Babí doly

Babí doly is a small but remarkably charming natural spot on the northern edge of Brno, within the city district of Ořešín. This protected nature monument covers just 1.22 hectares, yet within that modest area lies a pair of ponds and a wetland meadow that have enjoyed legal protection since 1997 thanks to their valuable aquatic and marsh habitats.

Where is Babí doly located?

The site sits in the valley of the Babídolský stream, a left tributary of the Ponávka River, within the Soběšice Highlands. It lies roughly half a kilometer east of the village of Lelekovice, north of central Brno. This location makes the reserve easy to reach from the city while still offering a genuine sense of escape — the dense tree cover and quiet stream valley stand in sharp contrast to the nearby residential areas.

What is there to see?

At the heart of the reserve are two small ponds — a smaller upper one and a larger lower one — surrounded by lush shoreline vegetation and damp meadows. These water bodies are the main reason the area was granted protected status: they serve as breeding grounds for amphibians and provide habitat for crayfish and distinctive marsh plant communities, including meadowsweet, woolly sedge, and brown sedge. The rich vegetation of the wetland meadows makes the surroundings of the ponds especially rewarding for nature watchers, particularly in spring when frog and newt populations come to life, and in summer when numerous bird species can be spotted around the water.

What is the history behind this place?

The pond on the Babídolský stream is estimated to be around a hundred years old. Throughout its history it had never been cleaned, which eventually created a serious risk — the dam threatened to break and flood the nearby village of Lelekovice. As a result, an extensive technical restoration took place in 2015–2016, focused mainly on the lower pond. The work included building a new stone overflow structure and creating a circular walking path around the pond, making the site much easier to explore without harming its delicate ecosystem.

How do you get to Babí doly?

The simplest way to reach the reserve is by taking bus line 70 to its terminus in Ořešín, then walking about 2 kilometers north along the green-marked hiking trail. A yellow-marked trail also runs through the middle and lower section of the valley, connecting Útěchov with Lelekovice — this stretch is the most frequently visited part of the reserve by hikers and nature lovers alike.

Who is this place for?

Babí doly is an ideal destination for a short, peaceful outing for anyone seeking contact with nature without having to leave Brno. The reserve is popular among birdwatchers and amphibian enthusiasts, families looking for an easy walking route, and Brno residents wanting a brief escape from urban life. Given its small size and protected status, visitors should stay on the marked paths and avoid disturbing the fragile balance of this wetland ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Babí doly free? Yes, the area is freely accessible to visitors on foot along the marked trails.

What is the best time of year to visit? Spring and early summer are the most rewarding periods, coinciding with amphibian breeding season and peak activity among waterbirds.

Can you swim in the ponds? No, the ponds are primarily a protected natural habitat rather than a recreational swimming spot.

How long does it take to explore the reserve? A walk around the ponds and along the valley typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on pace and how much time is spent observing wildlife.