Overview
Introduction
Wedged into the southeastern corner of the Czech Republic, about 28 mi/45 km south of Brno, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is an extensive UNESCO-designated area surrounding the small Moravian towns of Lednice and Valtice.
The cultural landscape unites the area's natural features and its architectural past in an unspoiled whole—all meant for leisurely exploration on foot, on horseback, by bike or even by car. Two important castles of the Liechtenstein family in Lednice and Valtice anchor an array of other chateaus, garden houses and decorative sculptures in various styles. Set off by numerous ponds and forests, the cultural landscape covers 95 sq mi/250 sq km of the Dyje River watershed.
Those venturing to the far reaches of the republic should make sure to stop off at Mikulov, a sleepy, hilly South Moravian wine village on the border with Austria. Its remarkable castle sits on a limestone cliff, dominating the skyline as you approach. In addition to wine, Mikulov is known for the remnants of its once-thriving Jewish community—the country's second largest before World War II.
