The best known of these is the Dyje, which flows through the Podyjí National Park. The park has some stunning scenery and a dense network of hiking and cycling trails. The valley of the River Dyje is watched over by several huge castles and romantic chateaux, such as Bítov, Cornštejn, Nový Hrádek and Vranov nad Dyjí. In the summer months the place to be if you like tanning and water sports is the Vranov Reservoir;otherwise there are outdoor swimming pools at Únanov and Znojmo. Wine fans can set off on a journey of discovery around the area’s famous vineyards and wine cellars, or arrive in time to catch the annual Znojmo wine festival.
Rotunda of St Catherine in Znojmo – The city’s oldest attraction is located in the former Přemyslid dynasty castle. It is unique for its rows of Romanesque frescoes dating from the 12th century.
Underground Znojmo – One of the largest networks of underground passageways in central Europe, Znojmo’s underground cellars and tunnels are 27km long. At some points there are four storeys of passageways running beneath the town’s historical centre. The tour includes an exhibition with light and sound effects where you can see an alchemist’s workshop, luminous rock faces, bats, ogres, prison cells and various ghosts and ghouls.
Podyjí National Park – This park is strung out along the valley of the River Dyje. Good launch pads into the area are Znojmo, Vranov nad Dyjí and the village of Čížov where you’ll find a visitors centre with an exhibition on the park. The park is crisscrossed with a network of marked cycling and hiking trails, and you’ll also find several themed walks and shelters for when the weather turns bad.
Šobes Vineyard – This vineyard on the slopes of a rocky promontory in a bend of the River Dyje, is rated by experts as one of the top ten grape-growing locations in Europe. In summer you can taste the local wines here.
Chateau at Vranov nad Dyjí – This imposing Baroque pile, high upon a hill above a village of the same name, has a viewing terrace and gardens set on a steep slope. The most important parts of the chateau are the chapel and the oval Ancestors’ Hall.
