Established as a small village on the banks of the Svratka River, Brno-Bystrc is a popular residential district on the outskirts of Brno. It was first mentioned in the 14th century when Jan Jindřich donated the land to an Augustinian monastery. Today, Brno-Bystrc is home to a family-friendly zoo, a centuries-old castle and a sprawling reservoir surrounded by forested hills.
Things to do in Bystrc
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the Brno Zoo, which is home to more than 300 different animal species from across the globe. You can get up close to African brush-tailed porcupines, Bactrian camels and Siberian ibex. The zoo also plays an important role in breeding endangered species, such as Przewalski’s horses, Sumatran tigers and Hispaniolan giant galliwasps.
Spanning the Svratka River is the Brno Dam, which was constructed in the 1930s to power a hydroelectricity plant. The flooding of the valley resulted in the creation of the Brno Reservoir, a beautiful lake and recreational area. In addition to swimming and participating in water sports, you can follow one of the hiking or cycling trails that hug its shores.
Perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Svratka River is Veveří Castle, a former royal residence that dates back to the 13th century. It is one of the oldest castles in Moravia and houses an impressive collection of painted coats of arms, as well as replica weapons from the Thirty Years’ War. Cultural events, art exhibitions and concerts are regularly held in the castle’s courtyards.
Getting around Bystrc
Brno-Bystrc is around 20 minutes' drive from the centre of Brno and 25 minutes from Brno–Tuřany Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Both trams and buses connect to Brno-Bystrc and travel throughout the district, connecting most of its attractions.