Slavkov Castle

Slavkov Castle stands at the heart of the small town of Slavkov u Brna in South Moravia, and it owes its fame above all to one event: the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz.

Why is this castle historically important?

The building took on its present Baroque appearance around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, when it became the seat of the Kaunitz family, one of the most influential noble houses of the Habsburg monarchy. It was this family that produced Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz, the long-serving state chancellor under Empress Maria Theresa and one of the shrewdest diplomats of 18th-century Europe.

The chateau's real claim to fame, however, dates to December 1805. On the eve of the Battle of Austerlitz — often called the Battle of the Three Emperors — the allied monarchs, Russian Tsar Alexander I and Austrian Emperor Francis II, stayed at the castle while planning their campaign against Napoleon's forces. After the battle, which ended in a decisive French victory, Napoleon himself spent the night within these walls and used the chateau's rooms to negotiate armistice terms. That single episode permanently placed a modest Moravian town on the map of European history.

What can you actually see inside?

The chateau holds dozens of rooms, a number of which are open to visitors on guided tours. Expect period furniture, paintings, and richly decorated reception halls that give a vivid sense of aristocratic life at the time. A dedicated exhibition walks visitors through the Battle of Austerlitz itself, using maps and memorabilia to explain how the fighting unfolded on the hills surrounding the town.

Below the main building lies another attraction: a network of cellar corridors that once housed the castle's own bakery. During the season, the chateau also runs costumed tours aimed at families, built around a mystery-style story about the people who once lived here.

What's around the castle grounds?

The building is framed by an extensive French-style garden, laid out with geometric paths and greenery that make for a relaxed stroll after touring the interior. In summer, parts of the chateau's grand spaces double as exhibition galleries, hosting contemporary art shows against a Baroque backdrop.

How do you get to Slavkov Castle?

The chateau sits almost in the center of Slavkov u Brna, roughly 20 kilometers east of Brno. Driving takes about 20 minutes, while a train or bus from Brno covers the distance in around half an hour. That makes the castle an easy day trip from Brno, and a natural stop for anyone also visiting the nearby Austerlitz battlefield sites.

When is the best time to visit?

Interior tours run most reliably from spring through autumn, when the guided routes and the garden are fully open. December, marking the battle's anniversary, brings historical commemorations and themed events to the town, though the castle's own visiting hours may be more limited during that period.

Frequently asked questions

Does Slavkov Castle have a real connection to Napoleon? Yes — Napoleon stayed overnight here after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in December 1805, and the allied Austrian emperor and Russian tsar had lodged in the same castle just before the battle.

How long does a visit take? A standard guided tour of the interior usually runs about an hour; add extra time for a walk through the garden.

Is there an exhibition about the Battle of Austerlitz? Yes, one of the halls is dedicated to the battle, featuring maps and artifacts related to how it unfolded.

How far is the castle from Brno? About 20 kilometers, roughly a 20 to 30-minute trip by car, train, or bus.