Region Znojmo - South Moravia, The Czech Republic

With 1,637 sq. km. in area and a population of 133,948, the district of Znojmo is one of Moravia's largest. Thanks to its southern border copying the boundary on Austria (which can be crossed at 6 official border crossings), the region is an important traveller's domain, also known for natural, historic, cultural and social attractions. Local economy is based on a mix of agriculture and industry. Major industries produce foodstuffs, ceramics, glass, and leather. Agriculture specialises in cereals and leguminous plants, sugar beet and the traditional vegetables, fruits, and vine. Farming traditions must of course reflect in local culture and social life: Znojmo Historic Vintage; Znojmo Beer Festival; the Josephite Cost which is a wine exhibition for vintners and wine-dealers from near and far; ZnojemskoGarden of Moravia; Martin's Feast; etc. Extensive nature reserves lie within Znojemsko's borders (the Podyjí National Park; nature reserves Jevišovka, Rokytná, Želetavka and central Pojihlaví) as well as a few small areas of natural beauty or cultural interest. Protected habitats are mostly steppes with thermophile flora and fauna and some minor remainders of once vast inundation forests, swamps and waters with rare aquatic life. A few pieces of the endangered bustard are still surviving in the district's south-west (the only occurrence in Czechia). The summer season offers several dams-Vranovská, Výrovická, Jevišovická, to name a few-to enjoy swimming and water sports. Natural attractions concentrate in the Podyjí National Park, with rare sceneries on a limited area. A web of hiking and biking paths that are linked with those on the Austrian side allow access into the national park. Here are some of the district's interesting places: Castles: Bítov; Jevišovice; Znojmo. Châteaus: Vranov Nad Dyjí; Moravský Krumlov; Uherčice. Castle ruins: Cornštejn; Frejštejn; Nový Hrádek; Templštejn; Lapikus; Šimperk; etc. Technical monuments and museums: Water mill at Slup; the SouthMoravian Museum in Znojmo. Galleries and exhibitions: Slavonic Epopee at the château of Moravský Krumlov; House of Arts in Znojmo; Moravský Krumlov's Museum and Gallery. Miscellaneous: Cellars and tower of Znojmo Town Hall; some buildings of Znojmo's Urban Reserve, including some sacral monuments; the cross wine cellar at Přímětice. Pilgrimage places: Hluboká Mašůvky; Moravský Krumlov; Miroslav; Znojmo-Hradiště; etc.