Křenovice – History, Trails and Experiences near Slavkov

Křenovice lies 3 km southwest of Slavkov u Brna on both sides of the Rakovec stream. The village combines the history of the Battle of Austerlitz with short walking routes, varied cycling trails and vibrant local traditions. Anyone looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Křenovice is choosing a place to stay where historical traces, the landscape and outdoor activities are an immediate part of the village’s character.

History in the Village Landscape

A prominent historical reference is House No. 65, the former Spáčil farmstead. On the night of 1–2 December 1805, immediately before the Battle of Austerlitz, the Russian general and commander of the allied forces, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, stayed there overnight. A memorial plaque in front of the house commemorates this event. The building is one of the historic sites of the Austerlitz battlefield.

The Church of St Lawrence is described as “ancient” in a parish register from the early 19th century and has a sacristy, a choir gallery with a positive organ and three wooden altars. Since 2012, the Křenovice parish has also taken part in the “Noc kostelů” event. Another historical feature is the wayside shrine “Boží muka na Široké”: it was rebuilt in 2005 and consecrated in 2006. At that time, 200 years had passed since its construction and 50 years since its collapse.

Walking and Views

For a short walk, the marked educational trail “Šibeniční a popravčí vrch” begins in the village centre. It is approximately 2 km long, runs exclusively along walking paths and connects to the marked hiking trail across the Austerlitz battlefield. This makes it possible to combine the history of the village with a short walk without having to plan a longer route.

One of the notable points along the route is the Smírčí kříž, a monolithic stone cross on a field path in Křenovice. It stands at a site with beautiful views to the north, is considered, alongside the Church of St Lawrence, one of the oldest witnesses to the history of Křenovice, and is registered as a protected cultural monument. Krchůvek is also located on the Zlatá hora hill. Mass graves of soldiers from the Battle of the Three Emperors and local victims of cholera are located there. The site is freely accessible and lies on cycling route No. 5097. From here, there are views of Křenovice, Slavkov, Šaratice, Hrušky and the Ždánický les; in clear weather, Pálava and the peaks of the Chřiby Mountains can also be seen.

Cycling Routes for Different Day Plans

Cycling route No. 5097 passes through Křenovice, is 28.5 km long, of moderate difficulty and suitable for mountain bikes and trekking bikes. A shorter alternative is the 4 km-long, easy cycling route No. 5101. It passes through Šaratice, Zbýšov and Křenovice and is suitable for all types of bicycles. For longer tours through the historic surroundings, the “Po slavkovském bojišti I.” route, at 31 km, and “Po slavkovském bojišti III.” route, at 50 km, are also available.

One described cycling tour begins in Křenovice. From Brno, both Křenovice Horní and Křenovice Dolní railway stations can be reached on train lines S2 or S6. This gives the choice of location a clear practical benefit if you would like to combine cycling tours with a stay around the battlefield.

Festivals and Regional Culture

At the beginning of December, “Francouzové v Křenovicích” takes place every year to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Three Emperors in the area of the Austerlitz battlefield. The local Vavřinecké hody church festival is usually held on the second Sunday in August. Every year, the municipality of Křenovice also organises the “Pod křenovskó májó” festival together with the Křenováček children’s folklore ensemble. It originated as a regional showcase of ensembles from the Vyškov area and complements the historical sights with a lively insight into regional folklore.

If you would like to compare other places for your search: Habrovany, Lovčičky, Nemochovice, Snovídky, Radslavice, Rousínov, Hostěrádky-Rešov and Ruprechtov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vyškov District.