Brno and Southern Moravia

Southern Moravia:

Without exaggeration, the Southern Moravia region represents the crossroads of Europe. Since time immemorial, routes travelling from east to west and from north to south have intersected here. The region remains attractive today with its position in the southeast corner of the Czech Republic, near the border with the European Union. In addition to historic sights and natural beauty, some protected by UNESCO, visitors are attracted by the cordiality and hospitality of its inhabitants, who are proud of living in Southern Moravia. Judge for yourself whether their pride is justified.

BRNO and the surrounding areas:

With a population of 380,000, Brno is the administrative capital as well as the commercial and social centre of the South Moravia Region. It is likewise the centre of exhibition and congress tourism; businessmen and visitors from around the globe regularly travel to the 50 or so international fairs held annually at the Brno Exhibition Grounds. As a city accustomed to welcoming foreign guests, Brno offers adequate infrastructure such as hotel capacity and accompanying tourism services, including numerous cultural, social and sports activities. Thanks to its location near the European capitals of Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, Brno also represents an excellent launching point for many sightseeing programmes, including the popular tours of the nearby wine-producing regions. The city also boasts fast connections to the Czech capital of Prague. Visitors can use Brno Tuřany International Airport and can also take advantage of Brno public transportation, taxi service, and car rentals. But the Brno region stands out for its perfect connections from the large town to attractive tourism destinations; due to the rich natural conditions, numerous forests, and the variability of the terrain the region is a highly popular location for rest and relaxation. The most popular tourist destinations in South Bohemia include the Austerlitz battlefield, where Emperor Napoleon commanded one of the most important battles of his career.

Trips to surrounding areas:

Pálava and the Lednice-Valtice area

This region of riparian forests, vineyards, and fertile fields in the southernmost tip of Moravia is famous for a rich history, folklore traditions, and numerous architectural landmarks. The warm and lowland character at the confluence of the Dyje and Morava rivers created a typical natural riparian community that today has the largest remaining riparian forest segment in the whole of Europe. Two local sites are even inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Lednice-Valtice cultural area and the Pálava Biosphere Reserve. The area has long been known for wine-making and the related Moravian Slovakia songs, folk costumes, dances, and folk crafts. These are part of traditional folk celebrations as well as everyday life in the region.

The Moravian Karst and the surrounding areas

Located north of Brno, this area is one of the most ecologically pure territories in the Czech Republic. The area boasts all the prerequisites for the development of tourism and recreation. The pleasant and healthy natural environment is ideal for stays and sport in open natural surroundings, including hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling, and horseback riding. In addition to natural beauty this region is endowed with a rich history and countless architectural landmarks. The Hornosvratecká Highlands extend into the western part of the region, Boskovická brázda stretches through the central area, and the Drahanská Highlands connect to the eastern portion of the territory. The Svitava River flows through the centre of the area, while the underground Punkva River courses its way through the territory of the Moravian Karst.

The Znojmo area and Podyjí

A region full of history, fertile vineyards, magical nature, and numerous historical landmarks. The eastern portion is located in sunny lowlands, while the western portion is composed of downs through which the Dyje, Želetavka, Jevišovka a Rokotná rivers have carved their beds. The centre of the region is the town of Znojmo, the second largest town in the South Moravia Region as well as the centre of this famous wine-making region. Adding to the area’s attractiveness is Podyjí, one of the four Czech national parks situated along the Dyje River. During the summer its Vranov Reservoir and other recreational bodies of water are highly popular with tourists. The region is also well-known for exceptional wine. Scores of connoisseurs are drawn each year, not only by the wide selection of wine tourism programmes, but by additional cultural and social events such as the Znojmo Harvest.

Moravian Slovakia

Located on the southeast tip of the Czech Republic on the border with Austria and Slovakia, the region of Moravian Slovakia is an area with a rich past documented by priceless archaeological finds, rare architectural landmarks of both spiritual and secular life, preserved folk architecture, and above all vibrant, living folklore and folk culture traditions. The natural border region is formed by the deep deciduous Ždánice Forest and the Chřiby mountain range on the north and the ridge of the White Carpathians to the south. The Morava River flows through a wide ravine in the area between Rohatce and Bzenecký Přívoz, creating a beautiful meandering river segment fringed with riparian forests. The Hodonín region is also a celebrated wine-making area.

Tourist information centre of Brno city:

Radnicka 8, Brno 602 00
tel: +420 542 211 090
e-mail: info@ticbrno.cz
www.ticbrno.cz

www.jizni-morava.cz, www.brno.cz, www.ticbrno.cz, www.bvv.cz, www.automotodrombrno.cz