How many students can get aboard a bus #53? I could not Google the answer, but the original picture says: MANY. Source: Facebook

The town-owned transport company will likely restore the original route of bus line #53, connecting the 4,000-student dormitory at Palackého vrch with Brno. Town council wants the dormitory station back after 3,000+ students signed a petition and 3,360 Facebook fans cried for preserving the bus-stop “Kolejení”.

The station was cancelled few weeks ago to save approx. CZK 3,5M (€135k) yearly, although this decision made thousands of students, including expats, walk some 500 metres to the nearest stop even several times a day.

It was a pispoor clever step anyway – it made upset only the people who could not vote to the town council of Brno, as the dormitory is inhabited by students from other towns and countries.

On a bright day in Brno like this is, you can notice a huge hill with three tops on the horizon near Austrian border. The hills are called “Pálavské vrchy” and you can spend a great day there.

Silhouette of Mikulov at dusk

How to get to Pálavské vrchy & what to do there

I recommend using highway D2 and leaving your car on streets of village Pavlov (see a map). The ride will take less than a hour. If you don’t have a car, take a train to Popice; it will take you 2 more hours to Pavlov (if anyone knows about a better solution, please share it in comments).

It’s a steep hill upwards from Pavlov to ruin called “Dívčí hrady” but after a half an hour, you’ll see southern Moravia with all its wineyards and flood plains from a great height.

Chalky rocks, the icon of Pálavské vrchy

The castle “Dívčí hrady” was buit before the 13th century. It was destroyed by Swedish army during the 17th century.

Walking on you can explore whole “Pálavské vrchy” which is an UNESCO biosphere reserve, beautiful in every season. The area is very popular among photographers.

It's possible to see for miles from the hills. These folks look at Mikulov and to Austria.

Any harmful sport activities such are biking or paragliding are strictly prohibited in the reserve. Please follow internationally understandable boards with instructions. In return, here is a link to a detailed tourist map.

Mikulov: a piece of Italy at south Moravia

If you have some time left after visiting Pálavské vrchy or you are not a sportperson but still want to explore the region, ride to town Mikulov, located close to Czech/Austrian border.

Castle of Mikulov

There are several sights not to miss in the town; print a great list made by the town council. I personally recommend walking up another steep hill, called “Svatý kopeček” (Sacred hill). The butte is covered with small structures reminding the Crucifixion of Jesus and there’s still a pilgrimage held every September.

What I like about Mikulov is its historical architecture, consciously immitating Tuscany. Just sit at the stairs to the church of John the Baptist and you’ll wonder where are all the black haired boys riding their Vespas.

Chapels at the top of Svatý kopeček (Sacred hill)

If you are going to visit the area, don’t forget to buy a bottle of wine. Moravian wines are not as sweet as French or Italian wines, but they have strong enjoyable flavours. My favorite varieties are modrý Portugal (Portugais Bleu) and veltlín zelený (Grüner Veltliner, excellent with fishes or chicken).

Links

• Landscape attributes of Pálava
• The town of Mikulov
• Mikulov wine sub-region
• Photos of Pálava at Flickr
• Photos of Mikulov at Flickr