11 Must-Try Tips for an Exciting Adventure in Soutok, Lanžhota, and Moravské Pole

The area is known as Soutok, and it is situated in the southern part of Moravia, nestled between the Morava and Dyje rivers. True to its name, this region features a confluence where the two rivers meet. It boasts lush greenery, consisting of floodplain forests and meadows, adorned with beautiful ancient oak trees. These trees are intermingled with various water channels, dead-end streams, and pools. You can visit this spot multiple times a year and always discover something new and fascinating. So, let’s explore it together!

1. Soutok, the Largest Game Reserve and the New CKKO of the Czech Republic

This region, often referred to as Moravian Amazonia, is located at the point where the Morava and Dyje rivers converge and is home to the Soutok Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in the Czech Republic. Effective from July 1, 2025, this area has been designated a Protected Landscape Area. The unique environment features floodplain forests intertwined with streams and pools.

As you explore the Soutok Game Reserve, you will find centuries-old oak forests, meadows, rivers, and various water features. This triangular area lies to the south of Breclav and Lanžhot and is bordered by the two rivers, forming a natural enclave between Austria and Slovakia. Historically, it was owned by the Liechtenstein family, who were proactive in preserving the local deer population. They constructed the first protective fence in 1872 and introduced different deer species from abroad, such as fallow deer from Sarajevo and black deer from Austria. Sadly, the deer struggled to acclimatize and, according to reports, managed to swim across the Morava River to Moravská Nová Ves and venture into the White Carpathians. Breeding deer required considerable effort, but now approximately 450 deer inhabit this confluence, including around 200 fallow deer along with a plentiful number of roe and black game.

2. The Least Known Tri-Border Area

Do you have a fascination with triangles, tri-border areas, and locations where borders of different nations and historic regions intersect? Then you might appreciate that the Soutok Game Reserve and the confluence of these significant Moravian rivers, Morava and Dyje, remain among the least visited spots. The quickest path to this Tri-border zone, where an old border stone from 1775 can be found, begins at Breclav and follows a route through the Pohansko Chateau, which stretches nearly 16 kilometers. If you pause to take a look at the river, Austria will be on your right side while Slovakia will be to your left.

3. Moravian Amazonia

When planning a visit to the Soutok Game Reserve, bear in mind that it is recognized as the largest floodplain forest complex in Central Europe. The name Moravian Amazonia certainly fits well; these moist forests with high water tables rely on flooding to thrive. Unfortunately, prolonged dry spells can harm their ecosystem, leading to temporary closures during flooding events. Typically, it’s sufficient to postpone your trip for a few weeks; however, to ensure an enjoyable visit, aim to plan your trip outside of the spring season.

4. Lány Chateau, an Unknown Part of the Lednice-Valtice Area

This oasis of tranquility is nestled in unspoiled nature in South Moravia and marks the southernmost section of the Lednice-Valtice area: this is the former hunting lodge of Lány. Constructed between 1810 and 1812, this building was originally a castle and served as the home of the Lány family. It was commissioned by Prince Jan I of Liechtenstein, with the construction carried out by the Liechtenstein court architect Josef Hardtmuth. After WWII, it fell into disrepair due to its location within a restricted area, but it is gradually regaining its original charm. Additionally, during the season, you can enjoy a delightful break at Stroodel Refreshments, where you will find tasty coffee, beer, and homemade desserts!

5. Pohansko Chateau, Archaeological Museum, and Rare Trees

While planning your trip to the Soutok Game Reserve, make sure to stroll past the charming Empire-style Pohansko Chateau. The Liechtenstein family oversaw its construction around the same time as Lány Chateau, and now its interiors feature exhibits from the City Museum and Gallery in Breclav. A statue of Moravian Prince Rostislav stands in front of the castle, and nearby, you can explore an archaeocanarium at the site of the former Great Moravian fortress. The paths in this area are adorned with unique hollow trees, adding to the charm of your visit.

