Discover Bystrc: Zoo, reservoir and history

Bystrc is a destination for travelers who want to make time for leisure, nature and local history. Brno Zoo is located in the Brno-Bystrc district, near Brněnská Reservoir. The parish church and the district’s historical development add architectural and local history to these themes.

Zoo and leisure at Brněnská Reservoir

Brno Zoo is located on Mniší hora and covers 65 hectares. As a large-scale attraction, it differs from leisure activities by the water. Its proximity to Brněnská Reservoir makes both relevant to travel planning, although they offer different main attractions.

Since 1945, Brněnská Reservoir has been used primarily for recreation and sports. The reservoir has large beaches with easy access to the water, as well as opportunities for boat trips. When weighing up your travel interests, you can choose between two different options: the zoo or leisure by the water, with beaches and boat trips.

River and forest in the nature park

In Podkomorské lesy Nature Park, the Svratka flows through a rocky valley amid extensive woodland. The nature park contains the largest forest complex within the city of Brno. The landscape differs from that of Brněnská Reservoir: beaches and access to the water shape the recreational experience there, while the nature park is defined by its river, rocky valley and forest. This allows you to compare the different natural features by their landscapes.

Architectural history and local development

A cultural and historical landmark in Brno-Bystrc is the parish Church of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist. Its early medieval core dates from the first half of the 13th century and is partly incorporated into the western perimeter wall of the main nave. The church interior features furnishings dating from the Baroque period to the modern era. The building’s core and its interior furnishings therefore offer different cultural and historical perspectives. The main nave is the central longitudinal space of a church.

In addition to agriculture, the historical livelihoods in Bystrc included crafts, particularly baking, as well as river fishing. Historical working life thus encompassed agricultural, craft and river-related activities. During the interwar period, Bystrc increasingly developed into a recreational area. This development offers another perspective on local history, alongside the area’s historical livelihoods.

Getting there and facilities at the zoo

Brno Zoo can be reached by public transport, car and bicycle. Traffic conditions and parking availability may change. If you plan to travel by car, check the current situation in advance. The zoo has restaurants, snack stands, children’s playgrounds and facilities for families with young children. If you are planning your visit around any of these facilities, check their current status, as facilities may change.

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