The Legend of the Brno Dragon and the Wagon Wheel Explained

The Brno Dragon was once a terrifying beast. According to local lore, it lived by the Svratka River and ate livestock. A brave butcher eventually defeated it using a hide filled with lime. When the beast drank water, the lime expanded and killed it. Today, we know the "dragon" is actually a preserved crocodile. It was likely a gift from a visiting delegation centuries ago.

The wagon wheel has an equally impressive origin. In 1635, a wheelwright named Jiří Birk made a bold bet in the town of Lednice. He claimed he could fell a tree and make a wheel in one day. He also vowed to roll it all the way to Brno before sunset. He succeeded, covering over 50 kilometers in record time. You can read more about this feat in our guide to the Brno Dragon and Old Town Hall.

Both objects now hang in the entrance of the Old Town Hall. They represent the bravery and skill of the local people. For many travelers, seeing them is the highlight of their trip. The legends provide a unique lens through which to view the city's history. They bridge the gap between medieval fantasy and historical reality.

9 Must-See Sites for the Legend of the Brno Dragon and the Wagon Wheel

To truly understand these stories, you must visit the places where they live. Here are the top nine sites to include on your tour. These picks range from iconic landmarks to hidden underground gems.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Old Town Hall
• Best for families: The Brno Dragon
• Best viewpoint: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best free activity: Cabbage Market

1. Name: The Old Town Hall (Stará radnice) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the heart of the legends. It is the oldest secular building in the city. Best for: History buffs. Where: Brno-střed (City Center). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the passage. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main train station. Tip: Look at the crooked turret on the portal; the architect did it on purpose!
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Legendary object Why go: See the actual crocodile that inspired the myth. It hangs from the ceiling in the Town Hall passage. Best for: Photo opportunities. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right in the pedestrian zone. Tip: Visit early in the morning to get a photo without crowds.
3. Name: The Wagon Wheel Type: Legendary object Why go: It hangs right next to the dragon. It is the original wheel from the 1635 bet. Best for: Folklore enthusiasts. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs for the Tourist Information Center. Tip: Check the craftsmanship; it was made entirely without iron.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get a bird's-eye view of where the dragon allegedly lived. It offers the best panoramic views of the city. Best for: Photography. Where: Above the Old Town Hall. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 100 CZK). Getting there: Access is through the Tourist Information office. Tip: Learn more about climbing the Old Town Hall tower in Brno for the best experience.
5. Name: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: This historic square is just steps from the dragon. It has been a marketplace since the 13th century. Best for: Local food and atmosphere. Where: Brno-střed. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk; varies for food. Getting there: Walk south from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Try the seasonal fruit or local Moravian wine.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Cabbage Market Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Explore the medieval cellars where food was stored during the time of the legends. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Beneath Zelný trh. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (approx. 200 CZK). Getting there: Entrance is at Zelný trh 21. Tip: Book Brno underground labyrinth tours in advance during summer.
7. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: Home to another legend where bells ring noon at 11 AM. It dominates the city skyline. Best for: Architecture. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the nave; fee for the crypt/towers. Getting there: A short uphill walk from the Cabbage Market. Tip: Visit the crypt for a quiet, spiritual experience.
8. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Unique local experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It offers a haunting look at Brno's past. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate (approx. 160 CZK). Getting there: Located near Rašínova street. Tip: Read about the St. James Ossuary Brno visit before you go.
9. Name: Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape Type: Day trip Why go: This is where the wagon wheel bet began. It is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Nature and palaces. Where: 55km south of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Varies (park is free; palace tours have fees). Getting there: Take a train to Břeclav, then a local bus. Tip: Rent a bike to explore the massive park grounds.

Practical Tips for Your Mythical Brno Adventure

Brno is a very walkable city. Most sites related to the legend of the Brno Dragon and the wagon wheel are close together. You can easily see the main highlights in a single morning. We recommend starting at the Old Town Hall to avoid the mid-day tour groups. For official maps and event schedules, visit the Go To Brno portal.

If you plan to visit multiple museums, look into the Brno Pass. It offers discounts on many of the sites listed above. For getting around the wider city, the local transport system is excellent. You can find routes and ticket info on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Most trams run every few minutes during the day.

Finally, remember that many sites have seasonal hours. While the Dragon and Wheel are always visible in the passage, the Tower and Labyrinth may close earlier in winter. Always check the Visit Czechia site for the latest travel updates. Brno is a safe city, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded market areas.