From Wikitravel

Znojmo is a small (35,000 inhabitans) town in Moravia, Czech Republic. It's famous for its compact old town centre with oldest buildings dating back from 12th century, wine and nearby National Park Podyjí.

[edit] Understand

Though standing on a rock overlooking the River Dyje canyon, Znojmo region has always been predominantly agricultural (crops, wine, fruit, vegetables) with only light industry (ceramics, shoes, textile). It has a dry and warm climate, lying in a rather flat area 290 meters above the sea level, and having about 100 days with average temperature over 15°C. With Austria only 15 km away, Znojmo had a turbulent history especially due to clashes between local Germans and Czechs before and during the world wars, resulting in violent expulsion of the Germans after WWII.

[edit] Orientation

The center of Znojmo is roughly a circle which can be crossed in 15-20 minutes on foot and lies just north of the train, coach and bus stations. If needed, you will find the suburbs, quite easily accessible by bus or on foot, to the north and south of the center. For a map of Znojmo see [1].

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Nearest airports are in Brno (80 km away, but with only Ryanair running flights Brno-London, CSA Brno-Prague, Smart Wings Brno-Moscow and SmartWings Brno-Girona), Vienna (100 km), Bratislava and Prague (200km).

[edit] By bus

There are regular buses from Prague (bus station Florenc3-6 times a day, 200 CZK) and Brno (more frequently, 60 CZK).

[edit] By train

Trains are painfully slow and unsuitable for long distance travel to and from Znojmo. But they are reasonably priced (especially if you know what ticket to buy) and an interesting experience if you are into trains and train travel. They are also more convenient for families and cyclists. Find your train here. You'll probably have to change trains a few times though.

[edit] By car

There is no direct highway to Znojmo. From Prague use the highway to Brno, exit via Jihlava. From Brno use the motorway to Mikulov, exit behind Pohorelice.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Znojmo

There are 7 city lines (buses number 1 thru 7; 10 CZK per a ticket) plus a seasonal sightseeing train/bus (80 CZK/ticket). They are quite frequent and timely during rush hours, but can be a pain on weekends and after 7pm. Tickets are only available from the driver, so have the change (or your nerves) prepared. Or you can take a taxi. The fare within the town should not exceed 100 CZK. As in other parts of the Czech Republic it is advisable to discuss the price beforehand.

[edit] Around Znojmo

Local buses to villages are similar to the city ones as to frequency and availability of tickets. The best way to find out about the times is to check this site. Buses starting from Znojmo, M. Horákové depart from the stops opposite the railway station, those going from Znojmo, autobusové nádraží you will find about 200 m away from the station if you turn left (in the direction of The River Dyje).

[edit][add listing] See

• Znojmo Underground Passages is an intricate labyrinth of tunnels below the town centre. Throughout the history of Znojmo they served as storage space, hiding place from the enemy, and a garbage dump, but now you can take part in a 60-minute, one-km guided tour through this maze. Be sure to join a bigger group of foreigners or pick up a leaflet with information in your language from the reception, because tours are mostly conducted in Czech and foreigners have to form a group of at least 10 people to be able to have an English or German guided tour. Temperature 13°C. Slepičí trh 2 ([2]), Jul/Aug 9:00-17:00 every day, spring/fall 9:00-16:00 Mo-Sa. Admission 50/30 CZK.

• The rotunda of St. Catherine (Rotunda sv.Kateřiny) Built around the year 1037 by the Bohemian Prince Břetislav I as a large parochial church. Apparently in 1134 it was decorated with frescoes representing, besides biblical motives, the legend about the calling of Přemysl the Ploughman to the princely throne, and a picture gallery of the oldest Bohemian princes of the Přemyslide family. Open: April on weekends 9-17, May-September Tue-Sun 9-17, according to the climate! Admission: 90CZK

• Town hall tower The tower nearly 80 m high was built in the years 1447-1448 by the local builder Mikuláš of Sedlešovice. The gallery offers a view of the town and of the surroundings, even of the Austrian Alps. Admission 20/10 CZK

[edit][add listing] Do

• Outdoor swimming pool Louka - built in 2005, you will find three pools, three waterslides, a wading pool, 26°C water, lockers, play areas, playgrounds, a restaurant and a nice setting there. Melkusova 42 ([3]), http://www.plovarnalouka-znojmo.cz/, buses n.4,6, summer 10:00-20:00 every day, admission 60/50 all day, 50/30 after 2pm, 30/20 after 5pm.
• Znojemské kluziště - a small outdoor public ice rink next to the skatepark and the stadium on Sokolská street. Open 1pm-10pm provided the temperature is below +10 degrees Celsius.

