Top 3 Autumn Locations to Visit in Brno

#LifeInCzechia Autumn is here! Days are getting shorter, it rains more, and it gets quite chilly in the morning. But it is not all grey and gloomy, autumn is actually the most colorful season of all! Nature turns into one big piece of art, a painting of warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red. Everything slows down and gets ready for the upcoming winter. It’s the perfect time for you to stay at home and recharge your batteries by reading a book or going to cultural events such as a theatre play. But it’s also the perfect time for an adventure in nature with your friends and family. Keep reading to learn about our tips for trips.

 

Picturesque views from Obora Holedná

Picturesque views from Obora Holedná

 

In Brno, there are many possibilities to observe the changing nature in city parks. Visit Lužánky and Špilberk Park in the city center or Kraví Hora with its Observatory and Planetarium. Do you long for discovering new places with animals and beautiful views of Brno and its surroundings? Have one of our traditional Czech soups and choose one (or all) of our tips for a pleasant and fun day within a short distance from the city center. 

 

Ostrá Horka Observation Tower & Ranch

Our first recommendation is a twenty-minute walk through the forest from the district Lesná. You can take the bus and get off at Panská lícha or arrive by car as there is a parking spot nearby. After a short ascend, you’ll find an inconspicuous Observation Tower called Ostrá Horka hidden among the trees. Climb up the spiral staircase right away. 

Once you get to the  16-meter high platform, you will be able to admire picturesque views of various districts in the city, such as Hády and surrounding hills. You may also be able to see the protected landscape area of Pálava.

 

Observation Tower Ostrá Horka

Observation Tower Ostrá Horka

 

After you are done admiring the views, return downhill and cross the road. There is a small meadow area. Are you with your children? This is the perfect place to fly a kite. Otherwise, you can follow a path between the trees. There is a high probability that a couple of horses accompany you on the way. 

Soon after, you arrive at the Ranch Panská Lichá where you find different kinds of equine facilities – like an outdoor and indoor arena, a round pen, and pastures. You can sit down and watch how the horses are trained or walk a bit further away to the pastures – some of the horses there like to be pet. But do not feed them.

 

Ranch Panská Lichá

Ranch Panská Lichá

 

Mariánské údolí & Bobsleigh

Another recommendation is a valley called Mariánské údolí in the Líšeň district. There is a bus stop of the same name at the bottom of the route as well as a spacious parking place. Just follow the route to the north – you can choose between the right bank of the river which is more natural or the left bank with an asphalt road. 

After about a ten-minute walk, you arrive at the first water reservoir. The route full of meanders begins with breathtaking views of the vibrant trees mirrored on the water’s surface. In total, you pass three water reservoirs and even the ruins of an old castle

 

Trees mirrored on the water’s surface

Trees mirrored on the water’s surface

 

Do you crave some alone time away from people surrounded by the sounds of nature? Continue alongside the stream of the Řička river into the forest. Another option is to walk back to the starting point, maybe taking the opposite bank of the river this time, and do something fun.

There is a bobsleigh track called Bobovka u mlýna. It is slightly over one kilometer long and offers the highest vertical drop in Moravia. Take a ride through the tree crowns! Right next to the bobsleigh, there is a guest house Kadlcův mlýn where you can observe sheep, geese, and other animals.

 

Bobsleigh Bobovka u mlýna

Bobsleigh Bobovka u mlýna

 

Holedná Forest Enclosure & Observation tower

Last but not least, our final recommendation is the forest enclosure Holedná. It is easily accessible by public transport from the bus stop Stará dálnice or by car with easy parking right at the entrance to the forest enclosure.

Follow the nature trail and look out for wild boars, European fallow dear, and mouflons. You can feed the wild boars with apples and carrots. Moreover, there are several ponds with fish and ducks. Along the trail, you get a chance to play pairs or try out a wooden xylophone.

 

Sleeping wild boar

Sleeping wild boar

 

The walk all the way to the top of Holedná will take approximately an hour, depending on which trail you choose. In the end, you arrive at the observation tower that opened in 2020. The observation platform rises 35 meters above ground and is accessible by a long spiral staircase. It is worth the climb because you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the forest, Brno, and even the dam. It is a popular place to watch the sunset as well.

 

Observation Tower Holedná

Observation Tower Holedná

 

Do not hesitate to try other traditional autumn activities in nature like mushroom and fruit picking. If you want to feel at home, check out our categories of “Living” and “Places to go” where you will find tips for great pastime activities and recommendations for interesting spots. You will not only have a lot of fun but also learn about your new home.

Monika Tužinská

Hey, my name is Monika. I love exploring the world and learning new languages. I worked in the USA for several months and moved to Brno a year ago, so I know how it feels to live in a different country. Let's discover Czech Republic together.

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