Location

The 14^th EFIS-EJI Tatra Immunology Conference will be held at the Hotel Galant in the historic town of Mikulov, South Moravia.

How to Get There | Traveling Between Vienna & Mikulov

Nestled in the sunny hills of South Moravia right by the Austrian border, Mikulov is a town where history and nature seamlessly blend. The entire skyline is dominated by the Mikulov Castle, which sits on a rocky cliff overlooking cobblestone streets. Surrounded by endless vineyards and situated right at the edge of the beautiful Pálava Hills, the town offers a wonderfully laid-back vibe. Whether you spend your free time exploring the historic Jewish quarter, hiking up Svatý kopeček for panoramic views, or relaxing in a local wine cellar, you will find plenty to enjoy between conference sessions.

Exploring the Town Center

If you choose to stay directly in Mikulov, several remarkable sights are just a short walk away. The prominent Mikulov Castle houses a museum with exhibitions dedicated to regional art, ancient local history, and the area’s deep-rooted wine production. Right on the main square, you will find the Dietrichstein Tomb, the historic funeral chapel of the prominent local family. Mikulov also boasts a rich Jewish heritage, and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through the historic Jewish quarter, visiting the local Synagogue, or exploring the old Jewish cemetery, which is one of the largest in the region. For those looking to stretch their legs, a charming walking path leads up Svatý kopeček, offering the absolute best panoramic views of the town and its countryside. Alternatively, if you prefer to explore underground, the Na Turoldu Caves on the edge of town offer a unique look at local geological formations and subterranean domes.

Organized Optional Conference Excursions

To help you experience the wider region, we have organized two optional special bus trips during the conference. The first is a short fifteen-minute shuttle ride to the nearby village of Pavlov, which caters beautifully to both outdoor and history lovers. Hikers can choose from several trails of various lengths that wind through the unique natural landscapes of the Pálava Hills and up to historic castle ruins. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Pavlov is a famous hub for local wine production, where local winemakers open their cellars for tastings. The village is also home to Archeopark Pavlov, a highly modern, interactive underground museum built directly on an ancient Paleolithic site where mammoth hunters once lived.

Our second excursion is a twenty-minute drive to the UNESCO-listed Lednice complex. This trip offers the chance to take a guided tour of the stunning, fairy-tale-like Lednice Chateau. Or you can stroll through the expansive English gardens, an experience that can be beautifully paired with a scenic boat ride along the estate’s historic canals.

Sports and Relaxation

For those who want to stay active, the region is famous for its exceptional cycling trails. You can rent a bicycle right across the street from the conference hotel to explore the vineyards at your own pace. If you prefer swimming, hotel itself features an excellent wellness center and pool. However, if you are looking for a unique outdoor swimming experience, you can take a dip in Lom Janičův vrch, a beautifully flooded limestone quarry.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach the conference venue, whether you arrive by train, bus, or car. The information below will help you find your way with ease. Please note that the details provided are for reference purposes only; we recommend checking current travel conditions and any applicable restrictions before planning your trip.

By Train

The nearest major railway hub is Břeclav, which is well connected to large cities such as Prague, Bratislava, and Vienna. Most long-distance trains arrive in Břeclav, from where you can continue to Mikulov. From Břeclav, take a regional train to Mikulov (approx. 20–30 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Břeclav to Mikulov (approx. 30 minutes).

By Bus

Regular regional buses operate to Mikulov bus station, located near the town center. From Brno or Břeclav, buses to Mikulov run frequently and the travel time is usually about 1 hour. From other major cities, connections may include a transfer in Brno or Břeclav.

By Car

• From Vienna: 90 km via Highway A5
• From Prague: 247 km via Highway D1, exit 194A (direction Wien, Mikulov), then Route 52 / E461
• From Brno: 50 km via Route 52 to E461
• From Bratislava: 109 km via Highway D2 / E65, exit 41 (direction Lednice/Podivín), then Route 422

Traveling Between Vienna & Mikulov

Direction: Vienna to Mikulov

Optional step: Arriving at Vienna Airport? To get to the Vienna main train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) for your bus/train:

• Best Way: After leaving your gate, follow the signs for the trains. Take the ÖBB Railjet (RJ) or S-Bahn S7 until Vienna main train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof).
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.
• Cost: ~€5.
• Booking: Buy via ÖBB Tickets or at the red ÖBB vending machines at the airport.

Note: Avoid the green “CAT” train—it’s a private line that is significantly more expensive and goes to a different station (Wien Mitte).

Option 1: FlixBus (Fastest & Direct)

• Departure: Vienna (Wien Hbf) at 08:55
• Arrival: Mikulov at 10:00
• Note: This direct bus only runs once per day
• Cost: ~€9.
• Booking: Book FlixBus here

Note: FlixBus tickets are cheaper when booking in advance.

Option 2: ÖBB + ČD Trains (Flexible time)

• Departure: Vienna main train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof)
• Transfer: Břeclav
• Arrival: Mikulov train station (Mikulov na Moravě)
• Frequency: 1–2 times per hour.
• Travel Time: 1.5 – 2 hours.
• Cost: ~€10.
• How to Book:
  – Vienna to Břeclav: Book via ÖBB Tickets or at one of the red ÖBB vending machines at the train station.
  – Břeclav to Mikulov: Book via ČD (Czech Railways) or buy a ticket at the Břeclav station during your transfer.

Note: ÖBB train tickets are cheaper when booking in advance (using the non-refundable “Sparschiene” option.)

Arrival: From Mikulov Train Station to Hotel Galant

Once you arrive at the Mikulov train station, you have two ways to reach the hotel:

• By Foot – durationof ~25 minutes.
  This is a straightforward walk through the charming historic outskirts of the town. (Note that Mikulov has some cobblestone streets – not ideal for transporting luggage with wheels.)
• By Taxi – duration of ~5 minutes.
  Please communicate with (us? The hotel?) in advance (how long in advance?) when you will arrive. The hotel will provide a taxi for you.

Direction: Mikulov to Vienna

The return journey uses the same connections as the arrival. Please book using the same links provided in the first section. The only mentionable adaption is the departure time of the FlixBus (running only once a day):

• Departure: Mikulov (18:50)
• Arrival: Vienna (20:00)