Slavonice: Renaissance jewel and the gateway to “Bohemian Canada”

In the far south of Moravia, right on the border with Austria, lies a place that has defied time.. Slavonice It is famous for its two market squares, lined with magnificent Renaissance houses. But those who come here are usually looking for both: the intricate art of the sgraffito facades and the rugged, unspoiled nature of the adjacent nature park. Bohemian Canada. A perfect destination for explorers in 2026.

🎨 The Sgraffito Houses

Slavonice boasts one of the best-preserved ensembles of Renaissance townhouses in Europe. The facades are decorated with elaborate sgraffito paintings depicting biblical scenes, mythology, and daily life in the 16th century.

🕳️ The medieval underworld

Not for claustrophobes! A system of narrow, medieval drainage tunnels runs beneath the city. Wearing rubber boots and equipped with a flashlight, you can explore part of this labyrinth.

🌲 Bohemian Canada

The nature park begins directly behind the town. Deep forests, enormous granite boulders, and countless ponds gave the region its name. Ideal for hiking, cycling, and “forest bathing” far from the crowds.

Top destinations around Slavonice in 2026

Use the city as a base camp for excursions into the surrounding area:

  • Landštejn Castle: A massive Romanesque castle ruin in the middle of the forest. The view from the tower over Bohemian Canada is legendary.
  • Bunker line: Along the border there are numerous fortifications from the 1930s, some of which are now open to the public as museums.
  • Maříž ceramics: In the nearby village of Maříž you can paint your own ceramics in the famous workshop – a great souvenir!

💡 Travel tips for Slavonice

  • Best view: Climb the tower of the parish church of the Assumption of Mary. From above, the two market squares look like a colorful toy village.
  • Arrival: Slavonice is the terminus of a romantic local railway line from Kostelec u Jihlavy. The journey through the Moravian hills is pure relaxation.
  • Culinary delights: Try local game dishes or fresh fish from the surrounding ponds in the cozy cellars of the townhouses.

✨ My insider tip: Cross-border cycling

Slavonice is located directly on the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13). Cycle across the green border into Austria – the paths are flat, perfectly maintained and lead through a wonderfully quiet border landscape.

Slavonice proves that the most beautiful treasures are often found where the road seems to end. Anyone seeking Renaissance art without the hustle and bustle and unspoiled nature will love this place. 2026 is the year to discover the “Canada of South Moravia”! Vítejte ve Slavonicích!