Emma Go deep into the underground water tanks in Brno
The underground water tanks of Brno, located in the Czech Republic, are a system of large reservoirs built in the 19th century. These were originally built to provide a reliable water supply to the city.
The underground water tanks were constructed in 1874, 1894, and 1917 as part of the city’s waterworks system. Stepping inside you can’t help but be amazed at these impressive feats of engineering.
The water tanks were constructed due to the rapid development of industrial Brno. The population of the city expanded greatly, and so, a source of drinking water was needed for this growing city.
The new water main was built by the English entrepreneur Thomas Docwry. The water was purified in three biological filters and pumped into two pressure zones with their own water tanks. The higher pressure zone was established at Špilberk with two smaller tanks. The lower pressure zone was placed on the eastern slope of Žlutý kopec. The first two tanks are built with brick, the later tank is built with concrete.
The water tanks provided clean water until 1997 when the complex was abandoned and scheduled for demolotion in 2014. However, images of the water tanks were released and in 2019 the entire complex on Žlutý kopec was declared a cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
Looking for more underground attractions in Czechia? We visit the Ossuary at Kutna Hora
The water tanks are now fully open to visitors and are part of Brno’s larger underground tour experience, which includes places like the ossuary at St. James Church and the labyrinth under the vegetable market.
Video
@foodieexplorers Underground water tanks in Brno. #fyp #for #traveltiktok #travel #czech #brno #explore ♬ Floating Away – Nora Gallo
Where
Žlutý kopec Water Tanks, Tvrdého 15, 602 00 Brno, Czechia
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
Tickets
Click here to buy tickets online.
FAQ
How to get there
Main Entrance – from Tvrdého Street next to the house No. 15
Parking – parking at Masaryk Oncology Institute on Roubalova Street
Tvrdého Street, Parking Zone C
for visitors with disabilities, parking is reserved directly at the house at Tvrdého 15
Public Transport – bus no. x4 stop Tvrdého, then about 8 minutes walk uphill
trolleybuses no. 35, 38, 39 stop Žlutý kopec, then approximately 4 minutes walk downhill
How do I buy a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased online here on the website, or directly at the Žlutý kopec Water Tanks complex or at the TIC BRNO information centers on Radnická and Panenská streets.
Do I need to book in advance?
No reservation is needed for a self-guided tour. Download in advance the audioguide with all important information in advance.
There are also guided tours 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 12:30, 14:00, 14:30, 16:00 and 16:30 for 70 minutes which require to be booked.
Is the tour accessible?
Water Tank 1 and 3 are accessible. There is reserved parking for visitors with disabilities directly at the house at Tvrdého 15.
How should I dress/what shoes to wear?
It is cooler and humid so layers and comfortable sturdy shoes are required.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tours last 70 minutes.
