Pálava, Czech Republic: 15 Best Things to Do and See

The Pálava Protected Landscape Area is located in the northwestern tip of the Pannonian Plain, and it is the driest region of the Czech Republic, where it rarely rains, the sun shines a lot, and grapevines thrive. Pálava is our favorite holiday destination in the Czech Republic, ideal for hiking and cycling trips. In this guide I will share with you Pálava, Czech Republic: 15 Best Things to Do and See.

In Pálava, you’ll find valuable cultural and historical monuments, excellent establishments, numerous observation towers, and great swimming spots. Pálava was declared a protected landscape area in 1976 and ten years later a UNESCO biosphere reserve. So, let’s take a look at what to see in Pálava.

Pálava Accommodation: where to Stay in Pálava

You should carefully consider your accommodation choice before visiting Pálava; if you’re coming here to taste wine, definitely choose Pavlov or Mikulov.

In Pavlov, there are many wine cellars, fewer tourists, but also fewer restaurants. Mikulov has plenty of tourists, but in return, you’ll find many great restaurants and cafes in addition to wine. Serious wine enthusiasts might also want to consider spending a night in Valtice. 🙂

In Mikulov, we can recommend Penzion Na Kapucínské, Apartmány Antico, or Štajnhaus. In Pavlov, you can try Pálavské Apartmány. If you’re looking for something outside the towns, Vinařství U Kapličky or Cafe Fara are wonderful options.

You can find more tips for TOP accommodation here.

Where to Eat Well in Pálava

Where to get Good Coffee

• Mikulov: Bistro Kuk, Kafe Pala
• Pavlov: Sousedi Pavlov
• Bořetice: Dvorek: café wine bistro
• Valtice: Zahrada café Valtice, Cafe Hostina
• Lednice: Coffee Square

Pálava, Czech Republic: 15 Best Things to Do and See

The most important starting points for tourism are Mikulov and Pavlov, but we will also explore other places together and give you tips on where to visit not only in Pálava but also in its immediate surroundings.

1) Mikulov

The most charming town in Pálava is certainly Mikulov. You won’t find any similar town in the Czech Republic. I often say that time moves differently in Mikulov; no one rushes, everyone is relaxed, and a glass of wine at 10 AM is perfectly acceptable. In short, it has a distinct Southern European feel.

True connoisseurs will be pleased that although Mikulov is a small town, you’ll find a large number of excellent restaurants and cafes here. Since I’ve already written a guide to Mikulov, if you’re interested in what to see in Mikulov, where to stay, or where to eat, I recommend reading our article about Mikulov.

2) Pavlov

Pavlov is primarily known for its wine cellars; we won’t give you a tip for one specific one, because tasting wine from cellar to cellar is actually part of the experience itself. 🙂 You’re sure to find your favorite on your own.

Pavlov is an excellent starting point for trips to the surrounding area, and three educational trails also pass through Pavlov itself: Děvín, the Mikulov Wine Educational Trail, and the Pavlov Vineyards and Wine Cellars Educational Trail.

3) Archeopark Pavlov

Lovers of modern architecture will be captivated by the Archeopark from the outside. Archeopark Pavlov was designed by architects Radko Květ and Pavel Pijáček and has received numerous awards, for example, the building won the Building of the Year award in 2016. The museum strives to be modern and interactive, but it is somewhat small, and a tour will take you a maximum of an hour, yet it is still worth a visit.

In the museum, you’ll learn about the most significant Ice Age human encampment on Earth, located nearby in Dolní Věstonice.

4) Mariánský Mill Quarry

Our favorite swimming spot is the Mariánský Mill Quarry, where the water is crystal clear. It’s worth noting that this flooded limestone quarry is very popular, and on summer weekends, it tends to be crowded with tourists. Therefore, from the end of June 2020, an entrance fee of 100 CZK per adult was introduced, and tourists should only use environmentally friendly sunscreens.

5) Děvičky – Maiden Castles

The very popular ruin of the Gothic castle Dívčí hrady (also known as Děvičky) dates from the early 13th century and can be reached directly from Pavlov with a short and pleasant walk along the vineyard.

Dívčí hrady got its name from three rock formations that stand directly in front of the ruin on the slope, which, according to legends, represent petrified girls. From the ruin, there’s a beautiful view of the Pálava Protected Landscape Area. The path to the ruin is not suitable for strollers; a baby carrier would be better.

6) Aqualand Moravia

If you have children, you might want to visit the aquapark a short distance from Pasohlávky, which features 16 pools and 24 slides. Parents will appreciate the wellness zone with 30 types of saunas.

7) Lavender Field in Starovičky

We’ve already written about the lavender field in our Mikulov guide. Lavender and photography enthusiasts surely know about it. It’s located in Starovičky, and entry to the field is charged. During the season, self-picking is available here.

8) Dolní Věstonice

Those interested in the history of mammoth hunters should stop in Dolní Věstonice, where you’ll find a museum exhibition about the local finds at the mammoth hunters’ settlement, housed in the former 16th-century Baroque town hall. In Dolní Věstonice, you’ll also find a charming Baroque St. Michael’s Church , which records mention as early as 1389.

9) Kobylí Vrch Observation Tower

We love structures that seamlessly blend into their surroundings while adding something extra. The Kobylí vrch observation tower is precisely that; it has been here since 2018, and architects J. Roleček and J. Vojtěšek, a native of Kobylí from the Brno studio KEEO Design, truly outdid themselves.

