It has been a long cold lonely winter — but here comes the sun. And blooming flowers.

Only few people know about the botanical garden of Masaryk university, located right at Veveří st., across the street from The Immigrant pub. This is the best time to visit it and enjoy all the blooming flowers – unless you suffer from pollen allergy.

Everything is nicely labelled, so you will learn something about the nature.

The garden is open for general public every day except national holidays. Admission is free, you only have to pay CZK 40 to get into the green-houses.

The garden is a great spot for a date.

Map

Larger map

Other places where to enjoy blooming flowers and trees

• Pasqeflower park in Nový Lískovec quarter
• Botanical garden of Mendel University (CZK 50 admission fee)
• Botanical garden of Mendel University (CZK 50 admission fee)

August is knocking on a door, but it’s better late than never, isn’t it?

A girl sunbathing at Kraví Hora

From May to September, a park at Kraví hora becomes a very popular place full of sunbathing people. The steep field faces south, so you can enjoy sun from morning to late evening.

The good things about the park at Kraví hora

• The place has a freewheelin’ atmosphere – this week, I met an 80 y.o. half-nude yogi there. If you feel shy about your body, this is the place to go.
• If you are a woman and you prefer topless sunbathing, you won’t be the only topless sunbather there.
• You can refresh your body in a nearby swimming pool.
• The park is small, with no dark places, always full of people and located in a great neigborhood — it is one of the safest parks in Brno.

Btw, is is OK for women to sunbathe topless?

In 90 % of the cases, it is. Czechs have very liberal opinion about nudity, so leaving the upper part of bikinis in a bag is generally OK. Don’t do it near churches, in front of schools, at a redneck soccer game etc.

How intensive is the Sun in Brno?

I use sunscreen with sun-protection factor 8 to prevent sunburn, but if you have pale skin, SPF12-16 is a more wise choice.

Map

A tram #4 to Kraví Hora is departing from Česká st. and main station every 10 minutes or so.

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The town hall is asking people how to transform a public place once again. The question is the future look and feel of the Björnson’s park, located next to the Moravian library.

Anybody can vote for one of the three presented project at the webpage of the urban centre, as well as answer several poll questions about desired facilities and other important details.

However, the town’s urbanists will have the final, decising word.

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Source of the image: the project of Zahrada akorát

One of the most beautiful “secret” places of Brno, the Capuchin gardens, will be opened to public in two years.

The project of an intensive restoration was designed by a renowed architect Petr Hrůša.

The Capuchin gardens were found in the 17th century and are located next to the St. Peter cathedral (“Petrov”).

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Source: Brno board @ Skyscrapercity

Spring is here! Get on your sneakers and enjoy this guide to parks and trails.

Wilsonův les

Named after the 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, this park was found in the 1920s. It has became one of the most popular and biggest parks in the city.

Pros:

• Close to the centre of the town.
• The park is located next to the most luxurious quarter – if you get out of the park, you can continue running between nice villas while thinking about your career :)

Cons:

• The paths are paved with dogs’ shits. This will make you think Czechs are soooo 1600s.
• Some of the paths are muggy and dead-end.

Map

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The banks of Svratka

Flowing south from the Brno dam to its confluence with Svitava, Svratka is one of the two biggest rivers in the area. There is a nice “bio-corridor” on its western bank, with a paved road for runners and bikers.

Pros:

• There are some interesting things to see around the track, such as the shanty town “Kamenná kolonie”.
• Cool fresh air, thanks to the river.
• The route is almost flat – great for beginners.

Cons:

• The track is sometimes interrupted by roads.
• Some parts of the track are crowded on sunny weekends.

Map (note the river flowing south in the left third)

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Holedná and Hobrtenky

If you are living close to quarters Kohoutovice, Bystrc or Jundrov, don’t miss the great opportunity to jog among wild goats and other cute fluffy animals. There is a huge wildlife reserve located at the hills called Holedná and Hobrtenky. Just don’t let your dog frighten the game.

Pros:

• Unique locality.
• Privacy – this place is unknown even to many life-long residents of Brno.
• A great place for nordic walking.

Cons:

• Prepare for hills, hills and – hills.

Map

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Bílá hora & Stránská skála

Now let’s go to the eastern part of Brno. Stránská skála is a huge rock that has been used as a dwelling by primaeval men and as a gun-factory by Adolf Hitler. Bílá hora is a nearby hill with (in my opion) the greatest view over the town (pictured above).

Pros:

• Huge green fields to run over.
• Great views.

Cons:

• There are two large factories built between the two hills. Shame!

Map

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Hády (aka Velká Klajdovka)

Finally, a huge nature reservation in the northeast part of the town. There are 10s of kilometers of nice tracks, so your cardio won’t ever be boring again!

Pros:

• If you feel like a 10k run, 20k run or the marathon, the forrest is big enough.

Cons:

• It’s maybe too far from the town’s centre.

Map

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General advices

Don’t be afraid to explore new trails. Generally, there are no dangerous or polluted zones in Brno.

Dog owners often don’t control their “pets” and don’t clean the mess left by dogs. I know this is a problem, but I do not have any solution or advice. Just be patient.

Anytime you go jogging, use a repellent to prevent yourself from being bitten by a tick.

And finally – enjoy the fresh air!