The Brno Wheel Legendary Story Explained

The story begins in the town of Lednice. A master wheelwright named Georg Birk made a daring wager. He bet twelve thalers that he could make a wheel from scratch. He also promised to roll it to Brno before sunset. This was a distance of over 50 kilometers. Many people thought he would fail.

Birk started his work at dawn. He felled a tree and crafted the wheel by noon. He then began his long journey across the countryside. He reached the city gates just as they were closing. The city council was amazed by his speed. They hung the wheel in the Old Town Hall to honor him.

However, the story has a sad ending for Birk. People believed he used black magic to win. His business failed, and he died in poverty. Despite this, his work remains a top attraction today. You can see the wheel hanging near the famous Old Town Hall and Brno Dragon.

10 Must-See Sights in Brno for History Lovers

Brno offers a mix of gothic architecture and modern design. Use this list to plan your route through the city. These spots highlight the best things to do in Brno for any traveler.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Old Town Hall
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Brno Dragon
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy Day - 10-Z Bunker
• Quick Pick: Best Free View - Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

1. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: This is the home of the legendary wheel and the Brno dragon. Best for: History buffs. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter the passage; fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Look for the crooked gothic pinnacle on the entrance portal.
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Experience Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile that once terrorized the city. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the city center. Tip: Read the legend of the Brno dragon before you go.
3. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This former fortress served as a notorious prison for centuries. Best for: Panoramic views and dark history. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for museum and casemates. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the center. Tip: Explore the Špilberk Castle and casemates to see the old dungeons.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High; requires advance booking. Getting there: Take tram number 9 or 11. Tip: Book your Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
5. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Its bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a 1645 siege trick. Best for: City views from the towers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Walkable from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Visit the crypt for a quiet moment of reflection.
6. Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Type: Experience Why go: A vibrant square selling fresh produce and local snacks since the 13th century. Best for: Local food and atmosphere. Where: City center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Visit the Labyrinth under the market for an underground tour.
7. Name: Ossuary at the Church of St. James Type: Experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Paris Catacombs. Best for: Unique and slightly macabre history. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the main square. Tip: Photography is allowed but be respectful of the site.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Museum Why go: A nuclear shelter from the Cold War era hidden in a hillside. Best for: History lovers and rainy days. Where: Husova Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Visit the milk bar inside for a retro snack.
9. Name: Moravian Karst Type: Day Trip Why go: Stunning cave systems and the deep Macocha Abyss. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: North of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate for cave tours. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a local bus. Tip: Wear a jacket as caves are cold even in summer.
10. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: Day Trip Why go: This is where the Brno wheel story actually began. Best for: Fairytale castles and gardens. Where: South Moravia. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate to high for castle tours. Getting there: Direct train or car from Brno. Tip: Rent a bike to explore the massive park grounds easily.

Planning Your Visit to Brno in 2026

Brno is very easy to navigate on foot. Most major sights are within the historic center. For longer trips, use the efficient public transport system. You can find maps and schedules at the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. The city is less crowded than Prague, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend.

The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the outdoor markets are full of life. If you enjoy architecture, remember that UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat is a must-see. Always check the Go To Brno portal for current events and festivals. Local people are friendly, and most speak English in the tourist areas.