A Tip for a Date or a Day Trip: A Boat Cruise on the Brno Reservoir 🚢

Life often brings the most beautiful experiences completely unplanned. When my husband and I knew we had to drive to Brno to pick up my uncle from the airport, we decided to make a nice day out of it. His flight wasn’t due until half past six in the evening, so we had an idea. What about trying a boat cruise on the Brno Reservoir? We’d never sailed there before, so why not. 🙂

We set off from Jihlava in the morning to have plenty of time. Before we even reached the water, we stopped for lunch first. We returned after many years to a restaurant near the reservoir – La Corrida in Bystrc. It was great to see the restaurant still running so well after all these years, and they happened to have an excellent lunch menu.

To Veveří and back

After lunch, we drove to the reservoir, where parking is free. We had no idea how often the boats run or how much it costs. Or even whether we’d sail at all. But when we saw the queue at the ticket office, it was clear a departure was coming soon.

A very kind and helpful young man was sitting at the ticket office. We asked him how the cruise works and told him we just wanted a boat ride, so could he advise us. I also asked him if the boat rocks much during the trip. 😀 He said it barely rocks at all and suggested a great plan: “Go to Veveří Castle, get off there, and hop on the next boat, which heads back shortly after.”

So we took his advice and bought tickets. A return ticket cost 170 CZK per person, which for a cruise lasting an hour and three quarters felt like a great price. Right by the boarding point we also noticed a small kiosk and toilets.

The Bystrc pier, where the boats depart

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What’s it like on board?

We boarded a lovely two-deck boat called Vienna (by the way, almost all the boats here are named after Brno’s partner cities – like Prague, Utrecht, Stuttgart or Dallas).

At the entrance, two young women circled our ticket with a marker and we walked on. We expected some instructions – like whether we had to sit down or whether we could walk around the boat during the cruise. But we got no instructions at all, so we simply discovered everything ourselves. And we were pleasantly surprised.

On a hot summer day, the lower deck was surprisingly pleasantly cool. Wooden benches and tables invited us to sit down, and we made use of them a little later too. On board you’ll also find bike racks, space for prams, a vending machine with drinks and small snacks, and even clean toilets.

The deck and interior of the boat

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I read in the rules that a dog on a muzzle is allowed on board too. And indeed, one furry passenger made the return trip with us. 🐕

Our furry fellow passenger

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My absolute favourite spot? The stern of the boat. From the lower deck you can walk all the way to the back. The engine hums there, beautiful waves form behind the boat, you’re almost alone, there’s shade and a great view. From the stern, stairs take you up to the open upper deck with seats (some spots can even be reserved). Right at the very front, the bow, the boat’s captain is closed off in the wheelhouse – but you’re not allowed there. And the boat really doesn’t rock at all. 🙂

“Ahooooy!”

The cruise had a wonderful atmosphere. Every time we passed another boat coming the other way, everyone waved and shouted, “Ahoy!” – that was great. And the boats always honked at each other too.

On the way to Veveří Castle

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At one of the stops, a group of children got on with their teacher, rode just one stop, and immediately raided the vending machine for sweets. We, of course, were prepared as always – we had plenty of water and a banana in our backpack. 🍌🙂

Other stops along the way – swimming spots and lakeside restaurants

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Just one small practical tip for you: stops aren’t announced on the boat! You need to keep track of where you are yourself, and maybe check the map posted on deck, so you know when to get off.

💡 Fun facts from the history of DPMB (Brno Public Transport Company)

While we were sailing, I couldn’t help it and later looked up more about the Brno boats. Operations here started way back in 1946. It’s unique that all the boats here run on purely electric battery power – so the cruise is incredibly quiet, eco-friendly, and there’s no diesel smell at all. The season here usually runs from April to October, and you can sail all the way from Bystrc to the final stop in Veverská Bítýška (a route just under 10 km long).

On the official dpmb.cz website, I also read that you can even rent the whole boat for a private celebration or wedding, which must be an incredible experience.

For us, it was a beautiful, refreshing day. Photos and videos can’t fully capture the excitement, the relaxed vibe, the wonderful atmosphere and the wind in our hair. My husband and I had a wonderful time. 🙂

If you’re looking for a tip for a romantic date or just a relaxed family trip, definitely give the boat cruise on the Brno Reservoir a try. 🙂