When tourists mention Brno, the first thing that comes to mind is often medieval churches, modernist architecture and Moravian culture. But what really fascinates people about Brno is its close connection with nature. This city in the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic is not only a cultural center, but also an ideal starting point to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains.
The edge of Brno and the surrounding areas are dotted with many unknown but picturesque natural secrets. From the calm mirror-like lake surface of the Brno Dam to the spring wildflowers blooming on the slopes of the Malhostovice Hills; from the ancient stone walls in the forests of the Viveri Castle to the underground wonders deep in the Moravian Karst Caves, there is a kind of primitive tranquility and romance everywhere.
Whether you are a hiker, photographer, parent-child family, or a backpacker who wants to camp under the stars for a night, Brno is a great starting point to explore the natural scenery of the Czech Republic. This city charm where nature and culture coexist is worth your slow walk and careful experience.
1. Moravian Karst: Mysterious rifts in the underground world
Location and transportation routes
The Moravian Karst group is located in the Blansko area, about 30 kilometers northeast of Brno. From Brno, you can take the train to Blansko Station (about 40 minutes), then take bus 231 or taxi to Skalní mlýn, which is the entrance to the scenic area.
Opening hours and recommended travel time
The cave is open from April to October every year, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (extended to 17:00 in summer). It is recommended to reserve a full day for the visit, especially if you plan to take an underground boat tour.
Scenic spot features
The Moravian Caves are the largest karst landform area in the Czech Republic, containing more than 1,100 caves, and currently open to tourists include five major cave groups. The most famous of these is Punkevní jeskyně, where you can go 100 meters underground and take a boat through the underground river to the deepest Macocha Abyss in Europe.
Along the way, there are stalactites and unpredictable landforms, as if you have entered another planet. The temperature in the cave is constant at 8°C, so you need a coat even in midsummer.
Cost
Adult tickets cost about 250 Czech crowns, and boat trips require an additional package (about 350 Czech crowns). Children and students enjoy discounts.
Booking platform
It is strongly recommended to book in advance through platforms such as CzechTourism, GetYourGuide or Kudyznudy, especially during the summer tourist season. Some platforms offer the option of booking English tour services.
2. Brno Dam Lake (Brněnská přehrada): A cool resort in the city oasis
Location and transportation route
Brno Dam Lake is about 10 kilometers from the city center. You can take tram No. 1 to the terminal Bystrc (about 25 minutes), and then walk to the lake in 5 minutes. You can also rent a bicycle and ride along the river greenway, which takes about 45 minutes.
Opening hours and recommended play time
Open all year round, the lake area is the busiest from May to September each year. It is recommended to go in summer and arrange half-day or full-day lakeside leisure activities.
Scenic spot features
This is an artificial lake built in the 1930s and is a favorite summer resort for Brno residents on weekends. The lakeside is shaded by trees and has multiple swimming areas, barbecue areas, beach volleyball areas and boat rental docks.
On the lake, you can experience kayaking, sailing and small sightseeing boats. There is also a fireworks festival (Ignis Brunensis) every August, attracting thousands of people to watch the night lights on the lake.
Cost
There is no entrance fee to enter the lake area, but activities such as kayaks and boats need to be rented separately. The cruise ticket price is about 80 Czech crowns one-way.
Booking platform
Related water activities can be booked through Tiqets or Rentaboat.cz. During the fireworks festival, it is recommended to use the Eventim platform to book front-row seats.
3. Pálava Hills & Nové Mlýny Lakes: South Moravian style between vineyards and lakes
Location and transportation routes
Pálava Hills is about 40 kilometers south of Brno. You can take a train to Mikulov (about 1 hour), or rent a car and go along the D2 highway, which takes only 45 minutes.
Opening hours and recommended travel time
The hills are open all year round, and spring and autumn are the best hiking seasons. Summer is suitable for camping by the lake or participating in the wine festival. It is recommended to stay for 1 to 2 days.
Scenic spot features
Pálava is a biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO, famous for its limestone hills, vineyard terraces and castle ruins. This is the most distinctive white wine producing area in the Czech Republic. The town of Mikulov also retains Renaissance-style palaces and Jewish ruins.
At your feet are the sparkling Nové Mlýny Lakes, the lakeside is suitable for fishing, camping and kite surfing, and there are many ecological observation points nearby, which is a paradise for bird photographers.
Cost
No entrance fee is charged for the natural area, and the winery visit and wine tasting experience costs about 200 to 400 Czech crowns per person. Some campsites charge from 250 Czech crowns per night.
Booking platform
It is recommended to book winery visits and hilly hiking trips through Viator or WineTour.cz. Travelers who like camping can use Camp.cz to find lakeside camping sites.
4. Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape: Afternoon stroll in the royal garden
Location and transportation route
About 60 kilometers from Brno, you can take the train to Břeclav, then take a bus or rent a bicycle to Lednice Palace. It takes about 1 hour to drive by yourself.
Opening hours and recommended play time
The palace area is open from April to October, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays). The park is open all year round. It is recommended to arrange a half-day to a full-day tour.
Scenic spot features
Lednice-Valtice is a garden complex built during the reign of the Habsburg dynasty. It is known as “one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe” and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The exterior of Lednice Palace is in Gothic Revival style, while the interior is a mixture of Renaissance and Rococo styles.
The English garden path behind the palace leads to man-made ruins, Roman temples, Moorish watchtowers and other attractions, and you can even take a boat through the canal trees on the way.
Cost
The palace ticket is about 200 to 300 Czech crowns, and the guided tour is charged separately. The park is free to open.
Booking platform
Tickets and guided tours can be booked through CzechHeritage and Kudyznudy. Some platforms also offer package tours with transportation and lunch.
5. Hády and Velká Klajdovka: A hiking paradise on the edge of Brno
Location and transportation route
Hády Nature Reserve is located in the eastern suburbs of Brno. Take bus No. 78 to Koperníkova Station and walk for about 20 minutes to enter the canyon area. You can also enter the mountain forest area by cycling.
Opening hours and recommended play time
Open all day, it is recommended to go in spring or autumn to avoid the high temperature period at noon in summer. It is best to arrange a half-day hike.
Scenic spot features
This mountain range, which was once a limestone mining area, has now been converted into an ecological reserve with dramatic steep slopes, faults and canyon landforms. Walk along the trail to the Velká Klajdovka viewing platform, where you can overlook the entire city of Brno and Spielbek Castle.
There are interpretive signs, bird watching stations and nature education routes in the area, which are suitable for families with children and nature lovers.
Cost
Completely free.
Booking platform
No reservation is required in advance. If you need a professional guide or nature course, you can make an appointment through NatureGuide.cz platforms.
When you walk out of the bustling squares and streets of Brno and embark on the road to the lakes, valleys and caves, you will find that the real charm of this city is far more than its cultural architecture. Whether it is the mysterious drifting of underground rivers, the summer breeze by the lake, or the sunset light and shadow between the vineyards, every scene makes people slow down and feel the call of nature with their heart.
Brno is not only the cultural sub-capital of the Czech Republic, but also a poetic habitat in the hearts of nature lovers. On your next trip, you might as well start from the city and go to these secret places to meet a different Brno.