Travel from Prague to Vienna

The shortest way between Prague and Vienna is on freeway to Brno and then Mikulov. You can stop in Brno - second largest city in Czech Republic - lively and pleasantly non-touristy. Next stop picturesque little historical wine town Mikulov. Or you can go little longer way via Cesky Krumlov. Being on UNESCO list and in Rick Steves book Prague & the Czech Republic it is unpleasantly touristy. However it is a fairy-tale magic gem, that's why you should spend a night and see it when hordes of day trippers disappear.

Thank you, Ilja!

I was thinking to drive: Prague - Jihlava - Znojmo - Vienna - do you think this is a good route? It seemed the best route based on current road conditions. I'm happy to take some detours though. 😊

Cheers
Alison

Ilja mentioned Cesky Krumlov. I agree that it's unpleasantly touristy, and to me it's also a Potemkin village, but a detour via CK has the advantage that you not only cross the most beautiful part of the CR, but also a very picturesque and interesting part of Austria on your way to Vienna, the valley of the Wachau with its vineyards, castle ruins and cute villages, several very impressive monasteries and abbeys, among them St. Florian, Melk Abbey, Göttweig Abbey or Altenburg Abbey, and some of Austrias best castles, like Rapottenstein, Rosenstein or Schallaburg.

Prague, Jihlava, Znojmo, Vienna is also a good route. You can do just a little detour and stop at Telc. Znojmo is also nice historical town and it's all about wine like Mikulov. Znojmo is also famous for its pickles.

Ilja and Martin, thanks so much for your replies! I will study the map and check out your recommendations.

Martin, you are striking a good chord with your mention of castles and abbeys - I'm a great fan of castles in particular and church buildings are close behind.

And Ilja - wine regions are always good! Thanks for the tip.

Cheers
Ali