Brno, Short Visit

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, the capital of Moravia, the eastern region of the Czech Republic. The journey from Prague typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

I came here for several hours, just to check how the city looks like, without any prepared plan. People claim that in comparison with Prague, Brno offers a quieter, more youthful experience with a strong local identity. And I would agree with this popular opinion.

Streets in Brno blend historic charm with modernity, reflecting the city's unique atmosphere. So, there are many narrow cobblestone streets and more modern wider streets. 

To observe  a stunning view of the city center and the surrounding areas I climbed the the Old Town Hall Tower (Stará radnice). So, from the top I could enjoy a panoramic view of Brno, including the nearby Špilberk Castle and the iconic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

My next stop was the Spilberk Castle, located on a hill in the heart of Brno, which is a historic fortress dating back to the 13th century. The hill itself provides a scenic vantage point, making it a popular spot for both history lovers and those seeking a beautiful view of the city.

Honestly, Brno, while charming in many ways, did not quite meet my expectations. The city felt quieter and less vibrant than I had imagined, with fewer things to do compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The mix of modern and historic architecture was interesting, but some areas felt a bit underdeveloped and not as well-maintained as I hoped.

I believe, Brno definitely has a lot to offer, and giving it another try could reveal more of its hidden gems. So, I would need to come back here one day. 

Liberec, The Hill

It is going to be a long exercise for me, climbing a mountain. So, I need to have some energy from food. Luckily, in my hotel the breakfast was included, not very luxurious, but still it was nutritious.

Actually, the main reason of my visiting Liberec is the Jested mountain, which stands at 1012 meters above sea level and is known for its unique, sharply pointed peak.

Alright, the way up I have done with funicular. And after 8 minutes of ride I was almost on the top of the mountain.

And on the very top, the jewel of the mountain, is undoubtedly the Jested Tower, designed by the Czech architect, Karel Hubacek, and completed in 1973. The tower has a futuristic, conical shape that tapers to a sharp point, which helps it withstand the harsh winds at the mountain's peak. The structure combines a television transmission tower, hotel, and restaurant into one, making it a unique architectural marvel. 

The mountain itself also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Czech Republic, parts of Poland, and even the Krkonos Mountains on clear days.

The way down I have made by walking. It was an interesting experience, cause the mountain is quite steeply. But I was happy at the end. At least I could train my legs, which hurt during the next few days.

Morava, Mikulov

The town of Mikulov is located in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, very close to the Austrian border (the Czech-Austrian border is just 6 km away, and many visitors take day trips between both countries.), and it is famous for its wine production, especially Palava wine. Another popular white varieties include Riesling, Gruner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc.

I am going to stay here only for one night, and of course I am going to taste local wine. And my hotel is quite unique, with the view to another sight of the city, the Castle. But unfortunately, it is about 30 minutes walking to the city centre.

Mikulov is a hidden gem of South Moravia, where cobblestone streets, Baroque facades, and Renaissance charm create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The town has only 7500 residents, but not surprisingly each year it is being visited by 150000 tourists. 

And of course during a day I could not miss enjoying here the best wine produced in the whole Czech Republic. And it was only white wine, because the local growing conditions are particularly ideal for white grape varieties - hot summers and cold winters. Even when reds are produced, the local style tends to be lighter and fruitier. The region’s reds are generally more refreshing and approachable rather than the rich, heavy reds often associated with warmer climates.

Mikulov Castle, the town's dominant landmark, was rebuilt in 1719 after a fire and today houses the largest wine barrel in Central Europe, holding 101400 liters of wine.

The castle has a rich history spanning over 800 years and has undergone multiple transformations, from a medieval fortress to a Renaissance residence and later a grand Baroque palace. Interestingly, parts of the castle foundation are carved directly into the rock, making it an architectural masterpiece of its time.

Mikulov is one of those rare places that feels like a quiet secret, waiting to be discovered again and again. And this landscape around, with its vineyards and rolling hills, creates a peaceful rhythm that seeps into your soul. I would love to visit this area once again, and probably in September, when the famous Palava Wine Festival (Palavske vinobrani) takes place.