Baron Georg Haas von Hasenfels, the last private owner, built a vast private zoo on the grounds, which included lions, kangaroos, and bears.
The castle contains a collection of taxidermy known as the 'Bítov Zoo', which remains one of the world's most unique historical animal displays.
The site was historically part of the Podyjí border defense system against Austrian incursions.
It houses a collection of 50 preserved dogs, documented as the largest collection of stuffed canines worldwide.
The castle chapel features original 14th-century frescoes that survived extensive later renovations.
Bítov Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Dyje and Želetavka rivers. Originally a 11th-century border fortification, it evolved into a luxurious residential seat under the ownership of the Daun family. The castle is renowned for its extensive collection of stuffed animals, which constitutes one of the largest private zoological exhibitions in Central Europe. The interior displays include period-accurate armory, royal apartments, and baroque decorative arts. Its current structure largely reflects a 19th-century Neo-Gothic reconstruction. The site is physically isolated by the Vranov Reservoir, which surrounds the promontory on three sides. It functions as a state-owned cultural monument, preserving significant historical artifacts from the Moravian nobility.
The viewpoint from the western outer walls capturing the confluence of the two rivers below.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the path from the parking area to the gate is steep and can be uneven.
Allocate extra time to explore the surrounding Podyjí National Park trails that branch off from the castle perimeter.
Carry a light jacket as the stone interiors remain significantly cooler than the outdoor temperatures.
Attempting to reach the castle via the forest trails from the water level without proper hiking equipment.
Closed on Mondays; open primarily from spring through autumn with limited operations in winter months.
Maintain silence in the chapel and avoid touching the historical taxidermy displays.
