Where to go in Brno and the surrounding area: A guide for day trips and weekend getaways

Brno has one advantage that tourists sometimes overlook. From the city center, you can reach nature, a castle, the largest karst region in the Czech Republic, or vineyards in thirty to forty minutes. This guide summarizes where to go in Brno and its surroundings.
‍

The tips are ordered from the closest to the furthest. If you only have a few hours, stick to the first sections. If you're planning a full day, skip straight to the Moravian Karst or Pálava.
‍

Hády and Babí lom

For those who want to get out but don't want to travel far, two nature reserves right on the edge of Brno are ideal.

Hády (7 km) are located on the northeastern edge of Brno and serve as a popular destination for half-day walks. The former limestone quarry now has the status of a natural monument and offers views of the entire city.

Babí lom (20.5 km) lies north of the city and consists of a prominent ridge of conglomerate rocks with cliffs and towers. A 15-meter-high observation tower stands on the ridge, offering views of Pálava and the Svratka Highlands on clear days. The easiest way to get there is by bus to Vranov (about 20 minutes from Brno), which also features a Baroque pilgrimage church with the Liechtenstein tomb and a mechanical nativity scene.

Slavkov u Brna and the Cairn of Peace

Slavkov lies approximately 20 kilometers east of Brno and entered European history on December 2, 1805, with the Battle of the Three Emperors, in which Napoleon defeated the Russian-Austrian army. You can reach the battlefield by train from Brno in less than 50 minutes.

In Slavkov, the Baroque chateau by Italian architect Domenico Martinelli is worth a visit; an armistice was signed there on December 6, 1805. From the town, head to the Cairn of Peace on Pracký Hill, about 9 kilometers from Slavkov. The cairn was built between 1910 and 1912 and is the very first peace monument in Europe. Next to it stands the Brno Region Museum with an exhibition dedicated to the battle.

TIP: If you're heading here around the first weekend of December, you can witness the annual re-enactment of the battle with historical regiments from all over Europe. For history enthusiasts, this is one of the main reasons to visit at that time.

‍

Moravian Karst

If you have a full day for a trip and want one specific destination that's truly worth seeing, the Moravian Karst (37.5 km) is an excellent choice. This protected landscape area lies north of Brno and contains over 1,100 caves in total, five of which are accessible to the public.

The main attractions are the Punkva Caves, with boat rides on electric boats along the underground Punkva River, and the Macocha Abyss. You can view the abyss either from above, from two observation bridges, or from below, during a cave tour.

Also accessible are Kateřinská Cave with the largest underground space in the karst, Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves with the longest system of passages in the Czech Republic, Balcarka with colorful stalactite decorations, and Výpustek Cave, which has a rich military history.

TIP: By train from Brno to Blansko, it takes about 30 minutes, and trains run hourly on weekends and every half hour on weekdays. Leave your car in the paid parking lot at Skalní mlýn or near the Macocha Abyss, as motor vehicles are not allowed in the most visited parts of the karst. Book tickets for the Punkva Caves in advance, as they commonly sell out several days ahead during peak season.

‍

Pernštejn Castle

If you want to spend a full day exploring history from Brno, the state castle Pernštejn (44 km) is a must-see. The castle is located in the Svratka River valley, and it takes approximately an hour to get there by car. By train from Židenice or the main station to Nedvědice, the journey takes about 75 minutes, and from the station, a marked path leads to the castle, about a 25-minute walk.

Pernštejn is one of the best-preserved Moravian castles and ranks among the most significant examples of Gothic and Renaissance fortification architecture in the Czech Republic. The castle originated in the 13th century and gradually expanded until the 16th century, when it acquired its present form. Because it was never conquered or destroyed, most of its original spaces, including the knight's halls, library, and original furnishings, have been preserved.

TIP: Tours are guided, and it's advisable to book in advance during peak season. Current information on opening hours and tour routes can be found at hrad-pernstejn.cz. The castle operates from April to October; only selected tours are available during the winter season.

‍

Pálava

The Pavlov Hills (49 km), popularly known as Pálava, are the smallest mountain range in South Moravia – the highest peak, Děvín, measures 549 meters. By car from Brno, you can reach Mikulov in about 45 minutes. By train, a connection is available via express train R13 to Šakvice, followed by bus 540.

