Eight castles and chateaus within reach of the Czech Republic's second city — from Gothic strongholds to a UNESCO baroque landscape
Brno sits at the heart of one of the most castle-rich regions in Central Europe. To the south, the UNESCO-listed Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape stretches across the Moravian lowlands — two extraordinary baroque chateaus linked by one of the largest English-style parks on the continent. To the northwest, the brooding Gothic fortress of Pernštejn clings to a rocky ridge above the Nedvědice valley, virtually unchanged since the 15th century. And right on the edge of the city itself, Veveří Castle rises from a rocky peninsula jutting into the Brno reservoir — the closest castle to any major Czech city. In terms of variety and density, no other city in the Czech Republic offers day-trippers a richer castle landscape than Brno.
Bystrc, South Moravian
One of the largest castles in Central Europe, Veveří Castle rises from a wooded peninsula on Brno Reservoir — a millennium-old fortress within easy reach of Brno city centre.
Nedvědice, South Moravian
Standing virtually unchanged since the 15th century, Pernštejn is the best-preserved Gothic castle in the Czech Republic — a fortress that was never captured.
Lednice, South Moravian
Part of the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Lednice Chateau is a Neo-Gothic marvel surrounded by a 200 km² English park with a minaret and lake pavilions.
Valtice, South Moravian
A grand Baroque chateau at the heart of the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice area, Valtice is surrounded by Moravia's finest vineyards and monumental garden pavilions.
Bouzov, Olomouc
The most striking medieval castle in Moravia — a 14th-century fortress rebuilt by the Teutonic Knights into a romantic fairytale stronghold with soaring towers.
Buchlovice, Zlín
Rising from forested hills in the Slovácko folk region, Buchlov Castle is the best-preserved medieval fortress in Moravia with views stretching to the White Carpathians.
Vranov nad Dyjí, South Moravian
Vranov nad Dyjí is a Baroque chateau perched dramatically on a sheer cliff above the Dyje River gorge — one of the most breathtaking settings of any castle in Moravia.
Lipnice nad Sázavou, Vysočina
The romantic Gothic ruin where Jaroslav Hašek finished writing The Good Soldier Švejk, Lipnice nad Sázavou Castle stands guard over the Sázava River highlands.
Pernštejn is the most accessible by public transport — take a direct train from Brno to Nedvědice (about 1 hour) and walk 15 minutes uphill to the castle. Lednice is also reachable by bus from Brno's central bus station in about an hour. For Veveří, the most scenic approach is by seasonal boat from Bystrc marina on the Brno reservoir.
Yes — Lednice is one of the most visited heritage sites in the Czech Republic. The neo-Gothic chateau and its vast English-style park are part of the UNESCO-listed Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, shared with nearby Valtice. The combination of palatial interiors, a minaret, romantic follies, and vineyard scenery makes it exceptional. Allow at least half a day, or a full day if you plan to visit both Lednice and Valtice.
Veveří Castle, about 15 km northwest of Brno city centre, is the closest. It sits on a rocky promontory jutting into the Brno reservoir and can be reached by car, bicycle along the reservoir path, or by seasonal boat from Bystrc marina. It is one of the oldest documented fortresses in Moravia.
Veveří Castle is open year-round, including winter weekends. Lednice offers limited winter tours (typically weekends only from December to February — check the official site for current hours). Most other castles near Brno, including Pernštejn, Bouzov, and Valtice, close from November to March.
Absolutely. Lednice and Valtice are just 9 km apart and together form the core of the UNESCO Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape — a vast aristocratic domain created by the Liechtenstein family across five centuries. Many visitors cycle between the two on dedicated paths through the parkland. If you only have time for one, Lednice is the showpiece; Valtice is more intimate and is famous for its wine cellars.
