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Explore Moravia in Czechia for wine country, historic cities, limestone caves, castles, folk traditions and distinctive regional food.

Moravia occupies much of eastern Czechia, stretching from the rolling vineyards and limestone country of the south to the forested highlands, industrial valleys and mountain fringes of the north and east. It is a historic land rather than a single modern administrative unit, and its character is best understood through a sequence of distinct landscapes: the lively urban centre of Brno, the fertile South Moravian plain, the sacred and scholarly city of Olomouc, the wooded Moravian Karst and the craft-oriented towns of the east.
Read more about Moravia
Brno, Moravia's largest city, combines a compact historic centre with functionalist architecture, university life and a strong café, restaurant and cultural scene. Its castle on Špilberk and the cathedral of St Peter and Paul overlook a city shaped by medieval trade, Habsburg administration, industrial expansion and modern design. North of Brno, the Moravian Karst presents a very different experience, with limestone ravines, caves and woodland trails. The Macocha Abyss and the accessible cave systems are among the region's most distinctive natural sights.
South Moravia is the country's principal wine landscape. Around Mikulov, Znojmo, Velké Pavlovice and the wider Pálava area, vineyards cover warm hills and low ridges, while villages retain wine cellars, small chapels and distinctive vernacular houses. The Lednice–Valtice cultural landscape adds aristocratic avenues, ponds, parks and romantic structures to this agricultural setting. Travellers can combine cellar tastings and cycling with visits to historic towns such as Znojmo and Mikulov, whose castles, churches and viewpoints reflect centuries of borderland history.
Further north, Olomouc offers one of Central Europe's most rewarding historic centres, with an important cathedral, baroque fountains, university traditions and the Holy Trinity Column. Kroměříž is known for its archiepiscopal palace and gardens, while eastern Moravia preserves strong traditions of folk costume, music, woodcarving and glassmaking. The Baťa industrial legacy is especially visible in Zlín, whose planned architecture provides a striking contrast with the older towns and villages around it.
Moravian food is closely connected to its agricultural setting. Expect fruit brandies, regional wines, sauerkraut, dumplings, cakes, freshwater fish and hearty dishes shared with the wider Czech culinary tradition, alongside modern cooking in Brno and Olomouc. Walking, cycling, cave exploration, castle visits and wine tourism are particularly rewarding, but distances between subregions are substantial enough to justify changing bases rather than treating all Moravia as a day-trip area from one city.

When is the best time to visit Moravia?

Best: June–August · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January230
February230
March740
April1340
May1850
June (best)2160
July (best)2360
August (best)2360
September1950
October1440
November740
December230

Getting to and around Moravia

How to get there

Brno is Moravia's principal international gateway and is connected by road and rail with Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and other Central European cities; Brno–Tuřany Airport has a more limited and changeable network than the major airports outside the region. Prague Airport, Vienna Airport and Bratislava Airport are outside Moravia but can be practical gateways, particularly for international arrivals, with onward rail or road travel. Direct trains and coaches serve Brno, Olomouc, Zlín, Znojmo and other major towns, while the D1 motorway links Brno with Prague and the eastern part of Czechia.

Transportation

Rail is useful between Brno, Olomouc, Břeclav, Přerov, Znojmo and other principal towns, while regional buses extend into smaller communities. Public transport is comprehensive in Brno and generally practical in Olomouc, but rural vineyard districts, karst villages and scattered heritage sites are easier to explore by car or bicycle. Cycling is well suited to the flatter South Moravian wine country, although not every rural road has a dedicated cycle lane. Use marked paths in protected landscapes and check the final public transport connection when planning visits to caves, castles or small villages.

Top city travel guides in Moravia

The cities of Moravia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Moravia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Moravia

Moravia's attractions range from dense urban heritage to open landscapes shaped by farming, forestry and historic estates. Brno provides museums, galleries, theatres, the Špilberk complex and important examples of modernist architecture, while Olomouc combines baroque fountains, churches, university culture and the extensive grounds of its historic centre. In the south, the Lednice–Valtice cultural landscape brings palace interiors, parkland, ponds and avenues together with cycling routes through vineyard country. Mikulov and Znojmo offer castles, churches, viewpoints and wine traditions, while the Pálava hills and Podyjí National Park provide walking routes through limestone and river landscapes. The Moravian Karst is the region's principal natural attraction, with marked trails, gorges and cave systems including the Macocha area. Kroměříž adds palace gardens and ecclesiastical history, and Zlín presents a very different attraction: a carefully planned industrial city associated with the Baťa enterprise. Across eastern Moravia, open-air traditions, craft workshops and small museums reveal regional music, costume and manufacturing heritage without reducing local culture to folklore displays.

