Top Sites for an Austerlitz Battlefield Day Trip

The battlefield covers a very large area. You need a plan to see the best spots. Most visitors start at the central memorial. Others prefer the grand castle in the nearby town. You can mix history with beautiful views of Moravia. Here are the top 10 locations you should not miss.

• Best overall: Mohyla míru (Peace Memorial)
• Best for families: Slavkov Castle Park
• Best view: Žuráň Hill
• Best free site: Santon Hill

1. Name: Mohyla míru (Cairn of Peace) Type: Monument Why go: It is the most iconic landmark on the field. It honors all soldiers who died in the battle. The Art Nouveau design is unique and striking. Best for: Everyone. Where: Prace village. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for grounds; small fee for the museum. Getting there: Bus from Brno or a 20-minute drive. Tip: Check the official opening hours before you arrive.
2. Name: Slavkov Castle (Austerlitz Castle) Type: Castle Why go: This Baroque palace hosted Napoleon after his victory. The armistice was signed in the historic salon. The gardens are perfect for a relaxing walk. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Slavkov u Brna. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for guided tours. Getting there: Frequent trains run from Brno Main Station. Tip: Learn how to visit Slavkov u Brna for more details.
3. Name: Žuráň Hill Type: Viewpoint Why go: Napoleon used this hill as his command post. You can see the entire northern battlefield from here. A bronze map shows the troop positions from 1805. Best for: Military history buffs. Where: Near Podolí village. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Best reached by car or bike. Tip: It is a great spot for sunset photos of the area.
4. Name: Santon Hill Type: Nature/Sight Why go: This hill served as a French artillery stronghold. It was a vital defensive position during the fighting. A small chapel now sits at the top. Best for: Hikers and photographers. Where: Tvarožná village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus from Brno to Tvarožná. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the short, steep climb.
5. Name: Stará pošta (Old Post House) Type: Experience Why go: This building served as a headquarters for both sides. Napoleon stayed here before the battle began. It now houses a museum and a restaurant. Best for: Lunch and history. Where: Kovalovice. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Low for museum entry. Getting there: Located on the main road from Brno to Olomouc. Tip: Try the traditional Moravian dishes in the historic dining room.
6. Name: Sokolnice Castle Type: Sight Why go: Fierce fighting took place at the castle granary. The village changed hands many times during the day. The park is now a quiet place for a stroll. Best for: Quiet exploration. Where: Sokolnice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view the exterior. Getting there: Local train or bus from Brno. Tip: Look for the memorial plaques on the old granary walls.
7. Name: Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: This chapel offers a high vantage point over Slavkov. Russian and Austrian troops gathered near this spot. It provides a peaceful break from the main tour. Best for: Views. Where: Hill above Slavkov u Brna. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Slavkov town center. Tip: The path is paved but quite steep.
8. Name: Prace Museum of the Battle of Austerlitz Type: Museum Why go: It is located right next to the Peace Cairn. The multimedia exhibit explains the tactics used by Napoleon. It is the best place to understand the battle's scale. Best for: Educational visits. Where: Prace. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Same as the Peace Cairn. Tip: The museum is closed on certain Mondays in winter.
9. Name: Church of St. John the Baptist Type: Sight Why go: This church in Telnice was at the heart of the southern fighting. Bullet holes are still visible in some nearby walls. It marks the spot of the initial clashes. Best for: Detail-oriented history fans. Where: Telnice. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: South of Brno by car or local bus. Tip: Visit during the day to see the architecture clearly.
10. Name: Spálený mlýn (The Burnt Mill) Type: Sight Why go: This was the site of the meeting between Napoleon and Emperor Francis. They discussed the armistice here under a linden tree. It is a symbolic spot for the end of the conflict. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Near the village of Hostěrádky-Rešov. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: It is a small monument, so watch for the road signs.

Planning Your Austerlitz Battlefield Day Trip

Getting to the battlefield from Brno is very easy. Most sites are within 15 to 20 kilometers of the city. You can use public transport or rent a car. A car is best for seeing multiple sites in one day. Buses and trains serve the main towns like Slavkov. You can find more day trips from Brno if you have extra time. Many people combine this trip with a visit to the city center.

The battlefield is an open landscape with many villages. You should plan for at least six hours. Start early to avoid the midday sun in summer. Most museums open around 9:00 AM. Many sites are outdoors and accessible at any time. You can check the Go To Brno portal for local transit updates. Always carry some cash for small village cafes.

If you prefer organized tours, many leave from Brno. These often include a guide who explains the troop movements. This is helpful because the battlefield is very large. You can also bike through the area on marked paths. The terrain is mostly flat and very scenic. It is a great way to see the Moravian countryside. You might even spot local wildlife in the fields.

Historic Reenactments and Events in 2026

Every year, thousands of people gather for reenactments. These events usually take place in late November or early December. This marks the actual anniversary of the battle. You can see hundreds of soldiers in period uniforms. They use real cannons and horses for the show. It is a spectacular sight for visitors of all ages. Check the reenactment dates early to plan your trip.

The main battle show often happens near Tvarožná village. It is very loud and very exciting. You should dress warmly as Moravian winters are cold. Tickets for the main grandstands sell out quickly. You can also see smaller events in Slavkov town. The castle often hosts historic balls and markets. It feels like stepping back into the year 1805.

During the anniversary, the Peace Cairn holds a solemn ceremony. This honors the fallen soldiers from all nations. It is a moving experience for many guests. Local museums often have special exhibits during this week. You can learn more about the Visit Czechia website for national event listings. It is the busiest time for the battlefield area.