Austerlitz: Castle History and Historic Gardens

In Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna), the castle’s history, the historic town centre and the castle park can all be highlights of a stay. The Napoleonic era takes centre stage at the castle, while buildings from several centuries in the town show how different styles overlap. Other attractions include an illustrated town walk, golf and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

Castle and Napoleon Exhibition

In 2026, the permanent exhibition “Slavkov and Europe in the Age of the Napoleonic Wars” opened in the former stables of Slavkov–Austerlitz Castle. It is open to visitors; check the current visitor arrangements before your trip. Exhibits include original personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte, including his personal sabre and a travel nécessaire that he used before the Battle of Slavkov. The loaned objects will be on display only until the end of 2026. If you particularly want to see these items, plan your stay within this time frame. The “Historic Halls” tour also provides access to the Chapel of the Holy Cross at the castle; check the latest access information before your visit. The chapel closes off the castle’s south wing and extends through all its above-ground floors.

Historic Town Centre and Architecture

The municipal conservation area preserves the cultural-historical, architectural, urban-planning and natural values of the originally medieval and later early-modern historic town centre. The Panský dům illustrates how different building phases overlap: the Renaissance building has a Gothic core and was later altered in the Baroque and Classicist styles. A Renaissance grille with floral and animal motifs, as well as the coat of arms of the Kounic family, has been preserved above the entrance. The town hall was also built in the Renaissance style, but has a Gothic core and is considered, in effect, the oldest building in the town. The Church of the Resurrection of the Lord is a Late Baroque building by Jan Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg. Remains of the town wall have been preserved, particularly by the cemetery, near the former clock-gate complex and at the castle garden; the town fortifications included four town gates. The illustrated Slavkovský Špacírek leads to the town’s notable sights and monuments and includes eleven stops. Above the town stands the art-historically significant Chapel of St Urban, a distinctive landmark. A new chapel was built there on old foundations in 1858–1861.

Park, Golf and Seasonal Swimming

The castle park in Slavkov u Brna covers 15.5 hectares and is one of Moravia’s most important historic gardens. Admission is free. A six-hole golf practice course is available in the lower part of the park. Austerlitz Golf Resort operates an 18-hole golf course in Slavkov u Brna. For a small fee, you can play golf there all day without being a member of a golf club or providing proof of a handicap. Koupaliště Slavkov is a seasonal facility with a 50-metre swimming pool, a non-swimmer pool and a children’s pool. Check the outdoor pool’s current opening period before your visit.

Getting There by Train

Slavkov u Brna is on the Brno–Veselí nad Moravou railway line. The railway station is about 1.3 km from Slavkov–Austerlitz Castle. This information can help you plan a train journey; the distance given is to the castle.

Discover more destinations: Bučovice, Komořany, Bošovice, Otnice, Holubice, Heršpice, Moravské Málkovice, Kožušice

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Vyškov.