Zbýšov U Brna: Hotels and Mining History

Zbýšov U Brna can be explored through several interwoven themes: historic railways, coal mining, religious buildings, and a landscape shaped by mining. As you plan your trip, you can connect the town’s history with a visit to the mining museum, a train ride, or a walk along the routes described here. The right focus depends on whether you are more interested in buildings, railway history, or exploring the landscape.

Historic Railway and Mining Museum

Historic steam and motor trains run from Zbýšov to Zastávka u Brna and back. The route offers a tangible way to explore the town’s railway history; both types of train are equally part of its historic railway service. Zbýšov also has a permanent exhibition on the history of the Zbýšov railway.

The Simson Mining Museum is also connected to the town’s history. The Vlastivědný spolek Zbýšov looks after the museum and usually opens it on the operating dates of the narrow-gauge railway. Guides offer explanations there. Check the exact operating dates before your trip if you are planning to visit the museum. Part of the exhibition opened in May 2017; this date marks a historic opening milestone, not today’s visiting hours.

Traces of Coal Mining

The Simson mine was started in 1848 and began operating in 1853. Its headframe is considered an architectural and technical monument. It documents the industrial development of the Rosice–Oslavany coalfield in the 19th century. The dates distinguish the start of the mine from its later opening for operation.

Another part of the town’s history is the Church of St. Martin (Kostel sv. Martina). The present Neo-Romanesque church was built in 1893–1894 on the site of an earlier church mentioned in a bishop’s decree from 1676. Two bells remain in its tower: the larger dates from 1652 and the smaller from 1762. One of the existing altars is dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. The building’s history, bells, and altar offer different ways to explore the town’s religious and historical details.

Mining Spoil Heap and Landscape Trails

The Zbýšovská halda was formed in the 20th century through the gradual accumulation of waste rock from local coal mining. It is more than 40 meters high, 500 meters long, and 250 meters wide. The southern slope offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape in the direction of Padochov and Oslavany. Vegetation and visibility may change. The summit can be reached via an unmarked path from the end of Havířská Street. Ask locally about access and follow local safety requirements.

The Stezka permoníků circular route passes through rolling terrain, along paths with distant views, and through shady forests. The circular route around Zbýšov is another, longer walking option: it is about 10 kilometers long and follows a local trail marker with two loops, one larger and one smaller. Check the trail markers before setting out.

Nearby, Rybičková skála is currently designated a protected natural feature. The continuous rock gorge lies in the cut of the Neslovický potok, to the left of the road between Neslovice and Zbýšov. It adds a geological point of interest in the surrounding area to the mining-shaped landscape.

Discover more destinations: Ochoz U Tišnova, Kaly, Drahonín, Pernštejnské Jestřabí, Malhostovice, Katov, Řikonín, Újezd U Brna

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.