What’s particularly appealing about it is its shape, which makes it accessible even for wheelchair users. The observation tower is 7.5 meters high and stands on the highest point in the village, Kobylí vrch, which locals call Homole, at an altitude of 334 meters above sea level.

10) Na Turoldu Cave

A short distance from Mikulov is Na Turoldu Cave (385 m a.s.l.), which is one of the oldest nature reserves in the territory of today’s Pálava Protected Landscape Area and Biosphere Reserve.

Na Turoldu Caves are the only accessible caves in Jurassic limestone in the Czech Republic; it is not a stalactite cave. The cave is adorned with unique “Turold decoration” – corrosive shapes, similar to coral reefs, which evoke a walk on the bottom of a Jurassic sea.

The cave is open to the public from May to October; in April and November, it’s accessible by prior telephone arrangement only.

11) Dívčí – Orphan Castles

A pleasant walk to the Sirotčí hrádek ruin starts in Klentnice, which you can reach by car in a few minutes from Mikulov. The ascent takes about half an hour and can be managed by families with children.

The castle was built on two limestone rocks separated by a deep gorge and today offers magnificent views of Pálava. After descending back to Klentnice, you can grab a bite at the excellent Cafe Fara cafe and restaurant.

12) Lednice Chateau and Gardens

Allocate at least one day for Lednice; we spent two full days there. Lednice Chateau is one of the most beautiful English Neo-Gothic complexes in Europe. Several guided tours pass through the chateau interiors, but even if you’re not a fan of guided tours, there’s still plenty to do here.

Lednice Chateau boasts a beautiful French garden and a chateau park. In the park, you can take a boat ride from the Moorish Waterworks to Janohrad, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or climb the Minaret observation tower. Why a minaret was built here isn’t entirely clear, but a legend suggests that Alois Lichtenstein originally wanted to build a church, but the church didn’t permit him a second one, so he decided to build a mosque out of spite.

13) Valtice

In Valtice, you’ll find a chateau that is part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and is inscribed on the UNESCO list. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as the representative seat of the Liechtensteins. However, in good weather, we recommend embarking on one of the educational trails that will lead you through the beautiful surroundings full of sunflowers and vineyards. In Valtice, you can also visit the Valtice Underground, a labyrinth of wine cellars that have been here since the 13th century. A short distance from Valtice, you’ll also find the Iron Curtain Museum.

14) Kočičí Skála

If you enjoy walks, you can set off from Mikulov to Kočičí skála. A red-marked hiking trail passes around Kočičí skála, and parallel to it, a cycling path and the Mikulov educational trail.

Kočičí skála is made of limestone, and in spring and summer, you can encounter typical flowers of the Pavlov Hills here, such as the dwarf iris, hairy flax, and tuberous comfrey. From Kočičí skála, you have a view of other peaks and landmarks of the Pavlov Hills, such as Děvičky, Sirotčí hrádek, or Svatý kopeček in Mikulov.

Do you have any other tips for Pálava and the surrounding area? Write them in the comments; we return to Mikulov every year and would love to discover new places.

15) Take a Boat Ride on the Novomlýnská Reservoir

You can rent a boat at Merkur campsite. The enclosed campsite area with two water lagoons is located on the bank of the upper Novomlýnská Reservoir, and entry is charged 100 CZK per person during the season. The price of renting a boat depends on the type you choose. We opted for a motorboat with a canopy, and it cost us 350 CZK per hour. We recommend booking in advance.

What to Do in Pálava

Pálava is a paradise for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking active relaxation. You can embark on hiking trails leading through the Pavlov Hills and enjoy magnificent views from peaks like Děvín or Sirotčí hrádek. The area is crisscrossed with cycling paths that will take you through vineyards and historical monuments.

If you’re looking for relaxation and pampering, head to Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky or enjoy a break by the Nové Mlýny Reservoir. And of course, Pálava is the heart of winemaking – a visit to the wine cellars in Mikulov, Pavlov, or Dolní Věstonicích is a wonderful experience for every good wine lover.

Pálava Excursions

Pálava offers countless beautiful excursion spots. Mikulov entices with its chateau, Svatý kopeček, and a historic center with a romantic atmosphere. History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Archeopark Pavlov, where they can learn more about the prehistoric settlement of the area.

The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, inscribed on the UNESCO list, is ideal for a full-day trip. If you want to explore nature, head to Děvín, which offers a magnificent panoramic view, or to Stolová hora.

Pálava with Kids: What to Visit in Pálava

Pálava is also a great place for families with children. Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky is a must-stop on hot summer days – it offers slides, pools, and wellness. Little adventurers will be thrilled by Archeopark Pavlov, where they can play as prehistoric mammoth hunters.

For short walks with children, the path to Sirotčí hrádek or the ascent to Svatý kopeček in Mikulov is suitable. If you want to combine fun with learning, visit the Puppet Museum in Lednice or the Zoopark in Sedlec.

What to See in Pálava: Map with Points of Interest for your Phone

Save a map of the best places in Pálava directly to your phone. After purchase, you will receive a link to a private Google Map, which you can save by clicking ‘Follow’. This will copy it to your Google account and display it on all devices where you use Google Maps.

FAQ