Planning Your Trip to the Austerlitz Battlefield

Visiting the battlefield requires a bit of preparation. The area spans several villages east of Brno. You should start your journey by checking Go To Brno for local events. Most visitors choose Brno as their base for exploration. The city offers excellent hotels and modern amenities. You can find many day trips near Brno that include these sites.

The best time to visit is from April to October. The weather is mild and museums have longer hours. Many travelers enjoy the annual battle re-enactments in early December. However, be prepared for cold and snowy conditions during winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hilly terrain. Most sites have information panels in English and Czech.

You can see the main highlights in about six hours. A car is the most convenient way to travel between spots. However, public buses and trains also serve the main villages. Many people combine this trip with other train day trips from Brno. This guide will ensure you don't miss any key landmarks.

Top 10 Sites in the Slavkov Austerlitz Battlefield Guide

This list covers the most significant spots on the battlefield. Each location played a unique role in the 1805 conflict. We have included a mix of museums, viewpoints, and monuments. Use these picks to build your perfect itinerary.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Cairn of Peace Memorial
• Best for families: Slavkov Castle
• Best view: Žuráň Hill
• Best free site: Santon Hill

1. Name: Cairn of Peace Memorial (Mohyla míru) Type: sight Why go: It is the first peace monument in Europe. It stands at the heart of the battlefield. Best for: History enthusiasts and photographers. Where: Prace village. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small fee for museum; grounds are free. Getting there: Bus from Brno or a 20-minute drive. Tip: Check the Cairn of Peace memorial opening hours before you leave.
2. Name: Slavkov Castle (Austerlitz Chateau) Type: sight Why go: Napoleon signed the armistice here after his victory. The Baroque architecture is stunning. Best for: Architecture fans and families. Where: Slavkov u Brna. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for guided tours. Getting there: Direct train or bus from Brno. Tip: Explore the Slavkov castle tour options to see the historic balcony.
3. Name: Žuráň Hill Type: viewpoint Why go: This was Napoleon’s command post during the battle. You can see the entire landscape from here. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Near the village of Podolí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right off the main road to Olomouc. Tip: Look for the bronze map showing troop movements.
4. Name: Santon Hill Type: viewpoint Why go: It served as a vital French artillery position. The small chapel at the top is very scenic. Best for: Hikers and budget travelers. Where: Tvarožná village. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Tvarožná bus stop. Tip: The hill offers a great perspective of the northern battlefield.
5. Name: Stará pošta (Old Post Office) Type: museum Why go: Napoleon stayed here before the battle. It is a well-preserved historical building. Best for: Authentic atmosphere. Where: Kovalovice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Best reached by car or taxi. Tip: There is a small restaurant inside for a quick lunch.
6. Name: Prace Hill Type: viewpoint Why go: This was the site of the decisive "Lion's Leap" maneuver. It offers context for the battle's climax. Best for: Military history buffs. Where: Above Prace village. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the Cairn of Peace. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light.
7. Name: Church of the Resurrection Type: sight Why go: A classicist masterpiece in the center of Slavkov. It holds significance to the local town history. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Slavkov u Brna main square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Short walk from Slavkov Castle. Tip: Respect local services if they are in progress.
8. Name: Křenovice Village Type: experience Why go: It served as the headquarters for the Russian and Austrian emperors. You can see a statue of General Kutuzov here. Best for: Local exploration. Where: Křenovice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Train from Brno to Křenovice horní nádraží. Tip: Look for the mass graves marked in the local cemetery.
9. Name: Sokolnice Castle Type: sight Why go: The castle and its granary saw some of the bloodiest fighting. It is a key part of the southern battlefield. Best for: Seeing diverse battle locations. Where: Sokolnice. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Bus or train from Brno. Tip: The castle park is a nice place for a quiet walk.
10. Name: Spálený mlýn (Burnt Mill) Type: experience Why go: This is where Emperor Francis I and Napoleon met after the fight. It is a quiet, reflective spot. Best for: Completionists. Where: Near Žarošice. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Requires a car to reach easily. Tip: Use GPS as it is tucked away in the countryside.

How to Get Around the Battlefield

Navigating the battlefield is easiest with a private vehicle. The sites are spread across several miles of countryside. You can rent a car in Brno for a day. This allows you to follow the Slavkov Austerlitz battlefield guide at your own pace. Parking is generally easy and free at most monuments.

Public transport is a viable second option. Trains run frequently from Brno to Slavkov u Brna. For other sites, you must rely on local buses. Check the schedule on Visit Czechia for regional transit info. Be aware that buses to smaller villages may be less frequent on weekends.

Cycling is another popular way to see the area. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle slopes. There are marked bike paths connecting the major landmarks. This is a great way to enjoy the Moravian landscape. You can rent bikes in Brno and take them on the train.

Where to Eat and Stay Near Slavkov

Slavkov u Brna offers several charming restaurants. Many serve traditional Czech dishes like roast duck and dumplings. You can find Napoleon-themed menus in some local eateries. This adds a fun touch to your historical tour. Prices in the villages are often lower than in Brno city center.

For accommodation, most people stay in Brno. The city has a wide range of hotels and apartments. It is a vibrant hub with plenty of nightlife. You can also explore best castles near Brno from there. Staying in the city makes it easy to catch early trains.

If you prefer a quiet stay, look for guesthouses in Slavkov. These provide a more local and peaceful experience. You will be within walking distance of the castle gardens. This is ideal for those who want a slow-paced visit. Always book in advance during the re-enactment season in December.