The Lednice-Valtice Complex: by bike through a landscape of monuments and wine

A tour of a magnificent chateau in the morning, a romantic stroll around an Islamic minaret before lunch, bathing in the afternoon beneath an ancient church, and watching the sun set over dazzling white rock walls in the evening. Sound like a dream holiday? You can experience it for yourself at the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape! Cycle through a gorgeous landscape of historical landmarks and vineyards whose beauty has earned it the title the Garden of Europe, and which is one of the prettiest places on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape measures 300km2, making it the largest manmade landscape in the world. This unique place was created in harmony with nature by the Liechtenstein aristocratic family over the course of a century. Thanks to its flatness, the entire area is ideal for bike rides. Following kilometres of perfectly marked cycle routes, you can take in majestic chateaux, well maintained parks, colourful flowerbeds, romantic spots on the River Dyje, the glittering surfaces of fishponds covered in water-lilies, fertile vineyards and romantic buildings of all styles in a sun-drenched landscape. In all, there are over 90km of marked routes, with some crossing the border into neighbouring Austria. Get yourself a bike, take out a map, pick a route and set off to explore one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.

Experience the greatest Rendezvous!

The cycle routes of the Lednicko-Valtický Cultural Landscape are suitable both for total beginners and those who like taking on tougher terrain. For instance, you can try out the 39km Liechtenstein Trail in South Moravia, which is mainly on the flat and is designed to take in the complex’s historical landmarks and natural beauty spots. It will take you from Valtice through the romantic ruins of Janov Castle and the Lednice fishponds to the ancient chapel of the Three Graces, the delightful St. Hubert’s Chapel and the monumental Rendezvous, which is reminiscent of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. If you also feel like exploring the sights on the Austrian side of the border, you can take the route another 24km to Schattenberg and Wilfersdorf.

Cycling without borders

Not an endurance cyclist? No worries! Just follow the Valtice Circuit, which at 18km is one of the area’s shortest routes. Starting from the wine capital of Valtice, you will pass through Kolonáda, Úvaly, Sedlec and by the Nesyt fishpond on your way to Hlohovec. You can also set off on the flat Czech-Austrian border path past the Pohansko imperial hunting mansion on the Lužní les educational trail through Janův hrad and Lednice, with its wonderful neo-Gothic chateau and park. Another option is to follow the cycle route to the enchanting Lednice fishpond before taking a breather in the shadow of the Three Graces Chapel, St. Hubert’s Chapel and the Temple of Diana (also known as Rendezvous), the perfect spot for a nice picnic.

By bike straight to the water

Do you want to push your body a bit? If so, take the cycle route from the Lednicko-Valtický Cultural Landscape to Pálava, sections of which feature hilly terrain. The 25km route runs from Valtice through Hlohovec and Lednice to Nejdek and Pavlov, all the way to Nové Mlýny, which – with its three reservoirs beneath the Pálava Hills – is an excellent place for bathing or windsurfing. Whichever of the cycle routes you choose, an unforgettable journey through gorgeous nature dotted with architectural jewels awaits you.