The classic traverse leads from Mikulov, across Děvín, and past the ruins of Děvičky to Dolní Věstonice – following the red trail, it's 12 kilometers, and the entire route can be completed in one day. The trip changes significantly depending on the season:

• Spring (April–May) is the most beautiful due to blooming orchids and thermophilic plants.
• Summer (July–August) brings seasonal wine events but also the largest influx of tourists.
• Autumn (September–October) combines the harvest in the surrounding vineyards with ideal walking weather.
• Winter is a surprisingly good choice, Pálava is almost empty, and the limestone ridge has a strong visual effect in the low sun.

In Mikulov (49 km), it's worth spending time at the chateau, the Jewish Quarter, and Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill) with its Stations of the Cross. If you have extra time, add Nové Mlýny – a system of three reservoirs where you can swim in the summer.

‍

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape

The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (55 km) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 and, covering an area of almost 300 km², is considered the most extensive artificially created landscape in Europe. It was gradually shaped by the House of Liechtenstein in the 18th and 19th centuries.

From Brno, it's about a 45-minute drive, approximately 50 kilometers south. Highlights:

• Lednice Chateau in Neo-Gothic style with a chateau park, which includes the Minaret and the artificial ruin of Janův hrad (John's Castle).
• Valtice Chateau with Baroque interiors and a restored chateau theatre.
• Reistna Colonnade standing at the highest point of the area (290 m above sea level) with panoramic views of Pálava, the Little Carpathians, and Chřiby.
• Temple of the Three Graces, Apollo's Temple, Rendez-vous (Diana's Temple), and other small structures scattered throughout the landscape.

TIP: Between Lednice and Valtice runs Bezručova Avenue from 1715 – a three-kilometer tree-lined path that can be traversed on foot, by bike, or by carriage. The area is best explored by bike; rental shops can be found directly in Lednice.

‍

How to plan your trip based on time

1. Half day (3–4 hours): A trip to Babí lom with a visit to the pilgrimage church in Vranov, or a walk around Hády.

2. Full day (leisurely): Pernštejn Castle with an interior tour (advance booking required).

3. Full day (active): Moravian Karst with the Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss. If you enjoy hiking, Pálava from Mikulov via Děvín to Dolní Věstonice is ideal.

4. Weekend: A combination of Pálava and the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. Mikulov can be used as a base.

5. For history enthusiasts: Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) with the Cairn of Peace, ideally around the battle's anniversary in December.

FAQ
‍

Where to go in nature around Brno without a car?

The easiest destinations accessible by public transport are Babí lom (bus to Vranov) and Hády (from the city center on foot or by bus). You can also reach the Moravian Karst (Blansko), Pernštejn Castle (Nedvědice station), and Pálava (Šakvice + bus 540) by train.
‍

When is the best time for trips around Brno?

Late April to mid-June and September are ideal. Nature is vibrant, vineyards begin their harvest, and tourist crowds are smaller than during the main summer season. The Moravian Karst and its caves operate year-round, and the Brno Dam has its boat season from April to October.
‍

Which places require advance booking?

The Punkva Caves (typically several days in advance during peak season), tours of Lednice Chateau during peak season, tours of Pernštejn Castle during peak season, and admission to the Battle of Austerlitz reenactment (tribune seating).
‍

What to see in Brno and the surrounding area?

Among the most beautiful places in Brno are Petrov Cathedral, Špilberk Castle, Tugendhat Villa, the Water Reservoirs on Yellow Hill, and the Cabbage Market. In the surrounding area, you shouldn't miss the Moravian Karst with the Punkevní Caves and Macocha Abyss, Pálava with Děvín and Mikulov, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, and Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) with the Cairn of Peace. All are accessible within an hour by car or public transport from the city center.
‍

Where to go for a trip in Brno and the surrounding area?

For a half-day trip, we recommend the Brno Dam with a boat ride to Veveří Castle or a walk around Babí lom north of the city. For a full day, the Moravian Karst, Pálava with a hike from Mikulov to Dolní Věstonice, or the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape by bike are suitable. For historically-minded guests, Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) with the Cairn of Peace is ideal.