Hevlín can be explored through very different traces of its past: a Romanesque column recalls a former ford across the Dyje, while the present-day Baroque Church of the Assumption was completed in 1743. There is also a protected wetland and cycling routes of notably different lengths. When planning, you can decide whether to focus on architectural history, nature or a cycling tour.
History between a river crossing and the Baroque period
The Romanesque column is considered Hevlín’s oldest and most valuable monument. It once marked a ford across the Dyje. Its former function connects the monument with a specific point in the town’s history: a river crossing.
Two dates relating to the church should also be distinguished. The parish Church of the Assumption is documented from 1282; the present-day Baroque church was completed in 1743. The first date marks the historical record, the second the completion of the present-day building. Other historical monuments highlight different periods: the statue of Saint Roch was erected in 1832 following a cholera epidemic, and the chapel by the railway crossing dates from 1777.
A distinctive example of small-scale sacred architecture in South Moravia is the late-Gothic stone Boží muka (wayside shrine), dating from the transition between the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The monument is considered structurally at risk. Its forward-facing open lantern features figurative reliefs of four saints; it is made of Austrian shell limestone. These architectural details give the monument a different character from the Baroque church or the two dated structures.
Wetland and river
Hevlínské jezero is a protected natural monument consisting of several small lakes with reed beds. It provides a habitat for specially protected amphibian species and wetland birds. The water, reeds and the animal groups mentioned give the area its wetland character. If you are interested in nature, Hevlín offers a different focus from its historic buildings.
The Dyje near Hevlín is also considered a fishing destination. This adds a connection with the river to the town’s nature attractions.
Cycling routes with different formats
The Brno–Vienna cycle route leads to the Hevlín/Laa an der Thaya border crossing and is almost 170 kilometres long in total. Most of it runs away from heavily trafficked roads, on dedicated cycle paths or quiet lower-class roads. Its key details help put the scale of the route into perspective; its specific connection to Hevlín is the border crossing.
The 44-kilometre “Po rovince” cycling route is a circuit from Hevlín via Jevišovka, Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou, Pravice, Šanov, Velký Karlov and Dyjákovice, returning to Hevlín. It is signposted, and 80 percent of the route runs along local roads without regular traffic. Compared with the almost 170-kilometre Brno–Vienna cycle route, “Po rovince” is the shorter option and also the clearly defined loop that starts and ends in Hevlín. You can choose according to the overall distance and route format.
Information and tradition
The cross-border information centre is located in the town centre, at a roundabout. You can get maps and information there free of charge about sights and monuments in the Hrušovansko microregion, the Znojmo District, and nearby Laa an der Thaya and its surroundings. The information covers both destinations in the region and the neighbouring town across the border.
The traditional Hevlínské krojované hody (costumed festival) include a procession of the festively dressed community through Hevlín, accompanied by brass band music. The participating groups and music may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Vracovice, Bítov, Dyjákovice, Prokopov, Podmolí, Morašice, Suchohrdly, Medlice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Znojmo.
