Křenovice: History, Memorial Sites and Cycling Routes

Křenovice lies 3 km southwest of Slavkov u Brna, on both sides of the Rakovec stream. Two themes chiefly shape a visit to the village: its history, connected with the Battle of Austerlitz, and routes for walking or cycling. Historic memorial sites are spread throughout the village and across the Zlatá hora hill; the cycling routes vary in length and in their stated difficulty.

Historic Traces in Křenovice

A parish register from the early 19th century describes the Church of St. Lawrence as ancient and lists a sacristy, a choir gallery with a positive organ, and three wooden altars. The Smírčí kříž adds a stone monument to these historic sites: the monolithic cross stands beside a field track in Křenovice and is listed as a protected cultural monument. Alongside the church, it is considered one of the oldest witnesses to the village’s history; the site offers a beautiful view to the north.

House No. 65, the former Spáčil farmstead, is also connected with the history of the Battle of Austerlitz. The Russian general and commander of the Allied troops, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, spent the night there from December 1 to 2, 1805, on the eve of the battle. A memorial plaque outside the house commemorates his stay. The site’s historical significance is thus conveyed through a specific event and its memorial.

At Krchůvek on Zlatá hora hill are mass graves of soldiers from the Battle of the Three Emperors, as well as local victims of cholera. The site is freely accessible, makes a suitable stop on cycling trips, and lies on cycling route No. 5097. From there, you can see Křenovice, Slavkov, Šaratice, Hrušky and the Ždánický les. On a clear day, the Pálava hills and the peaks of the Chřiby range are also visible.

Cycling and Hiking Routes

Cycling route No. 5097 passes through Křenovice, is 28.5 km long and is classified as moderate. It is suitable for mountain bikes and trekking bikes. Route No. 5101 runs through Šaratice, Zbýšov and Křenovice; at 4 km, it is shorter, classified as easy and suitable for all types of bicycle. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their stated difficulty. For longer rides, the 31 km “Po slavkovském bojišti I.” cycling route and the 50 km “Po slavkovském bojišti III.” route also pass through Křenovice.

For walking, the marked “Šibeniční a popravčí vrch” educational trail is planned, at around 2 km long. It is intended to start in the village center, follow pedestrian paths only, and connect to the marked hiking trail across the Austerlitz battlefield. This provides a range of options for planning a visit, with different lengths and focuses: a short cycling route, moderately difficult routes, and a planned educational trail on foot.

Festivals and Local Culture

Several recurring events take place throughout the year. “Francouzové v Křenovicích” is held every year in early December to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Three Emperors in the Austerlitz battlefield area. Vavřinecké hody is the local feast currently being celebrated, and usually takes place on the second Sunday in August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the specific event dates in advance.

Since 2012, the Křenovice parish has also taken part in “Noc kostelů.” The annual “Pod křenovskó májó” festival is organized by the municipality together with the Křenováček children’s folklore ensemble. It began as a regional showcase for ensembles from the Vyškov area. Together, these festivals show that a visit can focus not only on the history of the battlefield, but also on local feast-day and folk traditions.

Discover more destinations: Křižanovice, Švábenice, Vážany Nad Litavou, Kozlany, Pustiměř, Lovčičky, Zbýšov U Slavkova, Hlubočany.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Vyškov.