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View of Bítov Castle

View of the Cornštejn ruin

Čížov

Frejštejn (nowadays Podhradí nad Dyjí)

Castle Hardegg (photo courtesy of Management Riegersburg and Hardegg)

The Kaja ruin in Lower Austria

Windmill in Lesná

Chateau Riegersburg (photo courtesy of Management Riegersburg and Hardegg)

Aerial view of Uherčice

Monuments near Vranov

Bítov. This castle, owned by the state, is situated over the confluence of the Dyje and the Želetavka rivers, some 13 kilometres NW of Vranov. This royal castle was first mentioned after 1060 among the first fortresses guarding the southern boundary of the Czech state. Later it was successively converted to a romantic residence. The castle was permanently inhabited until 1945, and was probably never seized throughout its existence. In the main tourist season the castle is open to the public from May to September daily except on Mondays, plus in April and October on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Near the castle there is a village of the same name, built in the 1930's for the inhabitants of the old Bítov village that was to be flooded by the lake of the newly constructed Vranov Reservoir. More information on www.hradbitov.cz. Contact bitov@brno.npu.cz

Cornštejn. The ruins of the formerly extensive Cornštejn Castle, dating from the first half of the 14th century, lie some 9 kilometres to the west of Vranov. Originally a frontier fortress, it soon became a part of the estate of the Lichtenburk noble family. In 1465, at the time of Hynek Bítovský of Lichtenburk, who refused the loyalty oath to the king, Cornštejn Castle was taken by King Jiří z Poděbrad. Gradually the castle lost its importance and since the end of the 16th century it has been reported as abandoned. In the 1970's the ruins were safeguarded against further dilapidation, and at present they are open to the public daily in July and August. The highest lying accessible parts of the ruins offer a number of attractive views of the Dyje River in the area of its confluence with the Želetavka River. More information on www.znojmuz.cz. Contact znojmuz@znojmuz.cz.

Čížov is a small village lying about 8 kilometres to the east of Vranov, with preserved village architecture and a chapel dating from 1756. At the end of the village is situated the Visitors Centre of the Podyjí National Park Administration with a permanent exposition about the Park's nature, and an information bureau. Near the building of the Centre, the visitors can see the only preserved part of a wire fence of the so-called Iron Curtain. Čížov is the ideal starting point for excursions to both parts of the NP on either the Czech or the Austrian side of the Dyje River. More information on www.nppodyji.cz. Contact info@nppodyji.cz.

Frejštejn – a ruin situated on a rock outcrop in the village of Podhradí nad Dyjí, on the right bank of the Dyje river, approximately 25 km from Vranov. First mention of the castle is from the middle of the 13th century, when it was one of the oldest aristocratic dwellings in our country. In 1440 it was bought by the Moravian Estates, conquered, and probably partially demolished. In late 15th century it is mentioned as desolate. Remains of massive walls still remain, as well as traces of tower, castle chapel, and palace. The historically valuable ruin can be accessed for free, all year round. Contact starosta@podhradinaddyji.cz.

Greillenstein. Charming renaissance chateau from the late 16th century with later baroque additions. It is situated close to Horn – from Vranov it is accessible via Šafov and Geras. The chateau offers unique interiors with an original bathroom from 1590, as well as large park that was reconstructed in the 1990’s. From the 16th century up to now it has been held by the Kuefstein count family. Visitors interested in seeing the interiors, several permanent exhibitions, or to use the additional services, which include weddings and various social events, may find more information on www.greillenstein.at. Contact schloss@greillenstein.at.

Hardegg. With its less than a hundred inhabitants, Hardegg is the smallest town in Austria. It lies at the confluence of the Dyje River and the Fugnitz Brook about 12 kilometres to the south-east of Vranov. The little town, with a parish church of St. Vitus, dating from the first half of the 13th century, is dominated by a castle built in the 12th and 13th centuries and rebuilt in the early 20th century. Having guarded the old country frontier, the castle now contains a collection of objects commemorating Maximilian of Habsburg, the former Mexican emperor, assassinated in 1867. A part of the exposition contains collections of ancient Maya, Inca and Aztec art. Hardegg is the seat of the Thayatal National Park and, at the same time, the starting point of tourist trails into the Austrian Thayatal National Park. In the building of the National Park Administration there also is a modern Visitors' Centre. The border crossing for pedestrians and cyclists is open each year from April 15 to November 2. More information on www.burghardegg.at. Contact office@burghardegg.at.

Kaja - medieval border castle on the Austrian side of Podyjí, which is about 2 km from Nový Hrádek as the bird flies. The first mentions of this castle are from the 11th century. It has suffered substantial damage during the Hussite forays, in the 15th century it was reconstructed and reinforced. In early 17th century it was abandoned and gradually fell into disrepair until it became a ruin. The castle lies in the first zone of the National Park Thayatal. More information on www.retzer-land.co.at (Infrastruktur / Hardegg / Tourismus / Nationalpark Thayathal / Sehenswertes / Burg / Burgruine Feste Kaja). Contact stadtgemeinde@hardegg.gv.at.

Lesná. The picturesque village of Lesná, containing numerous objects of original village architecture, lies about 5 kilometres to the east of Vranov on the road to Znojmo. The village was founded after 1794. Besides St. Theresa's church dating from 1868 and a Veteran Car Museum, there is a windmill turned into a restaurant. South of the village, on a yellow-marked tourist trail leading to the Ice Caves, there is a hunters' summerhouse, also called the Lusthaus, built shortly after the middle of the 18th century. At present, after having been reconstructed by the Podyjí National Park Administration, it is only open to the public by arrangement with this organisation.

Riegersburg is one of the artistically and historically most valuable and interesting chateaux of the Moravian and Austrian Thaya and Podyjí region. Walkers and cyclists may reach it via approximately 9 km long route from Vranov leading through Podmýče and Felling. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes may reach it through the border crossing Šafov - Riegersburg (about 8 km from Vranov). Riegersburg, which was built on the site of an original medieval fortress by Franz Anton Pilgram (1699 - 1761), principle of the famous baroque architect Lucas von Hildenbrandt, offers splendid period interiors documenting the fine culture of living in the 18th and 19th centuries, permanent exhibition “Rural Life of the Aristocracy in Baroque” as well as many seasonal shows, exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. May find more information on www.schlossriegersburg.at. Contact office@schlossriegersburg.at.

Uherčice. The village of Uherčice, with an extensive castle of the same name, lies 18 kilometres to the west of Vranov. With its Renaissance arcades, rich stucco embellishment and an English-style park, the castle used to be a very attractive residence. After the 1948 communist revolution, it was owned by the army and later by the state agricultural company. This has caused significant damage. At present, the castle undergoing gradual reconstruction and some of its rooms have been made open to the public in July and August. During summer holidays the castle is the place of the so-called Uherčice Cultural Summer Festival. More information on www.zamek-uhercice.cz. Contact uhercice@brno.npu.cz.