Best landmarks in Moravia

Brno's Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, dramatically positioned on Petrov hill, and Špilberk Castle form the city's most recognisable historic silhouette. Olomouc is marked by the Holy Trinity Column, an ornate eighteenth-century monument on the Upper Square, together with the cathedral of St Wenceslas and a group of baroque fountains. In southern Moravia, Mikulov Castle rises above the town and the Pálava hills, while Znojmo's castle precinct, Romanesque rotunda and elevated position above the Dyje valley express the area's long borderland history. The Lednice and Valtice palaces, set within their extensive designed landscape, are prominent reminders of aristocratic power and estate planning. The Macocha Abyss is Moravia's most striking natural landmark, a deep limestone collapse feature in the Moravian Karst. Kroměříž's palace and formal gardens provide an important ecclesiastical and aristocratic ensemble, while Zlín's regular brick-and-concrete factory architecture stands as a landmark of twentieth-century industrial modernism.

Explore Moravia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Moravia

Moravian dining combines the hearty cooking of Czechia with the produce of a fertile agricultural region and the wine culture of the south. Brno and Olomouc have the broadest choice of contemporary restaurants, cafés, bakeries and international cooking, while market towns and villages are more likely to centre on pubs, family restaurants and seasonal produce. Look for roast meats, dumplings, soups, cabbage dishes, freshwater fish, fruit-filled pastries and regional cakes, alongside cheeses and preserves from local producers. South Moravia is particularly associated with vineyards, young wine in the autumn season and small cellars where tastings may accompany simple cold plates. Slivovitz and other fruit brandies are part of the region's rural drinking tradition, but are often potent and should be approached cautiously. Farmers' markets and food festivals can offer fruit, honey, garlic, baked goods and local wines, although the selection varies by season and town.

Best bars in Moravia

Evening life in Moravia is concentrated in Brno, with its student population, cocktail bars, craft-beer venues, wine bars, live-music rooms and theatres. Olomouc also has a sizeable university audience and a compact selection of pubs, cafés and later-opening venues, though its atmosphere is generally smaller in scale. In Zlín, Znojmo, Mikulov and other regional towns, nightlife tends to revolve around restaurants, traditional pubs, wine bars, seasonal cultural programmes and occasional live music rather than a large club circuit. Rural South Moravia is well suited to an evening in a wine cellar or village pub, particularly during local celebrations, but arrangements and opening patterns vary. Respect cellar hosts and village residents, keep noise down when leaving late and do not assume that alcohol is the only way to participate in the region's evening culture.

Best nightclubs in Moravia

Evening life in Moravia is concentrated in Brno, with its student population, cocktail bars, craft-beer venues, wine bars, live-music rooms and theatres. Olomouc also has a sizeable university audience and a compact selection of pubs, cafés and later-opening venues, though its atmosphere is generally smaller in scale. In Zlín, Znojmo, Mikulov and other regional towns, nightlife tends to revolve around restaurants, traditional pubs, wine bars, seasonal cultural programmes and occasional live music rather than a large club circuit. Rural South Moravia is well suited to an evening in a wine cellar or village pub, particularly during local celebrations, but arrangements and opening patterns vary. Respect cellar hosts and village residents, keep noise down when leaving late and do not assume that alcohol is the only way to participate in the region's evening culture.

Best shops in Moravia

Shopping in Moravia is strongest in city centres and historic market towns rather than in a single region-wide retail district. Brno offers department stores, independent design shops, bookshops, galleries, food halls and contemporary craft businesses, while Olomouc combines established high-street retail with smaller shops around its historic squares. South Moravian towns are good places to buy bottled wine, grape products, fruit preserves, honey, regional spirits and locally made foods, especially through reputable cellars and farmers' markets. Mikulov, Znojmo and Kroměříž also have galleries, antiques and craft outlets, although stock and opening arrangements vary. In eastern Moravia, look for pottery, woodwork, textiles and products reflecting local craft traditions rather than generic souvenirs. Markets are often seasonal or held on particular days, so visitors should check locally instead of assuming that every town has a daily market.

