Austerlitz Cairn of Peace Memorial Opening Hours & Tips

The memorial is open nearly year-round, but times change with the seasons. From April to September, you can visit between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. During the cooler months of October to March, the site closes earlier at 4:30 PM. Note that the museum usually closes on Mondays. Always check for local holidays before you travel from Brno.

To help you plan, here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: The Cairn of Peace (Mohyla míru)
• Best for families: Slavkov Castle gardens
• Best rainy-day: The Multimedia Exhibition at the Cairn museum
• Best free sight: Žuráň Hill viewpoint

If you need more details on the wider area, check our Slavkov Austerlitz battlefield guide. It provides a deeper look at the 1805 conflict. Most visitors spend about two hours at the main monument. This gives you time for the museum and the chapel. Remember that the last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing.

9 Top Sights on the Slavkov Austerlitz Battlefield

The battlefield covers a vast area with many hidden gems. You will need a car or a good map to see them all. Each spot tells a different story of the 1805 clash. Here are the top nine experiences to include in your itinerary.

1. Name: Cairn of Peace (Mohyla míru) Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the first peace memorial in Europe. The chapel has amazing acoustics. Best for: History lovers. Where: Prace village. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small fee for museum; grounds are free. Getting there: Bus from Brno or short drive. Tip: Visit the multimedia show inside the museum for context.
2. Name: Slavkov Castle (Austerlitz Chateau) Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This is where the armistice was signed after the battle. The interiors are stunning. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Slavkov u Brna. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Variable tour prices. Getting there: Train or bus from Brno. Tip: See our guide on Slavkov Castle tour options for more details.
3. Name: Žuráň Hill Type: Viewpoint Why go: Napoleon commanded his troops from this very spot. A bronze map shows the troop positions. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near Podolí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Car is best; it is near the main road. Tip: Look for the French flag that flies here on anniversaries.
4. Name: Santon Hill Type: Nature/Sight Why go: This was a key French artillery position. It offers a 360-degree view of the northern battlefield. Best for: Hikers. Where: Tvarožná village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus to Tvarožná and a short walk. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be slippery.
5. Name: Stará pošta (Old Post Office) Type: Unique experience Why go: Napoleon stayed here before and after the battle. It is now a museum and a restaurant. Best for: Foodies. Where: Kovalovice. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate for meals. Getting there: Car or bike. Tip: Try the local Moravian wine with your lunch.
6. Name: Slavkov Town Square Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: The town is charming and full of history. It is a great place to find local souvenirs. Best for: Casual walking. Where: Central Slavkov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Direct train from Brno. Tip: Visit the local bakery for traditional Czech pastries.
7. Name: Sokolnice Castle and Park Type: Day trip Why go: Some of the most intense fighting happened here. The park is beautiful for a quiet walk. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Sokolnice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk the park. Getting there: Local bus or train. Tip: Check out the granary building which still shows battle damage.
8. Name: The Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua Type: Viewpoint Why go: It sits on a hill overlooking Slavkov. It offers a peaceful view of the valley. Best for: Sunset views. Where: Above Slavkov town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Uphill walk from the town center. Tip: Bring water for the walk up the hill.
9. Name: Křenovice Russian Headquarters Type: Sight Why go: This village hosted the Russian Tsar and the Austrian Emperor. It is a less-visited but vital spot. Best for: Hidden history. Where: Křenovice. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Train from Brno. Tip: Look for the memorial plaque on the old tavern building.

Planning Your Trip from Brno to Slavkov

Getting to the battlefield is easy from Brno. Most people take the train to Slavkov u Brna. The ride takes about 30 minutes and is very affordable. For the Cairn of Peace, a car is more convenient. You can find more day trips near Brno if you have extra time. The DPMB public transport site helps with local bus schedules.

The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn. The weather is mild and the fields are colorful. Every year in early December, a massive battle re-enactment takes place. This event draws thousands of visitors from around the world. If you visit then, expect large crowds and book hotels early. For a quieter trip, weekdays are always better than weekends.