When you come to visit our Brno store, you might want to spice up your day with a trip into the surrounding nature and test out your newly purchased gear. And if you live in or near Brno, perhaps you too will appreciate a few tips on interesting locations you might not even be aware of.
We have selected the ones that intrigued us the most (we have personally visited each of them), some more popular, others less known, but all the more unique. Bagalio is all about experience, travel, and the joy of discovery. So come with us to discover the beauty of the place where we live!
Every region, valley, and highland is interwoven with extraordinary places worth exploring. They have their own unique history, origin, landscape significance, and atmosphere. In addition to tips on where to find them (always with a link to a map), we also offer a route for most locations that has worked well for us. You can use it, adjust it to your needs, shorten it, or extend it.
Distances in parentheses (e.g., 11 km from Brno) are calculated by car from the center of Brno to the starting point of the suggested route. The individual locations are sorted by this distance (from closest to farthest), and all are within a 50 km range of Brno.
1. Mariánské Valley (11 km from Brno)
The valley winds along the Říčka stream from the very edge of Brno in Líšeň and reaches as far as Ochoz u Brna. The entire route is 11 km long and, due to its ease (very small and gradual elevation gain), it is perfect for a longer Sunday walk or a trip with children.
Along the way, you will pass several nice ponds and former mills, including a scout base and the environmental center Kaprálův mlýn. You can refresh yourself with a lemonade or beer in one of the many restaurants, such as the well-known Muchova Bouda.
On a rocky promontory with a nice view, you will find the remains of Horákov Castle, where a treasure is said to be hidden according to legend. No one has ever found it, but why not try? :-)
Since the valley is an imaginary gateway to the Moravian Karst, there are characteristic caves here as well. You will come across four along the way:
- Ochozská Cave (accessible with a guide),
- Švédův stůl (freely accessible),
- Netopýrka (freely accessible),
- the famous Pekárna Cave – a national natural monument with archaeological finds from the reindeer hunter era.
Two reserves will guide you through the most beautiful natural corners: Velký Hornek and Údolí Říčky. Given the ease of the terrain and the quality of the paths (mostly asphalt), Mariánské Valley is also perfect for a cycling trip.
2. Josefov Valley (20 km from Brno)
Located near Brno by Adamov, just beyond the border of the Moravian Karst. Steep slopes, old scree forests teeming with life, and many caves await you here.
The most famous one is Býčí skála (Bull Rock). Please note that the cave itself is permanently closed to the public (it opens only exceptionally during open house days). However, even the view of its monumental entrance portal and the knowledge that the famous bronze bull statuette was found here is worth a visit. Please stay on marked paths in this National Nature Reserve.
During a very comfortable and gradual five-kilometer walk through the Křtinský stream valley, you can see Stará (Františčina) huť, a unique example of the iron industry from the 19th century. You can refresh yourself at the nearby self-service Forest Bar.
Other points of interest in the area:
- Jedovnický stream spring
- Caves Jáchymka and Kostelík (unlike Býčí skála, these tunnel caves are freely accessible),
- Alexandrova Lookout Tower (on the ridge above Adamov)
- Výpustek Cave (former nuclear shelter, accessible with a guide)
- Pilgrimage Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary in Křtiny by Santini
3. Podkomorské Forests, Veveří Castle, and Brno Reservoir (21 km from Brno)
Another tip in the immediate vicinity of Brno. Podkomorské Forests, the setting of the novel Pohádka máje (May Fairy Tale) by Vilém Mrštík, will please you with the atmosphere of vast forests, silence, and shade. On a hot summer day, you can refresh yourself with water from two springs – Helenka's and Ríša's.
Once you leave the forests, a spectacular view of Veveří Castle awaits you, where you can go for a tour or exhibition.
The path around the Brno Reservoir is also beautiful. After crossing the bridge over the Svratka river, the trail leads along a steep rocky slope with varied views of the river. Soon it connects to a wide asphalt path that will guide you along cottage colonies to the pier. Or you can board a Brno "steamboat" and enjoy the reservoir directly from the water surface.
4. Oslava Valley (30 km from Brno)
This beautiful natural location stretches from Oslavany to Náměšť nad Oslavou. In Oslavany, you can visit the Permonium amusement park with a mining theme or the castle with the Museum of Mining and Energy.
The path through the river valley will reward you with views of a wide canyon after a short climb, especially from Velká skála. You will see the Levnov Castle ruins on an impressive rocky hillside. Another ruin along the way is Kraví hora. Be careful, in the section between Kraví hora and Skřípina, you might have to wade slightly because the river flows around the rock – a pleasant variation to the trip!
In Náměšť, you can visit the castle and find the Žižka Oak in its garden, whose age is estimated at 1000 years.
5. Rokytná Valley (30 km from Brno)
A less known but beautiful location. The Rokytná river creates breathtaking meanders here in natural scree forests. The dominant feature is the national nature reserve Krumlovsko-rokytenské slepence with rocky steppe hills. From the former Rokytná hillfort, there is a beautiful view of the wide canyon.
Along the river flow, you can visit a number of monuments:
- Renaissance castle in Moravský Krumlov (with a castle park and St. Florian's Chapel above the town),
- Baroque castle in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou,
- Smaller castles in Tulešice and Tavíkovice,
- Mysterious Jewish cemeteries in Ivančice and Moravský Krumlov.
We have finished the first five tips. You can look forward to more in the second part, in which you will read, among other things, where Baron Trenck hid or where you can find an 18-meter-high rock bridge.
Thumbnail source: gotobrno.cz
