Essential Stops for a Slavkov u Brna Battlefield Trip

Visiting the core monuments is the best way to start your journey. These sites provide context for the massive scale of the conflict. Most visitors begin in the town of Slavkov itself before heading to the rural monuments. The area is well-marked with educational panels in multiple languages.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): Mohyla Míru (Cairn of Peace)
• Quick Pick (Best for History): Slavkov Chateau
• Quick Pick (Best Free Site): Žuráň Hill

1. Name: Slavkov Chateau (Austerlitz Castle) Type: Sight Why go: This Baroque palace is where the armistice was signed after the battle. You can tour the historic halls and the impressive park. Best for: Architecture lovers and history fans. Where: Slavkov u Brna town center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (paid entry for interiors). Getting there: Direct train or bus from Brno. Tip: Check the Slavkov Austerlitz castle opening hours before you travel.
2. Name: Mohyla Míru (Cairn of Peace) Type: Experience Why go: This Art Nouveau monument is the first peace memorial in Europe. It stands at the heart of the battlefield and houses a multimedia museum. Best for: Everyone; it is the most iconic site. Where: Prace Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small fee for the museum; grounds are free. Getting there: Best reached by car or a long walk from Prace village. Tip: Read more about visiting the Mohyla Miru for museum details.
3. Name: Stará pošta (Old Post House) Type: Experience Why go: Napoleon stayed here before the battle. Today, it is a preserved building with a restaurant and a small museum dedicated to the French presence. Best for: Lunch stops and Napoleonic atmosphere. Where: Near the village of Kovalovice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry to the yard; paid museum. Getting there: Located on the main road between Brno and Olomouc. Tip: Try the traditional Moravian dishes in the historic dining room.
4. Name: Šlapanice Museum Type: Museum Why go: This museum is housed in a former Russian medical station. It offers a grim but necessary look at the medical realities of 19th-century warfare. Best for: Understanding the human cost of the battle. Where: Šlapanice town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low cost. Getting there: Easily reached by trolleybus from Brno. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the local church where soldiers are buried.

Strategic Viewpoints and Command Posts

To understand the tactics, you must see the terrain. The "Sun of Austerlitz" rose over these hills, revealing the positions of the Allied forces. These viewpoints are excellent for photography and offer a panoramic look at the Moravian countryside. Many of these sites are part of the nearby towns from Brno that are worth a visit.

1. Name: Žuráň Hill Type: Viewpoint Why go: This was Napoleon's headquarters during the decisive moments of the battle. A granite map on the summit shows the troop movements. Best for: Military historians and photographers. Where: Near the village of Podolí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short hike from the main road or Podolí. Tip: The hill is technically French territory, gifted to the nation.
2. Name: Santon Hill Type: Nature/Sight Why go: This steep hill served as a fortified French artillery position. It offers a commanding view of the northern part of the battlefield. Best for: Hiking and views. Where: Tvarožná village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus from Brno to Tvarožná, then a short walk. Tip: Look for the small chapel at the top which was rebuilt after the war.
3. Name: Vinohrady Hill Type: Viewpoint Why go: This was the site of the meeting between the Austrian and Russian emperors. It provides a different perspective on the Allied retreat. Best for: Quiet reflection away from the main tourist crowds. Where: Near Prace. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via walking trails from the Peace Mound. Tip: Visit during sunset for the best lighting over the valleys.

Planning Your Austerlitz Day Trip from Brno

Brno is the perfect base for your Slavkov u Brna battlefield trip. The city offers excellent transport links and historical context. You can find more information on the Go To Brno tourism portal. Most travelers find that one full day is enough to see the major sites.

If you have extra time, consider exploring other regions. You might enjoy Moravian Karst cave tours for a change of pace. However, for the battlefield, a car is the most convenient option. It allows you to hop between the scattered hills and monuments easily.

Public transport is also viable. Trains run frequently from Brno Main Station to Slavkov u Brna. From there, local buses or walking trails connect to the Peace Mound. Always check the latest schedules on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.

Unique Local Experiences and Reenactments

History comes alive in South Moravia through annual events. The most famous is the large-scale reenactment held every December. This event attracts thousands of participants from across Europe. It is a spectacle of smoke, uniforms, and horses that is hard to match.

1. Name: Battle of Austerlitz Reenactment Type: Experience Why go: Hundreds of people in period costumes recreate the battle. It is one of the largest Napoleonic events in the world. Best for: Families and fans of living history. Where: Fields near Tvarožná. Time: Full day. Cost: Varies; some viewing areas require tickets. Getting there: Special shuttle buses often run from Brno during the event. Tip: Check the Austerlitz reenactment event dates for 2026.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: While in Brno, visit this fortress. It served as a prison and military barracks during the Napoleonic era. Best for: City-based history. Where: Brno city center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up from the city center. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the dark history of the prison.
3. Name: Tvarožná Village Type: Sight Why go: This village is the center of the northern battlefield. It features several small monuments and a unique cannon display near the municipal office. Best for: A quick stop for photos. Where: Tvarožná. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus from Brno. Tip: Look for the "Napoleon's Horse" statue nearby.