[edit] Vinobraní

For two days a year Znojmo transforms into a combination of a medieval town (downtown) and a kitschy, loud and crowded funfair (uptown), all of which is called Vinobraní (Wine-harvest festival). Fortunately, these two are divided by the town walls and gates, so you can choose what you fancy. In the center you can enjoy the parade of people in traditional costumes, the king and queen and their retinue, traditional markets, shows and music, and especially local wine and its young, half-fermented companion - burčák. Fridays are more popular with the younger crowd because you can enjoy the blazing torches, fireworks and concerts at night (check the programme for the times) and indulge in burčák tasting till morning; Saturdays are usually quieter and less crowded. For burčák tasting bring your own glass (it's always better than the plastic ones you can get at every stall) and get 1 dcl (0.1 l) for about 10 CZK at each stall you like. For wine tasting, check the programme for Znovín Znojmo or Vinné sklepy Lechovice (wineries) and take part in their tasting training, where you sample a dozen of different wines and then try to guess two more blind samples. It's good fun.

Vinobraní takes place in the middle of September (f.e. 15-16th Sept 2006) and costs 100/120/180 CZK (Friday/Saturday/both days), 1 l of burčák is about 70 CZK, taxis double the fare. Usually there are about 30,000 visitors, so book accommodation well ahead if you intend to sleep in Znojmo or around. For more, have a look at this review of czech wine festivals, burčák and Vinobraní [4], photos [5].

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

• moravian wine - especially white is delicious

[edit] Wineries

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Mgr. Blanka Brookesova (B&B - Pension Grant Lux), Pasteurova 1, 66902 Znojmo (Just off the main Prague to Vienna road), ☎ +420 776 667 617, [6]. Příjemný pension v romantickém stylu, Vám nabízí komfortní ubytovací služby, včetně možnosti parkování + úschovy kol. Svou polohou ve středu města Znojma s úžasnými výhledy do údolí řeky Dyje, splní požadavky nejnáročnějších hostů. Pension disponuje pěti luxusními pokoji, (1x1+1, 1x2, 1x3, 1x2+1+1, 1x2+1+1+možnost přistýlky) v staroanglickém venkovském stylu, včetně masivního nábytku, luxusnich koupelen, které jsou vybaveny sprchovým masážním koutem s vaničkou, radiovým přijímačem, živým osvětlením, toaletou a umývadlem. Samozdřejmostí každé jednotky je taktéž lednička s minibarem, satelitní barevný televizní přijímač a možnost připojení k internetu. Těšíme se na Vaši návštěvu from 500CZK / person. (48°51'5.182N,16°3'1.596E) edit
• Pension Grant Lux, Pasteurova 1, 66902 Znojmo (Just off the main Prague - Vienna road 5 mins walk from the town center), ☎ +420 776 667617, [7]. This delightful guesthouse is fitted out in a romantic style and offers comfortable accomodation with parking and cycle storage facilities. Positioned in the center of the town just behind the old town walls the guesthouse offers exceptional views of the Dyje valley and National Park and will fulfill the wishes of the most demanding guests. The guesthouse offers 5 luxurious rooms (1 twin, 1 double, one triple, 1 four bedroom and 1 four bedroom with the possibilty of an extra bed). The rooms have very high quality solid wood furniture, luxury bathrooms with hydromassage showers c/w radio and lighting, radio/alarm, satellite tv, minibar, and wifi internet. We look forward to wishing you a pleasant stay FROM 500czk. (48°51'5.182N,16°3'1.596E) edit

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