With more than 60 buildings spread across 16 hectares, the Strážnice Open-Air Museum offers an impressive introduction to folk architecture, crafts, traditional agriculture and the history of winemaking. Folk songs, costumes, dances and traditional crafts are also part of the cultural identity of the Hodonín region. Festival traditions associated with the area include Carnival, welcoming spring, vineyard openings, village festivals and wine harvest festivals. Dates for individual events vary.
Cultural heritage between archaeology and railway history
In Mikulčice, an early medieval settlement covering around ten hectares preserves archaeological heritage, complemented by an archaeological exhibition. The Lávka Velké Moravy (Great Moravia Footbridge) connects the Czech and Slovak parts of the archaeological park. The site thus highlights both the historic settlement and the link between the two parts of the park.
For another perspective on regional history, visit the Muzeum ve Vagónu (Museum in a Railway Carriage) in Ratíškovice. A historic railway carriage presents the history of lignite mining and the railway system in Hodonín District. Pedal-powered rail bikes can also be hired there for a three-kilometre ride around Ratíškovice. As availability may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.
State Chateau Milotice offers historical costume hire. The selection includes around 190 outfits from the Baroque, Rococo and Romantic periods. Availability may change here too, so check in advance if you plan to hire a costume.
Sand landscapes and protected nature
Váté Písky consists of a several-kilometre stretch of sand dunes and aeolian deposits alongside the railway. Thermophilic insects and rare plants are part of this distinctive habitat. The locally used nickname “Moravian Sahara” refers to strong winds that shift the loose sand into dunes. One specific way to explore the area on foot is the 4.5-kilometre nature trail, which is classified as easy.
The Čertoryje Nature Reserve protects typical meadows and meadow steppes of the White Carpathians, with communities of heat-loving plants and animals. The Hodonínská Dúbrava offers a different kind of natural environment: this protected area includes sandy forests and steppe habitats where rare and endangered plant species grow. The two protected areas represent different habitats.
Cycling routes, wine and regional character
The more than 80-kilometre cycling route along the Baťa Canal passes through Strážnice, Petrov, Sudoměřice, Rohatec and Hodonín. Marked Moravian wine trails and the Baťa Canal also connect the Hodonín region with other microregions. There is practical information for finding your way to Náklo Hill, too: paved cycling paths lead there from Ratíškovice, Vacenovice and Milotice, and the hill offers views towards the Chřiby Hills and the White Carpathians.
Those interested in winemaking and architecture can meet local winemakers along the Podluží Wine Trail and see examples of traditional folk architecture in the form of wine cellars. The Hodonín region is associated with dry and sweet wines, as well as white, red and rosé varieties. Sweet, juicy fruit from local orchards is also part of the region’s flavour profile. These themes add a culinary perspective to the region’s cultural heritage and landscapes.
Places to visit and practical information
The Dům přírody Hodonín (Hodonín Nature House) visitor centre is located in the Bažantnice area, near Hodonín Zoo and the Hodonínská Dúbrava National Natural Monument. As operational details may change, check the latest information before visiting. The zoo covers almost six hectares and is home to nearly 400 animals from 100 species; the size of its collection may change over time.
Lázně Hodonín (Hodonín Spa) is another regional destination. Its main natural resource is iodine-bromine mineral water. Together with archaeological sites, museums, cycling routes, wine traditions and protected landscapes, Hodonín District offers a range of options to consider when planning a trip. You can choose which ones to focus on according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Dolní Bojanovice, Nasedlovice, Zdanice, Celoznice, Tvarozná Lhota, Mikulčice, Žádovice, Žarošice, Svatobořice-Mistřín, Želetice, Žeravice, Archlebov, Blatnice Pod Svatým Antonínkem, Bukovany, Bzenec, Dambořice, Dubňany, Čejč, Čejkovice, Hovorany, Hroznová Lhota, Hrubá Vrbka, Karlín Na Moravě, Kněždub, Kostelec U Kyjova, Labuty, Lipov, Milotice U Kyjova, Moravský Písek, Nová Lhota, Petrov, Prušánky, Ratíškovice, Rohatec, Šardice, Skoronice, Sobůlky, Starý Poddvorov, Sudomerice Nad Moravou, Uhřice, Velká Nad Veličkou, Veselí Nad Moravou, Vlkoš, Vnorovy, Lužice, Blatnička, Domanín, Dražůvky, Hodonín U Kunštátu, Hýsly, Javorník, Josefov U Hodonína, Kelčany, Kozojídky, Kuželov, Louka, Lovčice, Malá Vrbka, Mouchnice, Mutěnice, Nechvalín, Nenkovice, Nový Poddvorov, Ostrovánky, Skalka, Stavěšice, Strážovice, Sudoměřice, Suchov, Syrovín, Tasov, Těmice, Terezín U Čejče, Vacenovice, Věteřov, Vracov, Vřesovice, Žeraviny, Moravany and Kyjov, Strážnice, Radějov and Kyjov.
For the broader travel overview: South Moravia.
