Lakes and dams Brněnsko

Should you visit Brno, it is highly recommended not to miss one of the natural beauties located on its northern outskirts, in the district of Bystrc, which extends as far as the nearby village of Veverská Bítýška. This is the Brněnská přehrada (Brno Reservoir), known in the local dialect, hantec, as Prýgl. It was constructed on the Svratka river between 1936 and 1940 as a source of electric power. The reservoir complex also includes the Kníničky hydroelectric power plant.

The reservoir originally served as a source of drinking water. Subsequently, Brno switched to a supply from the Vírská přehrada (Vír Reservoir), and thus, the Brněnská přehrada now serves primarily for recreation. Hotels and guesthouses are located along its shores, and the surrounding forests conceal a multitude of cottages as well as cycling and hiking trails. During the summer season, many people gather mushrooms here, or simply seek refuge from the hot rays of the sun.

Since 1946, boat transport has been operated under the auspices of the municipal transport company. Several excursion boats cruise the surface of the Brněnská přehrada, stopping on both banks. This offers a convenient way to travel quickly during a cycling trip, or perhaps a way to make an outing more exciting for children. Trips by boat are very popular during the season.

In the immediate vicinity of the water, visitors can find a number of playgrounds, relaxation zones, as well as boat and pedal boat rentals. Many local residents relax here in the summer after a demanding day at work in the shade of the trees, or burn off energy playing beach volleyball. The reservoir is easily accessible by car, by bicycle, or even by public transport.

There are many places and bays here suitable for swimming and water sports. Recently, paddleboarding and windsurfing have become very popular. It is only necessary to catch the right wind to be able to zip across the Brněnská přehrada from one side to the other. Other popular sports include canoeing, water skiing, and rowing. A yachting and rowing club also operates on the Brněnská přehrada.

Should you decide to explore the reservoir from the deck of an excursion boat, it is highly recommended not to miss hrad Veveří (Veveří Castle), which towers over the reservoir like a sentinel lighthouse and guardian of the waters. This allows visitors to combine relaxation by the water with a historical experience and hiking.

Every year before the summer, the Brněnská přehrada becomes the venue for the global fireworks festival Ignis Brunensis. The spectacular pyrotechnic show lasts for several evenings and is accompanied by music that carries across the entire Bystrc district. It is a beautiful experience and a very popular cultural event.

If you are not from the immediate vicinity, it is recommended to stay by the Brněnská přehrada for a few days to explore all of Brno's attractions and ensure nothing of importance is missed. It is not for nothing that Brno is considered one of the leading multicultural cities in Europe. Truly, many experiences await you here. Therefore, do not hesitate; book suitable accommodation by the Brněnská přehrada and come to see for yourselves.

The flooded Zatopený lom Želeč u Drysic is a picturesque and popular site that originated as a remnant of stone mining and now serves as a tranquil natural location.

The site is located between the municipalities of Želeč and Drysice, in the Vyškov district, on the border of the Haná and Drahanská vrchovina regions. The quarry is characterized by its clean water, which, due to its depth, maintains a refreshing temperature even during the peak of summer heat. Access to the water surface is modified in several places; however, the overall character of the site remains natural, without asphalt paths or organized facilities. The surroundings of the quarry are lined with high rock walls, which are popular with cliff jumpers, although this activity requires maximum caution. Given that this is an unofficial swimming spot, great emphasis is placed on the responsibility of visitors towards nature, especially regarding the maintenance of cleanliness. The site is surrounded by deciduous trees that provide natural shade, and thanks to its location in a gently rolling landscape, it offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rest from the bustle of the city.

What can you find here?

Within the area, you will find a flooded water surface with various levels of access to the water, from gentle banks to steep rock ledges. The surroundings of the quarry consist of grassy and earthy areas suitable for sunbathing or picnics, and a network of narrow beaten paths leading around the entire perimeter of the quarry. As this is a natural site, there are no snack bars, changing rooms, or toilets here; therefore, it is necessary to equip yourself with everything you need in advance.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for lovers of natural swimming and people looking for silence and privacy in the bosom of nature. It is also sought after by young people and groups of friends due to the possibility of jumping into the water from the rocks; however, due to the absence of lifeguards and rescue equipment, it is recommended only for proficient swimmers. The place is also suitable for dog owners, who can enjoy free movement by the water here, and for photographers attracted by the contrast of the light rock and the turquoise surface.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Just a short distance from the quarry is the village of Drysice, where you can view the historic building of the local granary or the kostel Narození Panny Marie. For history lovers, the town of Vyškov with its zoopark and Dinopark is within accessible distance. If you are looking for further natural beauty, we recommend a visit to the Moravský kras with its caves, which is located west of the site, or the rozhledna Chocholík near Drnovice, which offers a view of the entire Vyškovská brána.

Plumlovská přehrada is an extensive water body on the border of the Drahanská vrchovina and Haná. It lies on the Hloučela River about 3 kilometres from Prostějov. It ranks among our oldest reservoirs and covers an area of 65 hectares. Its construction began as early as 1913 and initially did not meet with great enthusiasm among the population. Originally, it was supposed to be completed within five years, but World War I interrupted the plans. The complete finishing of the Plumlov dam thus took place only in 1932.

The main reason for construction was primarily flood protection and the support of the flow of the Hloučela River. However, a flood came sooner, and so in 1920, a large amount of water from persistent rain caused such damage at the dam that the final construction cost increased up to twelvefold.

Now, Plumlovská přehrada serves mainly tourists and athletes. Grassy beaches and refreshments are available, but for anyone who is not entertained by merely lying by the water, the offer of one of the rental shops can be utilized to cross the surface criss-cross on a paddle boat or a small boat. Other water sports also do not remain in the background, and so it is possible to see skilled paddleboarders or fast kayakers.

The Plumlov water reservoir is also important from a cultural perspective. Various significant events for the general public have taken place here, for example, the International Music Festival for Children and Youth with Disabilities as well as a large number of other concerts. An interesting and relatively popular event is also the dragon boat race, which takes place on various water bodies throughout the republic.

Not far from the dam is the early Baroque zámek Plumlov, part of which is also the torso of the never-completed castle of the same name. Visitors' holiday by Plumlovská přehrada thus does not have to be solely about swimming, but history lovers will also find something to their liking. After all, tourists and cyclists will not come up short either. A number of marked trails lead through the surroundings of the dam; visitors simply need to choose the one that suits them. Then it is only a matter of planning a date, finding suitable accommodation near Plumlovská přehrada, and coming to relax from demanding working days.