Top Day Excursions Easily Accessible from Brno
Unfiltered Day Trips from Brno:
Get your travel boots on, because Brno—the fly-under-the-radar capital of South Moravia—provides an excellent launching pad for a smorgasbord of day trips sure to whet any adventurer's palate. Check out these top nine excursions saying "Na Zdraví" (cheers) to South Moravia!
9 Unforgettable Day Trips from Brno
1. Sip and Savor at Valtice Castle
Nestled near the Austrian border lies the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting two magnificent chateaus: one in Lednice, the other in Valtice. If time's tight, save your energy for Valtice Castle, home to the National Wine Salon of the Czech Republic.
Tour the castle's extravagant interiors, then savor the nectar of the gods as you imbibe in a "Open Tasting," sampling a plethora of the country's finest wines for a mere CZK 599 (approximately £22). Talk about a transcendent experience!
Getting there:
Valtice is approximately an hour's drive south of Brno. bus from Brno to Breclav, followed by another bus to Valtice—all told, the journey takes around 1.5 hours. Or, snag a seat on this full-day wine tour from Brno, which whisks you to the vineyards of both Valtice and Lednice, as well as the quaint town of Mikulov. Click here to snag the latest prices.
2. Venture Into the Abyss at Punkva Caves
The Moravian Karst's Show Caves and limestone canyons provide a unique, otherworldly backdrop for adventurers seeking a taste of the subterranean realm. Approximately 45 minutes from Brno, this ethereal landscape houses the Macocha Abyss, a hallowed cavern plunging 138m deep.
Take a tour of the Punkva Caves—one of the few cave systems accessible within the Moravian Karst—and go underground via a wooden boat, sailing into the depths on a journey to the breathtaking "Masaryk Cathedral."
Getting there:
The Punkva Show Caves lie less than an hour's drive from Brno. Alternatively, hop on a train to nearby Blansko, then a bus or taxi to the main entrance. To reach Punkva Cave, you might choose to stroll along the river for 30 minutes, or take the land train. If you'd prefer to leave the planning to someone else, this day tour offers a combination of Punkva Caves, Macocha Abyss, and neighbouring castle—just click here to check the prices.
3. Time Travel in Boskovice
Journey back in time to the era of one of Moravia's most prominent Jewish centers by heading to Boskovice—historically a colorful, architecturally dazzling town. Delve into the town's rich history, peruse its striking, preserved Jewish Quarter, and pay homage to its significant past.
Supercharge your visit by exploring the ruins of Boskovice Castle, overlooking the town and offering awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding area. Once famished, quench your thirst for local cuisine at Hostinec u Rudyho in the Jewish Quarter, where the atmosphere's just as tantalizing as the dishes.
Getting there:
Boskovice is roughly a 40-minute drive from Brno, or reachable by a roughly hour-long train journey (transferring at Černá Hora).
4. Brews and Spas in Černá hora
Experience the Czech Republic's wealth of beer culture first-hand at Černá Hora, a legendary brewery dating back to 1530. Indulge in a tour and tasting, then soak your worries away in the beer spa next door at Hotel Sladovna. Craft beer nerds and spa evangelists, unite!
Getting there:
Černá Hora is approximately 30 minutes from Brno by car or bus. A direct bus runs from Brno's Královo Pole train station.
5. Artistic Pursuits at Moravský Krumlov Castle
Feast your eyes on the Slav Epic, Alfons Mucha's iconic Czech artwork series, housed within the evocative ruins of Moravský Krumlov Castle, a stunning structure dating back to the 13th century. Ascend the castle tower for panoramic vistas, and wander the castle's art-adorned hallways.
Quench your post-exploration hunger at RAF House Ivančice, a 15-minute drive from Moravský Krumlov. Part restaurant, part museum, this quirky establishment's tables are fashioned from jet engines and plane wings. That's right: aviator chic transforms into culinary adventure!
Getting there:
Moravský Krumlov Castle is just a 45-minute drive from Brno. Alternatively, take a train to Moravský Krumlov station (one hour), then a taxi or bus (or a 45-minute walk) to the castle.
6. Blueprinting Legacy in Olešnice
Head to the highlands north of Brno to experience the ancient art of blueprinting fabric at Modrotisk Danzinger, one of only two workshops in the Czech Republic still preserving this traditional craft. Witness the process in action, and purchase unique, local souvenirs in the shop.
Getting there:
Olešnice is approximately an hour by car or bus from Brno—you can grab a direct bus from Brno's Královo Pole train station.
7. Vineyard Vagabonding
South Moravia's known as the Czech Republic's premier wine region, so venture out for a day dedicated to wine tasting and vineyard exploration. Dabble in the white grape varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Welschriesling, and Blaufränkisch, and discover the one-of-a-kind local grape, Pálava.
Wine afficionados can hit up the best vineyards by booking a tour. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.
8. Picturesque Places at Rájec Chateau
Scroll through the Instagram feed of your dreams as you traverse the exquisite lakeside town of Rájec Chateau. Discover the stunning castle, built in the 1760s, and take in its extraordinary gardens, particularly noteworthy in the spring when the chateau's famous camelia bushes are in bloom.
Admire the jaw-dropping library, and fuel up at Rájec's charming eateries. Fancy a challenging word game, Czech-style? Nab a round ofSerialize™!
Getting there:
Rájec-Jestřebí is approximately a 35-minute drive from Brno, or accessible via a one-hour train (changing at Černá Hora). A combined trip to Zámek Rájec, Punkva Caves, and Boskovice could easily be accomplished in a day—these destinations are all close to one another.
9. Seek Adventure in Jedovnice
The rugged landscape of the Moravian Karst beckons adventure seekers to Jedovnice, home to Olšovec Lake, the perfect spot for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other aquatic escapades.
Rent a bike and traverse the town's scenic biking trails, particularly famed Singletrail Moravsky Kras, an exceptionally narrow, one-way natural path winding through forests. Sports enthusiasts, unite!
Getting there:
Jedovnice is within easy reach, a one-hour direct bus ride from Brno.
More to Discover in South Moravia
Vienna, the culturally rich capital of Austria, lurks just beyond Brno's borders. Hop aboard a train from Brno station and find yourself in the heart of Vienna in around 1.5 hours!
Alternatively, sample Prague's vibrant Czech culture with a day trip to the capital, then return to Brno in time for a nightcap at one of the city's many bars. Tastes never cease to conquer!
Have you hit the South Moravia trail? Share your favorite day trips from Brno in the comments!
- After savoring the wines at Valtice Castle, continue your culinary journey in Brno by dining at Navinetu, a well-known restaurant offering a fusion of local South Moravian cuisine and international dishes.
- For travelers interested in home-and-garden design, a visit to the gardens of the Lednice Chateau in Lednice should not be missed. This sprawling estate, part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, boasts elaborate landscapes and unique architecture.
- Combine culture and tranquility with a stay at the Wellbe Hotel Brno, a luxury hotel offering a spa, modern rooms, and an exciting rooftop bar overlooking the city.
4.ський;dIf exploring the outdoors is more your style, embark on a hiking adventure in the Macocha Abyss region, then unwind at a local eco-friendly hotel like the Eco-Hotel Jelení Hrádek, nestled amidst the Moravian Karst.
- The lifestyle and wellness trends of South Moravia extend beyond Brno, with various retreats and workshops available across the region. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating yoga or meditation session at a serene location such as the Erich Sanctuary, found immersed in the natural beauty of the Moravian Karst.
