Björnsonův sad

Björnsonův sad is a park in the center of Brno, tucked between Veveří, Zahradníkova, Kounicova and Šumavská streets. Surrounded by three universities, locals often call the spot the "academic square," even though its official name honors a Norwegian writer.

What was here before the park existed?

The ground the park now occupies was once an old meadow stretching along Veveří street all the way toward Žabovřesky, occasionally pressed into service as a military drill ground. During the First World War, wooden barracks for a military field hospital and a military chapel stood on the site. Between the wars, and up until 1945, the land was given over to allotment gardens where residents grew vegetables and fruit.

When was the park founded, and where does its name come from?

The park itself was laid out in the 1950s. For a long stretch, the whole area went by the name Akademické náměstí (Academic Square), a nod to the surrounding universities. In the early 1990s it was renamed Björnsonův sad to mark the 160th anniversary of the birth of the Norwegian poet and writer Bjørnstjerne Björnson (1832–1910), remembered as a champion of truth and freedom and a friend of the Czech and Slovak peoples. A large glacial boulder bearing a memorial plaque still stands in the park as a reminder of its namesake.

What does the park look like today?

Björnsonův sad covers roughly 2.18 hectares. Its character is fairly unpolished – most of the paths are simply worn into the ground by walkers rather than paved, there is no street lighting, and the amenities amount to little more than a handful of benches and climbing frames for children. Open grassy stretches planted with fruit trees and lindens give the place a loose, meadow-like feel that stands out against the dense city blocks around it. In 2014 the park went through a thorough renovation that refreshed its infrastructure without disturbing its natural, informal character.

Is there anywhere to eat or drink?

Yes – in the middle of the park sits Piknik box, a small, unconventional open-air café. It's a popular meeting point for students from the nearby universities as well as residents of the surrounding apartment blocks, especially on warm days.

Who is this park for?

Because it sits wedged between three universities, the park draws plenty of students looking for a break between classes. At the same time, its open lawns and fruit trees make it a pleasant place for local residents to walk, and the climbing equipment gives families with children a reason to stop by too.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Björnsonův sad? The park covers approximately 2.18 hectares.

Where does the park's name come from? It was named after the Norwegian writer Bjørnstjerne Björnson on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of his birth, in the early 1990s; before that it was known as Akademické náměstí.

Is there somewhere to get coffee in the park? Yes, an open-air café called Piknik box operates in the center of the park.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, although the amenities are modest, it includes climbing frames for younger visitors.

What stood on this land before the park was created? It was originally a meadow used as a military drill ground; wooden field hospital barracks went up here during the First World War, and between the wars the land was used for allotment gardens.