Some visitors prefer carriage rides, others sightseeing cruises or walking or cycling along the extensive network of marked trails. Water sports fans, surfers and yachtsmen should head to the Pálava area and the Nové Mlýny Reservoir. If you’re into more challenging hiking, why not climb the steep slopes of the Pálava area and get a bird’s eye view of the Lednice-Valtice park. From here you’ll also get a good view of the sun-kissed vineyards of South Moravia, the pretty town of Mikulov and the unusual minaret viewing tower in the park behind Lednice Chateau. And as you are in wine-producing country, it would be a sin not to call in at one of the local vintners or wine cellars.
Lednice Chateau – This noble mansion was given an English mock Tudor style makeover by the Liechtenstein family, who used it as their residence. In addition to the grand interiors and private rooms you can also visit a manmade dripstone cave where there’s a ghost-themed exhibition, and the
Malawi Aquarium in the Baroque stables. The chateau is surrounded by a set of gardens with a period
glasshouse and an English park featuring a
Minaret folly. Nearby are the artificial ruins of
Janohrad Castle.
Apollo’s Temple near Lednice – This temple dedicated to the sun god and standing above the Mlýnský Lake dates from 1817 and is the work of architect J. Kornhäusel. In the centre of the terrace supported by Doric columns there is a semicircular recess containing a relief depicting Apollo riding a sun chariot.
Lednice Spa – This modern rehabilitation facility provides a comprehensive range of services, and utilizes the effects of natural iodine- and bromide-rich mineral water. This has a beneficial effect on the muscular-skeletal and circulatory systems, neurological diseases, gynaecological ailments and burns.
Mikulov – This town has a Baroque
chateau, proud townhouses, valuable
Jewish sites and the Church of St Anna, one of the oldest Loreta chapels in the Czech lands (1623), which was converted into a
mausoleum for the Dietrichstein family. A Way of the Cross leads from the town to the top of Holy Hill where you’ll find the Church of St Sebastian.
Pálava– This protected area is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The huge limestone ridge, with numerous species of warmth-loving plants and animals, the ruins of three medieval castles and a special trail, is also known as a superb wine producing area.
