Lukov: Nature Trails and Cultural History

Lukov lies on the border of Podyjí National Park. Nature and cultural history offer different starting points for planning a trip here. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Lukov, you can first decide whether hiking trails and cycling or historic buildings are your main focus.

Nature and Trails along the Dyje Canyon

Several hiking trails run through Lukov and through wooded countryside above the Dyje Canyon. If you are weighing a focus on nature against one on culture, the hiking trails offer a clear contrast with the historic buildings: here, the focus is on woodland and the canyon setting.

Cultural History in Lukov and the Surrounding Area

The ruins of Nový Hrádek Castle lie within the cadastral area of Lukov and in Podyjí National Park. They are publicly accessible as a national cultural monument and were built shortly after 1358 by the Moravian Margrave Jan Jindřich Lucemburský. Their historical connection thus goes back to the time of the margrave.

Access is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists: Nový Hrádek can only be reached on foot or by bicycle; motor vehicles are prohibited on the access road. Plan your visit as a walk or bike ride, rather than driving to the ruins.

The present-day parish church of St. Giles stands in the village. It is a Baroque church, was built in 1749 and is protected as a cultural monument. A pillory dating from 1609 still stands in front of the church. Different historical reference points can therefore be found side by side here: the construction date of the parish church and the date on the pillory.

Together with the construction of Nový Hrádek shortly after 1358, this gives a brief timeline: the castle’s construction, the pillory of 1609 and the parish church of 1749. This makes it possible to compare the different historical periods represented by these landmarks.

The landscape offers another perspective: from the roof of the former Renaissance chateau, you can look out over the flowing Dyje. The view of the river adds a panoramic perspective to the canyon landscape.

Near Lukov, Hradiště, known as “Ostroh,” is located in Podyjí National Park. It sits on a prominent, tongue-shaped promontory above the Dyje, which flows around it on three sides. Its elevated position and the river surrounding it on three sides together make up this distinctive landscape.

Cycling and a Seasonal Wine Bar

Two different details are useful for cyclists. Cycle Route 5000EV13 passes through Lukov between Podmolí and Čížov, placing the village along the route between these two places. The “Na Nový Hrádek” route is 12.5 kilometres long, 40 percent of which runs along a cycle path. While 5000EV13 is described by the places it passes through, the length and cycle-path share of “Na Nový Hrádek” provide concrete measures for planning your ride. Check the route and signage before setting off, as both may change.

Vinařství Molík has a self-service wine bar during the season. Visitors can buy wine there and enjoy it on site. The offer is seasonal, so check availability before planning a visit. This provides another option for a stay alongside hiking, cycling routes and cultural monuments: a seasonal wine offering that can be purchased and enjoyed on site.

Discover more destinations: Jevisovice, Hostěradice, Bezkov, Černín, Vranovská Ves, Vranov nad Dyjí, Korolupy, Ctidružice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Znojmo.