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Moravia essentials

Currency and Payment
Moravia uses the Czech koruna, abbreviated CZK or Kč, as part of Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, transport hubs, restaurants, museums and larger shops, particularly in Brno and other cities. Cash remains useful for village markets, small wine cellars, rural cafés, public conveniences and occasional ticket machines. Exchange rates and card-conversion offers vary, so visitors should check the amount shown before accepting dynamic currency conversion.
Safety
Moravia is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal precautions apply in busy city centres, stations and nightlife areas. On rural walks, follow marked routes and allow for uneven ground, especially around limestone gorges and cave approaches. Summer heat can be pronounced in the southern vineyards, while winter conditions affect highland roads and trails. Drink-driving laws are strict, and cyclists should use lights and observe Czech road rules. Near rivers, quarries and caves, obey barriers and local warnings rather than relying on informal access.
Emergency Situations
The Czech emergency number 112 connects to the integrated emergency service and is suitable for visitors who need assistance; 155 reaches medical emergency services, 150 the fire and rescue service, and 158 the police. In immediate danger, give the exact location, particularly when walking in woodland, karst or vineyard country. Mobile coverage can be uneven in valleys and forested areas, so carry route details and know the name of the nearest village. Mountain-style assistance may be relevant in elevated areas, but emergency arrangements remain part of Czechia's national system.
Do's and Don'ts
Use a polite greeting and basic Czech phrases where possible, queue patiently and follow local instructions in churches, museums, castles and protected landscapes. Remove muddy footwear before entering some rural guesthouses or historic interiors, and ask before photographing people, religious ceremonies or private wine-cellar gatherings. Tipping in restaurants is customary but discretionary, with the bill usually rounded up or increased for good service. Do not pick plants, leave marked paths, enter private vineyard land or assume that a village festival is simply a performance for tourists.
Local Tips
South Moravian wine routes are easiest to enjoy with a planned base and a designated driver or organised transfer. In Brno, allow time for both the historic centre and its modernist architecture, while Olomouc rewards an overnight stay when its squares and churches are quieter. The Moravian Karst is best visited in comfortable walking footwear, and the Lednice–Valtice area is especially effective by bicycle. Look for regional bakery products, fruit preserves, cheeses and seasonal produce at markets rather than relying only on souvenirs aimed at visitors.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeSbohem[sbohem]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyeh-kwee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[om-lou-vahm seh]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yak seh mahsh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dob-zheh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mloo-veesh ang-lits-kee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zoo-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím[kht-yel beekh veed-yet meh-noo, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[nay-eem mah-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zdrah-vee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[kht-yel beekh zah-plah-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![yee preech]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-voh-lay-teh poh-li-tsee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora![zah-voh-lay-teh dok-toh-rah]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztra-til ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem neh-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[kht-yel beekh koh-pit]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[koh-leek toh stoy-ee]
That's too expensiveTo je moc drahé[toh yeh mots drah-heh]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moo-zheesh sneez-eet tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-leek yeh ho-din]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[ye yed-na ho-dee-na]
Half past (10)Půl (10)[pool (deh-set)]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-po-led-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kde yeh...?]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[yah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zheesh mee oo-kah-zaht (nah mah-peh)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?[kdee yeh-deh dal-shee (ow-toh-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ....)[yeh-den lee-stek (doh ....)]

History of Moravia

Great Moravia and the Early Medieval Slavs

From the ninth century, the polity known as Great Moravia formed an important centre of Slavic power in the middle Danube region. Its core territories included parts of present-day Moravia, although its influence extended beyond them. Missionaries Cyril and Methodius are associated with the Christianisation of the region and the development of Old Church Slavonic literary culture. Archaeological sites around Staré Město and Uherské Hradiště, including the area traditionally linked with the stronghold of Veligrad, reveal churches, burial grounds and elite settlements from this period. Great Moravia left a lasting historical and cultural imprint on Moravian identity.

Medieval Moravia under the Přemyslids

After the decline of Great Moravia, Moravia became a borderland realm within the lands ruled by the Přemyslid dynasty. Brno, Olomouc and Znojmo developed as major administrative and ecclesiastical centres, while royal towns, monasteries and castles extended political control across the countryside. The bishopric of Olomouc, founded in the eleventh century, became particularly influential. German-speaking settlers, Czech communities, Jewish residents and religious institutions contributed to the commercial and cultural life of medieval towns. The surviving historic cores of Moravian cities still reflect this period through churches, squares, fortifications and irregular medieval street plans.

