tell the story of the region in a fascinating way.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On weekends and public holidays, it’s open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

A ticket costs only CZK 70 (€2.80) for adults and CZK 50 (€2) for children, students, and seniors.

7. Enotéka

As a wine lover, this place was absolute heaven for me!

The Enotéka is a modern wine bar and tasting room located right next to the castle, dedicated entirely to the wines of the Znojmo region.

While you can order a variety of drinks from their menu, the highlight here is definitely the self-service wine tasting.

You can try more than 100 different wines from local wineries, ranging from dry to sweet and from whites to bold reds and refreshing rosés.

You simply get a rechargeable card at the counter, top it up with the amount you want, and then walk around choosing whichever wines catch your eye.

You’ll also receive a detailed list with all the wines, including their alcohol content, residual sugar, and which winery they come from.

Each wine has a number, so you just find it on the dispenser, insert your card, and choose whether you want a small tasting or a full glass — it’s as easy as that and really cool!

8. Masaryk Square & Wolf Tower

Masaryk Square is the lively heart of Znojmo and the perfect place to take a break between sightseeing stops. Lined with colorful historic houses, cafés, and shops, it’s where you really feel the charm of the town.

In the center, you’ll find the beautiful Holy Trinity Column, a Baroque monument that adds to the square’s picturesque look.

Right next to the square stands the Wolf Tower, one of the last remaining parts of Znojmo’s medieval fortifications. It once served as a lookout and defensive tower, keeping watch over the town and its surroundings.

Today, it’s an interesting historic spot — and it makes a fantastic photo stop, too!

At the base of the tower, you’ll find the Znojmo Wine Trail information center, a historical exhibition about the town’s fortifications, and a gallery with a viewpoint offering 360° views over Znojmo.

There’s also a wine tasting available, where you can sample a selection of local wines while enjoying the amazing panorama from the tower.

The Wolf Tower is only open from April to October. In April and October, it’s open on weekends, while from May to September it’s open Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

9. BALANCE coffee & wine

BALANCE coffee & wine quickly became our favorite spot for coffee in Znojmo — we went there three times during our stay!

It’s conveniently located right opposite our hotel, which made it super easy to pop in for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break. The coffee is really good, and on one visit, I tried the vegan brownie, which I can highly recommend.

It’s located right in the center, close to St. Nicholas Church, and has a relaxed vibe — the perfect little stop to recharge before heading back out to explore more of Znojmo.

10. Kraví Hora (Cow Hill)

Last but not least, head over to Kraví Hora, or Cow Hill, located on the other side of the Dyje River. It’s a perfect spot if you want a mix of nature and stunning views over Znojmo.

The hill is easy to reach on foot or by bike, and the walk up is pleasant, passing through vineyards and quiet green areas.

Crossing the Dyje River along the way, you’ll leave the town center behind in just a few minutes and find yourself surrounded by nature.

Once on the hill, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the town, the river below, and the surrounding South Moravian countryside.

Best Hotel in Znojmo: Stará Pekárna (Old Bakery)

If you’re looking for the most gorgeous place to stay in Znojmo, Stará Pekárna (Old Bakery) is my top recommendation.

Centrally located in the heart of the town, this boutique hotel is set in a historic building that has been evolving since the 13th century. As the name suggests, it once served as a bakery and over the centuries has incorporated different architectural styles.

From the moment you step into the stunning entrance hall, you can feel the charm and calmness of the place.

Every corner of the hotel has been lovingly renovated, with great care taken to preserve historic features like old wooden ceilings, murals on the walls, and other original details.

Stará Pekárna has eight individually furnished apartments, most with their own kitchen, and currently accommodates 25 guests, though the owners are working on adding more apartments.

There’s also an old cellar that can be used for special events.

Breakfast is served in the room where fresh bread was once baked in the preserved 350-year-old oven, and every dish is carefully prepared from a small, thoughtfully chosen menu.

Even vegan dishes weren’t a problem — on one morning I enjoyed a vegan shakshuka, and on the next I had a granola bowl with soy yoghurt.

It’s not for you if you prefer huge hotel chains and expansive breakfast buffets, but perfect if you enjoy quiet, personal experiences.

The combination of central location, historic charm, and small, thoughtful touches truly makes Stará Pekárna the best place to stay in Znojmo!

Final Tips For Visiting Znojmo

Getting There & Around

By car, Znojmo is just about an hour from Vienna, making it easily doable as a day trip — but I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully enjoy the town.

The center of Znojmo is small, so walking is the easiest way to explore it. You might want to rent a car or bike if you plan to visit the vineyards, Podyjí National Park, or nearby villages.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather, colorful vineyards, and local wine festivals. We visited at the beginning of October, which was perfect — not too hot, not too cold, and just right for sightseeing.

Just keep in mind that some sights, like Znojmo Castle and the Wolf Tower, may be closed on weekdays or even entirely in early spring and late autumn.

What to Pack & Wear

Bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and hills, and dress in layers to stay comfortable in changing weather, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area.

And make sure to have a camera or a good smartphone handy to capture the beautiful views of the town and vineyards.

Food, Drink & Local Tips

If you’re not visiting Enotéka, be sure to try Moravian wine elsewhere — most restaurants and bars include it on their menu.

And if wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry: Czech beer is excellent too. My boyfriend tried several and really enjoyed them!

Stop at cafés like BALANCE coffee & wine or explore small wine bars in the historic center, and check tourist information centers for seasonal events, wine tastings, and other insider tips around town.

This blog post was written in cooperation with VisitCzechia and is based on my personal experience.

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