Easy Castle Trips From Brno Without a Car: 9 Best Picks
Brno is the perfect base for exploring South Moravia. You do not need a vehicle to see history. These easy castle trips from Brno without a car are simple and fun. Most sites are just a short ride away. You can enjoy the scenery while the train does the work. Check out Visit Czechia for more regional inspiration. This guide covers the best castles near Brno by train and bus.
Quick Picks for Your Brno Castle Adventures
Are you short on time? Use these quick recommendations to plan your day. These picks help you choose based on your interests. Moravia has something for everyone.
- Best Overall: Lednice Castle (Stunning architecture and gardens).
- Best for Families: Špilberk Castle (Interactive exhibits and easy access).
- Best for Wine Lovers: Valtice Chateau (Home to the National Wine Centre).
- Best for Nature: Veveří Castle (Combine with a boat trip).
9 Easy Castle Trips From Brno Without a Car
Exploring Moravia by public transport is very affordable. The regional train system is reliable and frequent. You can reach most destinations within an hour. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.
- Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the city's most famous landmark. The fortress offers panoramic views of Brno. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Brno city center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate for interiors; grounds are free. Getting there: Walk from the main square or take bus 80. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the former prison cells.
- Name: Veveří Castle Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the Brno Reservoir. It is one of the oldest castle sites in the country. Best for: Hikers and boat lovers. Where: Brno-Bystrc area. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Take Tram 1 to Bystrc, then a boat or Bus 303. Tip: Use the Go To Brno portal for boat schedules.
- Name: Lednice Castle Type: UNESCO sight Why go: This neo-Gothic palace is a fairytale come true. It is part of the Lednice-Valtice complex day trip. Best for: Architecture lovers and couples. Where: Lednice village. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Train to Břeclav, then a local bus. Tip: Book interior tours in advance during summer months.
- Name: Valtice Chateau Type: Unique local experience Why go: This was the residence of the Liechtenstein family. It houses the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. Best for: Wine enthusiasts. Where: Valtice. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train from Brno or bus from Břeclav. Tip: Try the wine tasting flight in the historic cellar.
- Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is known as the "Marble Castle." It has never been conquered in its history. Best for: Fans of medieval fortresses. Where: Nedvědice. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train from Brno Main Station to Nedvědice. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk from the station.
- Name: Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This Baroque palace is famous for the Battle of Austerlitz. Napoleon stayed here after his victory. Best for: Napoleonic history fans. Where: Slavkov. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train (Line S2) from Brno. Tip: Visit the park behind the chateau for a quiet stroll.
- Name: Mikulov Chateau Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: The chateau dominates the skyline of this charming town. The town itself feels like a Mediterranean village. Best for: Relaxed explorers. Where: Mikulov. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train (Line S3) or direct bus from Brno. Tip: Climb the nearby Holy Hill for the best photos.
- Name: Rájec nad Svitavou Type: Indoor/Art Why go: This classicist chateau is famous for its camellia collection. It features beautiful French-style interiors. Best for: Art and garden lovers. Where: Rájec-Jestřebí. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train (Line S2) to Rájec-Jestřebí station. Tip: Visit in early spring to see the camellias in bloom.
- Name: Lysice Chateau Type: Unique garden experience Why go: It features a rare colonnaded garden walk. The interiors are richly decorated with weapons and books. Best for: Those seeking hidden gems. Where: Lysice. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus 301 from Brno Královo Pole station. Tip: Check the schedule for evening candlelight tours.
Best Castles Near Brno by Train: Planning Tips
Planning day trips from Brno is very easy. Most locals use the IDOS app for schedules. You can buy tickets at the station or via the app. Check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for city zone info. Trains are usually modern and offer free Wi-Fi. Remember that some castles have limited hours in the cold months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Brno are open in winter?
Most castles close their interiors from November to March. However, Špilberk Castle and the Lednice gardens remain open. You can find more details on which castles near Brno are open in winter to plan your off-season visit.
How do I pay for train tickets in Brno?
You can buy tickets at the yellow machines or ticket counters. The IDS JMK Poseidon app is also very convenient. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Group tickets are available for weekend travel.
Finding easy castle trips from Brno without a car is a breeze. The region offers everything from medieval towers to baroque palaces. Start your journey at the Brno Main Station. You will find history just a short train ride away. Enjoy the beauty of South Moravia on your next adventure!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
