On the last weekend of November, Slavkov u Brna will go back 220 years in time. It will commemorate one of the most significant European battles, in which French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Austrian-Russian coalition army (supported by England) on December 2, 1805, with nearly 160,000 soldiers fighting.
This year, visitors can experience historical events firsthand, such as the emperor and tsar spending the night at the castle or commemorating Napoleon's triumph in the castle park. Visitors can experience two battle reenactments in period settings – the first will take place in the lower part of the park in daylight at 12:00 p.m., and the second at 8:00 p.m. will draw spectators into a nighttime skirmish with cannons and pyrotechnic effects. On Saturday, in addition to the historical program, visitors will also experience a craft fair on Palacký Square and in the castle courtyard.
Friday, November 28, 2025
7:00 p.m. – Arrival of the Austrian Emperor and Russian Tsar at the castle
Emperor Francis and Tsar Alexander arrive at the site of the future battle on December 1, 1805. They spend the night at the Slavkov Castle, confident of their victory. After all, they have a significant numerical advantage at Slavkov (the Russian-Austrian forces numbered about 90,000 men, the French about 75,000, and only after Bernardott's corps arrived from Jihlava and Davout's from Vienna during the battle), and initially more cannons. Tomorrow's battle will be theirs.
The event takes place in the castle courtyard.
7:30 p.m. – Moment of silence in the chapel. Blessing of representatives of the Allied armies in the castle chapel.
8:00 p.m. – Special tours of the castle and Empire ball. Experience the period atmosphere of the castle at night. Become a visitor to a unique Empire ball, whose main guests are the rulers of the greatest European powers.
Takes place directly in the Slavkov – Austerlitz Castle.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
9:00 a.m. – Pre-Christmas market on the square and in the castle courtyard. One of the largest pre-Christmas markets in South Moravia with a unique period atmosphere. The center of Slavkov will be filled with hundreds of craftsmen, farmers, and sellers of period goods. Drums will boom, whistles will sound, and soldiers on horseback will ride through the area around the town hall. Camp followers will warm themselves by the fires. The market will be held on Palackého Square from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in the courtyard until 7:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – Start of the program with a parade at the town hall. Parade of soldiers, cannon shot, lighting of fires, and ceremonial start of the program.
Takes place in front of the historic town hall.
12:00 p.m. – Slavkov 1805 – midday battle reenactment. The castle park will be the backdrop for the first battle reenactment with the story of Sergeant Barbie. Starring Václav Vydra.
It takes place in the lower part of the castle park.
1:00 p.m. – Back in Slavkov 1805 – historical program in front of the town hall and in the park. Commentated demonstrations of military training and battle clashes. Russian military camp in the castle park. The program will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – MEDAL PRESENTATION TO THE ORGANIZERS OF THE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS.
7:45 p.m. – SOLDIERS' PARADE THROUGH THE CITY. The thunder of hooves, the movement of cannons, the marching of soldiers... a unique parade of all the armies that clashed on the battlefield of Austerlitz. Hundreds of soldiers, dozens of horses, and civilians dressed in period clothing pass through the city center and head to the lower part of the castle park, where they pay tribute to the victims of war.
8:00 p.m. – SLAVKOV 1805 – NIGHT BATTLE. Soldiers in the uniforms of all three armies that fought on the battlefield of Slavkov clash under the cover of darkness in a staged battle reenactment. The night battle includes pyrotechnic effects. The event ends with fireworks.
It takes place in the lower part of the castle park.