6. Museum of Czechoslovak Fortification At the Barrier

Imagine a border crossing reminiscent of a scene from the fairy tale The Three Veterans, if it weren’t for Rousseau’s customs officer missing: this is what you will find at the Museum of Czechoslovak Fortification located in Pohansko. In this military bunker, situated on the bank of the pond and just a short walk from Pohansko Castle, you can view period-specific military equipment and armaments. However, the true highlight is an authentically reconstructed border crossing complete with an original barrier and a precise replica of a border marker.

7. Following the Trail of the Forest Railway

For enthusiasts of military history and technical artifacts, remember to keep some travel curiosities on hand. The aforementioned bunker serves as one such attraction, while another one is the forest narrow-gauge railway. It had a gauge of 700 mm and was utilized by the Liechtenstein family to transport timber from the Pohansko, Lanžhot, Ranšpurk, and Cahnov forests to the sawmill located at the Breclav railway station. This railway had a total length of 28 kilometers and functioned continuously from 1908 until 1965. During the mobilization in September 1938, it became a crucial transport route for Czechoslovak troops heading to the border forts, moving not just timber, but also ammunition, weapons, military supplies, and personnel. Today, cycle paths run along the route of this dismantled railway, especially between Lány Chateau and the southern part of the reserve.

8. The Liechtenstein Noble Family and the Liechtenstein House in Breclav

While exploring the game preserve and its surroundings, you are likely to come across numerous stories tied to the Liechtenstein family. Their main residence was in the Valtice and Lednice estates, which today form part of the Lednice-Valtice area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest composed landscape globally. The Liechtenstein House in Breclav serves as a symbolic gateway to the southernmost section of Moravia, where you can view models of the famous structures within the Lednice-Valtice area and learn about the history of one of the oldest families in Moravia.

9. Travel Tips for Families with Children

We have many fantastic ideas for family-friendly activities available at Kudy z nudy. Consider taking the kids on a boat trip from Lednice Castle to the Minaret, or engage them in one of the outdoor adventure games. You can find all the details at the Breclav Information Centre. In Breclav, there’s also a family park called Hájenka that features a rope center for some adventurous fun. Or perhaps you’d prefer one of our vacation suggestions tailored for families?

10. Lanžhot and the Legend of the Town Emblem

The southernmost village in South Moravia is named Lanžhot. This Czech name has its roots from the German Landshut, which means Land Guard. In history, this town, located on the border between three countries—Moravia, Hungary, and Austria—functioned as a lookout point. Throughout the centuries, many armies, both foreign and domestic, passed through Lanžhot, often leaving behind destruction and loss. Legend has it that the town’s emblem features an oak branch and three acorns.

Once, a young boy climbed the tallest oak tree in the area to watch for the Turks. Upon spotting the approaching enemy, he signaled with smoke. However, he was unaware that spies had already infiltrated ahead of the Turkish army, and they discovered the boy with the smoke signal and shot him with an arrow. When the men of Lanžhot saw the warning smoke, they armed themselves with pitchforks, axes, and sabers, and rushed to confront the Turks. Unfortunately, they were outnumbered and fell in battle. The king’s army later arrived, driving off the Turks and burying the fallen defenders. Only the courageous boy, the first to signal and thereby save many lives and properties, was presented to the king by soldiers carrying oak branches. The king honored the boy, took one branch with three acorns and leaves, and adorned it on a shield that had been stained red with the boy’s blood.

A Leap Across the Border

It is common knowledge that King Přemysl Otakar II fell in the Battle of the Moravian Field, but have you ever wondered where these fields are located? Surprisingly, they are not in Moravia itself but instead in the southeastern Weinviertel region of Lower Austria, between the Danube and the lower parts of the Morava River. The site of the battle where the Bohemian king tragically lost his life in 1278 features a memorial that serves as a tourist attraction. You can find it along the road connecting the villages of Dürnkrut and Jedenspeigen. Additionally, the battle is commemorated by a larger-than-life statue of King Přemysl Otakar II in the town of Marchegg.