Travel Tips

Vranov nad Dyjí and Vranov Dam are a traditional and very popular recreational area in the western part of the Znojmo District. The Valley Dam, traditionally called "Moravian Adriatic", belongs to the warmest dams in the country. The dam offers many places to swim and grassy or sandy beaches.

Historical Monuments in Vranov nad Dyjí

The tourist attractiveness of the area is boosted by the considerable number of historical monuments and buildings. These include a medieval defensive chain of castles stretching along the Thaya River. There are also Vranov Chateau, ruins of Cornštejn Castle, Bítov Castle, or Hardegg Castle in nearby Austria. Other historical monuments in Vranov nad Dyjí: Clary's Cross, Felicia's Spring, Mniszek's Cross, obelisk above ice grotto, Braitava Lusthaus, interwar pillbox fortification, Chapel of Virgin Mary Protector, Chapel of St. Andrew, etc.

The nearby historic royal town of Znojmo offers a tour of its underground, Premonstrate monastery in Louka, Rotunda of St. Catherine Znojmo Castle, Town Hall Tower, South Moravian Museum, gallery, Art House, religious monuments, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. Znojmo grape harvest takes place in September.

Bike Touring and Hiking in Podyjí National Park

Ruins of Nový Hrádek and Kaja Castles, Hardegg Castle, beautiful vistas – King's Throne, Seasfield's Stone, Hardegg Lookout, Šobes Vineyard. Remnants of the Iron Curtain in Čížov. With a little step on the pedals, you'll enjoy the exceptional curves of the Thaya River and discover its picturesque sceneries. We will recommend you suitable bike and hiking trails – current biking and tourist maps of the region available.

Travel Tips

Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau

This Baroque chateau acquired its present look during a renovation in the late 17th century. The chief architect was the world famous Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, who designed the Hall of Ancestors, one of the most interesting places of the entire chateau. In addition to tours of the chateau interior, visitors can also visit the chapel. It served for the filming of xXx and Czech fairy tale films Nesmrtelná teta or Andělská tvář.

Clary´s Cross

Clary's Cross is a popular vantage point for both locals and visitors of Vranov nad Dyjí. It is situated on a forest spur across from the dam. The cross was built by the former owner of Vranov estate Stanislav Mniszek in memory of his friend Karel Clary.

Bítov Castle

Bítov Castle is one of the oldest Czech castles and is exceptional for its location – it towers on a promontory surrounded by the Želetavka River from three sides. Bítov Castle is famous for its largest collection of stuffed dogs in Europe. Castle visitors can also look forward for seeing Baron Haas's zoo. This place also served for the filming of Czech fairy tale movies – Tajemství staré bambitky and Sen o krásné panně.

Ruins of Cornštejn Castle

The romantic ruins remind the castle from the first half of the 14th century situated on a hilltop surrounded by the Thaya River. Cornštejn Castle once served as a fortress (it was conquered in 1465). Today, visitors can see remnants of its walls and cellars and enjoy the spectacular views of the area. The ruins served for the filming of Czech fairy tale movies Nebojsa and Císař a tambor.

Vranov Fortress Museum

Between 1935 and 1938, a protective belt of bunkers was built in Vranov nad Dyjí, 19 of which have survived until today. This narrow strip of reinforced concrete buildings stretches from the castle to the dam. Bunkers are freely accessible and the three of them located near the chateau offer a display of contemporary equipment.

Rumburak Bítov Lookout

The first lookout tower in Znojmo of 30 m is the highest and mightiest of lookout towers in South Moravia. From the lookout gallery, which is at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, you can see the castles Bítov and Cornštejn and a part of the Vranov Dam – and in good weather even the Alps. There is also a restaurant right at the lookout tower.

Podyjí National Park

The national park offers numerous interesting biking and hiking trails. Wonderful vistas, mysterious ruins, as well as natural rarities – all this make its visitors came back again and again. The Podyjí National Park is located in several protected zones.

Hardegg Lookout

The lookout is located on the Czech-Austrian border and offers spectacular views of the Austrian town and castle of Hardegg. The lookout also overlooks the meanders of the Thaya River. It can be accessed on foot or by bike – any motorized vehicles are prohibited!

King´s Throne

This vantage point on the edge of the Podyjí National Park is a place frequently visited by many people. It can be reached via a long forest road at the end of which there is a picturesque image of the meandering Thaya River. There is a wooden gazebo on the top of the rock.

Nový hrádek

The ruins of Nový Hrádek Castle lie in the very heart of the national park. It is exceptional in that it is a double castle – a pair of castles. When the older castle complex became inadequate, a new one was constructed right next to it. The fact that both of the castles were preserved is a rarity.

Čížov – Iron Curtain

The village of Čížov is the seat of the Podyjí National Park with many trails starting from there. During the Communist era in the Czech Republic, the so-called Iron Curtain ran along the village, mostly including engineering barriers. They still stand in Čížov as a memory of the past regime. At the end of the village, there is the Visitors Centre of the Podyjí National Park.

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