Mikulov Castle Garden – A Hidden Treasure with Views of the Entire Dyje Region

Mikulov Castle Garden – A Hidden Treasure with Views of the Entire Dyje Region

The castle garden at Mikulov Castle is one of the most beautiful and yet least known places in Mikulov. This historic park with baroque terraces, rare trees and breathtaking views of the entire Dyje region offers an ideal combination of romance, history and nature. Read our guide to the castle garden and discover why this place is worth visiting during your stay in Mikulov.

History of the castle garden – from Renaissance to the present day

The castle garden in Mikulov has a tradition of more than 400 years. The first garden was established around 1611 by Cardinal Franz von Dietrichstein, who transformed the original Gothic castle into a Renaissance château. At that time, the garden was designed in the style of Italian Renaissance gardens with geometric flower beds, water features and pergolas.

The garden experienced its greatest flourishing in the 18th century, when it was rebuilt into a baroque terraced garden. This is when the characteristic stone terraces supported by massive walls were created, which still form the backbone of the entire garden today. The baroque modifications included planting avenues of linden and oak trees, creating viewing platforms and installing statues and fountains.

In the 19th century, the garden underwent another transformation towards the English park style with looser groups of trees and meandering paths. After World War II, the area was neglected for many years, but since 2000, gradual restoration has been underway, returning the garden to its original beauty.

Baroque terraces – the architectural jewel of the garden

The most characteristic feature of the castle garden are the baroque stone terraces, which descend in steps along the southern and western slopes of the castle hill. These terraces create an impressive backdrop and at the same time offer different height levels for observing the surrounding landscape.

The terraces are supported by monumental stone walls up to 5 meters high, which were built in the 18th century from local sandstone. Their construction is a technical masterpiece – they have been resisting soil pressure for more than 250 years and still serve their purpose. In some places, the walls are decorated with baroque sculptures and vases.

Stone staircases and promenades lead between the terraces, allowing for a pleasant walk through the garden. Walking along the terraces offers constantly changing views of the town, Pálava Hills and Novomlýnské reservoirs. Each terrace has a different character – some are planted with flowers, others with lawns and still others with rare trees.

Tip for visitors: The most beautiful light for photographing the terraces is early in the morning or in the afternoon, when the sun's rays beautifully highlight the structure of the stone walls and cast long shadows.

Rare trees and botanical treasures

The castle garden in Mikulov is a true dendrological treasure with several dozen rare and protected trees. Many of them were planted as early as the 18th and 19th centuries and today reach impressive dimensions.

Among the most significant trees in the garden are:

• ✓ London plane tree – monumental tree with trunk circumference over 4 meters, approximately 200 years old
• ✓ Catalpa – exotic tree with large leaves and beautiful white flowers in June
• ✓ Ginkgo biloba – the so-called "living fossils", trees from the time of dinosaurs
• ✓ Silver maples – avenue of mighty maples along the main path
• ✓ Large-leaved lindens – old linden avenues from the 18th century
• ✓ Douglas firs – conifers originating from North America

In addition to woody plants, the garden is also beautiful thanks to seasonal flower plantings. In spring, tulips, daffodils and snowdrops bloom, in summer the terraces are adorned with roses, hydrangeas and lavender, and in autumn with asters and chrysanthemums. The garden is maintained all year round and always offers something new to admire.

Views of Mikulov, Pálava Hills and the entire Dyje region

One of the main reasons to visit the castle garden are the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Thanks to the garden's location on the southern and western slopes of the castle hill, panoramic views open up in almost all directions from here.

From the upper terraces you can enjoy views of:

• ✓ Historic center of Mikulov – view of baroque roofs, square and church towers
• ✓ Pálava Protected Landscape Area – dominant features of Stolová hora, Děvín and Sirotčí hrádek hills
• ✓ Novomlýnské reservoirs – three water bodies providing sanctuary for water birds
• ✓ Austrian Alps – visible on the southeastern horizon in good visibility
• ✓ Wine-growing landscape – vineyards spread throughout the surroundings

The best viewing point is located on the upper terrace, where there is a stone balustrade and benches for rest. This place is a popular destination for romantic walks, photographers and painters who capture the beauty of South Moravia here.

Tip for visitors: An unforgettable experience is watching the sunset from the upper terrace of the garden. The golden light of the setting sun beautifully illuminates Pálava and creates a magical atmosphere.

Walk through the garden – what not to miss

The castle garden is not large, but it offers several interesting places that you should not miss during your walk:

1. Entrance portal and main avenue
Access to the garden is possible directly from the castle courtyard. The main avenue lined with mighty maples runs through the center of the garden and divides it into western and eastern parts. This avenue offers a pleasant walk in the shade of tree crowns.

2. Viewing terraces
By gradually climbing the stone stairs, you reach the upper terrace, which offers the best view. On the way up, you can admire the architecture of the baroque terraces and the carefully maintained vegetation.

3. Romantic corners
In the garden you will find several quiet places with benches hidden under tree crowns, ideal for rest with a book or a picnic. Particularly charming are the places on the edges of the garden with views of the landscape.

4. Protected trees
Don't forget to visit the mighty plane tree and other protected trees that are marked with information boards in the garden. These trees are living witnesses to the garden's history.

5. Connection to Holy Hill
From the highest part of the garden, a path leads further to Holy Hill with the Dietrichstein tomb. This walk can be combined into one circular route.

Practical information for visitors

Opening hours: The castle garden is freely accessible all year round. In the summer months (May - September), you can visit the garden from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, in the winter period until 6:00 pm.

Admission: Entry to the castle garden is free.

Barrier-free access: Unfortunately, due to the terraced character of the garden and historic stone stairs, the garden is not fully barrier-free accessible. However, the lower part of the garden is accessible even for visitors with limited mobility.

For families with children: The garden is suitable for walks with children. Children will appreciate the space to run on the lawns and explore the nooks between the terraces. Strollers can only be used in the lower part of the garden.

Dogs: You can enter the garden with dogs on a leash.

Best time to visit: The castle garden is beautiful all year round. Spring bulbs bloom in spring, the garden is fresh and green in summer, glows with golden colors in autumn, and offers a romantic atmosphere of snow-covered terraces in winter.

Conclusion – romance and history in the heart of Mikulov

The castle garden in Mikulov is a place that will surprise every visitor. The combination of historic architecture, botanical rarities and beautiful views makes it a unique place for a romantic walk, relaxation in nature and photography. Although it is not as well known as Pálava or Lednice Castle, it is definitely worth a visit.

The garden is ideal for a peaceful walk away from tourist crowds, while offering equally beautiful views as more popular destinations in the area. It is a place where you can sit peacefully on a bench under an old plane tree, admire baroque architecture and enjoy the view of the picturesque landscape of South Moravia.

Planning a visit to Mikulov and the castle garden? Our Penzion Růže is ideally located for exploring Mikulov and its surroundings. We are only a 12-minute walk from the castle garden and 10 minutes from the historic center. We offer comfortable rooms with free parking in a closed area and we are happy to advise you on planning your trip. Contact us at [email protected] or phone +420 602 340 758 and book your stay!