Palava Hills & Znojmo Loop

The Palava Hills and Znojmo cycling loop is a compact but extraordinarily scenic ride that captures the geological drama and cultural richness of South Moravia in a single day. At roughly 55 kilometres, it is short enough for a comfortable day out yet packed with enough variety to satisfy experienced touring cyclists and casual riders alike.

The route takes in the limestone formations of the Palava Protected Landscape Area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, before dropping into the Dyje River valley and circling back through the medieval town of Znojmo. Along the way, riders pass through quiet farming villages, cross ancient vineyards, and pedal beside reed-fringed fishponds where herons wade in the shallows.

The Palava Landscape

Palava is something of a geological anomaly in the otherwise flat Moravian plain. Its white limestone ridges rise abruptly from the surrounding vineyards, creating a landscape that feels more Mediterranean than Central European. The highest point, Devicky, reaches 549 metres and offers views across the Nove Mlyny reservoirs to the Austrian Alps on clear days.

Cycling through this area in late spring reveals carpets of wild orchids, thermophilic grasslands, and rare butterflies that thrive on the warm, south-facing slopes. The area has been protected since 1976, and its ecological value was recognized by UNESCO in 1986 when it was designated a Biosphere Reserve.

Route Description

Mikulov to Klentnice (8 km)

The loop begins in Mikulov and heads north through the village of Bavory. The initial kilometres are flat, passing alongside the Mikulov municipal vineyards. As you approach Klentnice, the Palava ridgeline comes into view, and the terrain begins to roll. Klentnice itself is a small settlement famous for its Gothic ruin of Sirotci Hradek (Orphan's Castle) perched on a cliff above the village.

Klentnice to Pavlov (12 km)

This section skirts the western edge of Palava. The path follows a gentle descent through meadows and oak woodlands, with the limestone cliffs always in view to the east. Pavlov is one of the prettiest villages on the route, its narrow streets lined with traditional wine cellars dug into the hillside. The terrace at the local vinoteka offers a view straight across the Nove Mlyny reservoir.

Pavlov to Znojmo (20 km)

The longest stretch takes you southwest along the edge of the Dyje River floodplain. The terrain is flat and the riding is fast, with the path running through agricultural land and occasional strips of riparian forest. As you approach Znojmo, the landscape becomes more dramatic: the town sits on a rocky promontory above a deep river bend, and the first sight of its skyline — churches, tower, and medieval walls — is one of the great moments of the ride.

Znojmo to Mikulov (15 km)

The return leg follows a direct route east from Znojmo, running alongside regional road 414 on a separated bike path for most of the distance. The final kilometres approach Mikulov from the south, with the town's chateau growing larger on the horizon with every pedal stroke.

Exploring Znojmo

Znojmo deserves at least an hour's break, ideally more. The town's underground tunnels, dating from the 14th century, stretch for several kilometres beneath the streets and can be visited on guided tours. The Romanesque Rotunda of the Virgin Mary, with its 11th-century frescoes depicting the Premyslid dynasty, is the oldest building of its kind in Moravia.

For lunch, the pedestrianised centre around Masaryk Square has several restaurants serving traditional Moravian cuisine. Try the local specialty of pickled Znojmo cucumbers, which have protected geographical status in the EU, alongside a glass of Znojmo wine.

Practical Tips

• Start early in summer to avoid afternoon heat on the exposed Znojmo-Pavlov section
• Bring binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching; the Nove Mlyny reservoirs host significant colonies of waterbirds
• The Klentnice to Pavlov section has limited shade; sunscreen and a cap are essential on clear days
• Znojmo has several bike repair shops if you need mechanical assistance mid-ride
• The route is well-suited to e-bikes, especially the hillier section near Klentnice

When to Go

The ideal riding window is May through September. Early autumn is particularly beautiful, when the vineyards turn gold and amber and the tourist numbers thin. The Znojmo Wine Festival in mid-September fills the town with live music, parades, and wine tastings and is worth timing your ride around.

Palava is where the Pannonian steppe meets the foothills of Central Europe. Cycling here feels like crossing a geological border, from one world into another, in the space of a few kilometres.