The Margraviate of Moravia and the Luxembourg Era

Moravia was governed as a margraviate, a territory of the Bohemian Crown with its own political institutions and powerful noble families. In the fourteenth century, the Luxembourg dynasty strengthened the region's importance; Brno became a favoured residence of Moravian margraves, including John Henry of Luxembourg and his son Jobst. Trade, mining and landholding supported the growth of towns and aristocratic estates. Religious tensions increased in the late Middle Ages, especially around reformist ideas associated with Jan Hus. The period established many of the territorial, architectural and political patterns that shaped later Moravian history.

Hussite Wars and the Battle of White Mountain

Moravia was drawn into the religious and political conflicts that followed the Hussite movement in Bohemia. Towns and noble estates took differing positions, and warfare disrupted trade and settlement across parts of the land. After the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, the Habsburg monarchy reasserted Catholic and dynastic control over the Bohemian Crown's lands, including Moravia. The subsequent seventeenth-century recatholicisation reshaped religious life, encouraging the construction of baroque churches, pilgrimage sites and monasteries. Olomouc and Kroměříž, in particular, preserve substantial architectural evidence of this Catholic revival.

Habsburg Moravia and Agricultural Prosperity

Within the Habsburg monarchy, Moravia experienced administrative reform, population growth and expanding commercial agriculture. The fertile southern districts became increasingly associated with grain, fruit and vineyards, while aristocratic families transformed their estates with formal parks, ponds and avenues. The Lednice–Valtice landscape is a particularly elaborate expression of this estate culture. Jewish communities contributed significantly to trade and urban life in towns including Mikulov, Boskovice and Prostějov, although later emancipation and twentieth-century persecution profoundly altered these communities. Railways in the nineteenth century connected Moravian towns to Vienna, Prague and wider European markets.

Industrialisation and the Rise of Brno and Zlín

The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought textile production, engineering, food processing and other industries to Moravian towns. Brno became one of the principal industrial centres of the Habsburg lands, known especially for textiles and engineering, while Ostrava's coal and steel economy grew in the neighbouring historic land of Silesia. In Zlín, the Baťa shoe company developed an internationally influential industrial model based on standardised production, worker housing and modern civic planning. Functionalist buildings and factory-era urbanism remain central to Zlín's identity. Industrialisation transformed employment, migration, architecture and the relationship between Moravian towns and their rural hinterlands.

Moravia in Czechoslovakia and Contemporary Czechia

The creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918 integrated Moravia into a new national state, while the twentieth century brought occupation, the Holocaust, post-war population changes and socialist industrialisation. After 1989, historic preservation, university expansion, private enterprise and tourism reshaped many Moravian towns. Wine production gained renewed international visibility, historic centres were restored and former industrial sites acquired cultural uses. Today Moravia has no separate administrative status equivalent to a Czech region, but its historical name remains important in regional culture, food, architecture, dialects, religious traditions and public identity.

Moravia in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring regions of Moravia

The closest regions to Moravia, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Moravia, Czechia

Explore Moravia with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Discover and book your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Moravia.
  • Rich sets of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
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Discover Moravia like never before with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. Completely free, it offers detailed info on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and much more.

  • History of Moravia and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips to experience Moravia like a local.
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination.
  • 'Near Me' feature to easily see what's around you.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Planning a trip to Moravia, Czechia? Look no further than Evendo, your comprehensive travel companion designed to make your journey unforgettable. This 100% free app-based travel guide is packed with detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Moravia.

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Brno, visiting the iconic Špilberk Castle, or exploring the Moravian Karst with ease. With Evendo, you can dive deep into the rich cultural tapestry of Moravia, savor local delicacies at top-rated restaurants like Pavillon and Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice, and discover hidden gems that only locals know about.

Evendo offers rich sets of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Easily plan and organize your trip by booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more endless searches or logistical headaches—Evendo has everything you need in one place.

Some must-visit attractions include the stunning Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, the historic town of Olomouc, and the charming wine cellars of Mikulov. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or cuisine, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. And with features like 'Near Me' to see what's around you, curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll feel like a local in no time.

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