Horní Kounice Between History and Nature

Horní Kounice brings together architectural history, the landscape along the Rokytná, and a local culinary tradition. If you are looking for a hotel and considering Horní Kounice as a destination, you can assess the town based on these highlights: Are you particularly interested in historic architecture, a protected natural area, or a specific type of event? The town’s features offer different points of reference to help you choose your destination.

The Church and the History of the Knights Hospitaller

The rectory on Horní Kounice’s square dates from 1780 and is considered architecturally valuable. The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is a late Baroque building dating from 1785 to 1790; its Romanesque core dates back to the mid-13th century. The town’s history thus encompasses different building periods: the rectory dates from the late 18th century, while the core of the church is much older.

The former commandery of the Knights Hospitaller also reflects historical changes. It was converted into a Gothic fortress and later turned into a granary. A cellar measuring 17.7 × 5 metres preserves the lower part of an early Gothic residential building belonging to the commandery; its architectural features include a staircase leading to the courtyard and an early Gothic pointed-arch portal. The commandery is considered the best-preserved example of a rural commandery in Moravia and, together with the church, forms a prominent historic landmark in the municipality.

Alinkov and the Rokytná

The Alinkov farm complex adds a late Renaissance complex, built around 1600, to the area’s architectural history; remains of a mill have been preserved. It lies on the right bank of the Rokytná, north of Čermákovice and within the cadastral area of Horní Kounice. Its location can therefore be described in terms of both its relationship to the river and its cadastral designation. Alinkov adds another building period to the town’s history, alongside the much older building sections and the architecture of the late 18th century.

Nature Park and Wildlife

The Rokytná Nature Park includes Horní Kounice. Its landscape features river meanders, rocks, floodplain meadows and scree habitats, as well as spruce, oak-hornbeam and pine forests. The protected landscape around the Rokytná is part of the European Natura 2000 network. Alongside the historic buildings, a protected natural area is therefore another distinct factor to consider when choosing a destination.

Kingfishers, crayfish, otters and eagle owls can be spotted in the nature park, although sightings are possible rather than guaranteed. The nature experience differs from exploring the area’s architectural history: one focuses on the river landscape, rocks, meadows, forests and possible wildlife sightings, while the other focuses on historic building periods and preserved architecture.

Goulash Festival and Getting There

The Goulash Festival is a traditional competition in Horní Kounice to find the best kettle-cooked goulash. The fourth edition, held on 23 May 2026, featured tastings and judging of the goulash. If you are planning a future trip around a festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Horní Kounice can be reached by car or bus and is located on the Moravský Krumlov–Tavíkovice route. The town is also part of the IDS JMK transport system. Check current connections before setting off, as transport information can change.

Discover more destinations: Suchohrdly U Miroslavi, Mikulovice, Ctidružice, Morašice, Dyjákovičky, Hodonice, Sumna, Pravice

For the full travel overview: Okres Znojmo.