Mikulov is a town in the wine-growing part of Southern Moravia, Klentnice a village right next to it. Both places are excellent for short trips to enjoy nature, lush vineyards and experience the southern culture.
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Mikulov
This town not far from the borders with Austria, is one of the most famous places when it comes to Czech viticulture. In fact, the region is called Mikulov wine subregion. Nowadays, most people come here to enjoy mostly the wine and folklore – walks around the vineyards, wine festivals, hody, fašank… I would like to show you a bit more of this charming town.
Mikulov was established in the 11th century and has preserved a large part of it’s historical architecture. Just a walk around the town is an experience on its own, it’s a mixture of medieval vibe with the modern rural. If you come here anywhere between late spring and early autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy lots of green areas and colorful flowers in almost all the windows.
Historical sights
The center of Mikulov isn’t too large and you can get anywhere on foot. As so many other towns, Mikulov has its Column of the Holy Trinity on the square:
Tourist are often headed to the direction of the St. Wenceslas church with its cedarwood statue of the Black Madonna.
In the first half of the 15th century, a Jewish community established itself in Mikulov. The Jewish quarter is very well preserved and you can enjoy not only the sights but also its unique establishments.
And let’s not forget the dominant of Mikulov seen from near and far – the castle. Founded in the mid 13th century, the Mikulov castle is now the Regional Museum.
Viticulture in Mikulov
The Mikulov wine subregion or Mikulovská vinařská podoblast extends over more than 30 municipalities all the way to some parts of the outskirts of Brno. There are many educational viticulture paths that you can take on foot but more commonly by bike, you can look at them and sort them here. Of you can just come to Mikulov and walk around and enjoy the omnipresent vineyards.
If you come to Mikulov in September or October, you might be actually able to taste the ripe grapes. And let’s not forget that there are many establishments that offer local wines.
The Way of the Cross on Holy Hill in Mikulov
If you like hiking, consider taking up the way of the cross on Holy Hill (Svatý kopeček). It’s an easy hike (a little over 1 km) marked with the blue tourist mark.
As the name suggests, it’s a pilgrimage on which you meet 14 chapels, the Saint Sebastian’s Church (Kostel sv. Šebestiána), a bell tower and the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre. The trail has been walked for centuries by those who seek peace and quiet since the pilgrimage Church of St. Sebastian was built on the Holy Hill in the 17th century.
On the way, you can see a variety of protected plant species, enjoy the shadow of the majestic forest and limestone rocks. On the very top, you will be rewarded with an impressive view of the town. And if you like Geocaching, you can look for hidden treasures on the Holy Hill.
More photos of Mikulov
Where to stay in Mikulov
There are many beautiful accommodation possibilities in Mikulov and you can browse them here:
Klentnice
Just 4 kilometers north of Mikulov, there’s a hidden gem. Vineyards, sun, wine-cellars and a café with beautiful views, that’s the village of Klentnice.
There are several hiking trails around Klentnice, tourists often seek the ones leading to the Orphan’s castle (Sirotčí hrádek) and the limestone mesa towering over the village and offering incredible views as well as Geocaching opportunities.
Back to town. There is a Coffee Museum where you can admire old coffee machines, see the antique packages and learn about the process of coffee making. Right across the street there’s the Café Fara in the reconstructed parish house. You can have some cake and coffee and even have lunch there.
Where to stay in Klentnice
Stay a few days, enjoy the quiet, go on a hike. Choose one from the lovely apartments in Klentnice:
