Park Bohumila Hrabala

Park Bohumila Hrabala is a green area on the slope of Židenice Hill in Brno, taking shape since 2017 on the site of a former allotment garden colony known as Plecinkáry. The park stretches between Balbínova and Ve Vinohradech streets, running from a viewpoint known locally as Skautská vyhlídka (Scout's Lookout) down to the grounds of a former sand quarry. It is named after Bohumil Hrabal, one of the most important Czech prose writers of the second half of the 20th century, who was born in 1914 in a house on Balbínova street, right next to what is now the park.

Why is the park named after Hrabal?

The choice of namesake is no coincidence — the writer's family home stood in the immediate vicinity of the land where the park now grows. Naming the park after him was meant to commemorate Hrabal's ties to the Židenice district and remind local residents of the roots of one of the Czech Republic's most celebrated writers.

What history does this hillside hold?

For decades, the slope of Židenice Hill served very different purposes. In the early 20th century it was planted with vineyards and plum orchards, which is why the neighboring street is called Ve Vinohradech ("in the vineyards"). Later the land was turned into a sand quarry supplying material for construction. During the Second World War, military fortifications appeared here — shelters, tunnels, and a concrete observation post, traces of which have partly survived to this day. After the war, the area became allotment gardens known to locals as Plecinkáry, which remained in use right up until work on the park began.

What does the park look like today, and what's still to come?

The concept for the site was developed by architecture students from Brno University of Technology (VUT), who set out to create a place for quiet reflection rather than another playground or outdoor gym. A natural amphitheater is planned in the former quarry pit, making use of the existing terrain. Small-scale features include a well and a watering point for wildlife, along with benches and waste bins. Plans also call for a small observation tower at the top of the hill, offering views over the surrounding districts of Brno, and an orchard that echoes the area's earlier vineyard-and-orchard character.

An unusual touch is the set of wooden owl carvings that an artist known as Tim cut into tree trunks around the turn of 2017 and 2018. The owls have become one of the park's signature attractions, encouraging visitors — especially families with children — to walk the paths in search of every hidden owl among the trees.

Who is this park for?

Park Bohumila Hrabala suits anyone looking for a quiet place to walk away from Brno's busy center, admirers of Czech literature curious to see the surroundings tied to the writer's life, and families with children who can turn a visit into an owl-hunting game. Residents of Židenice also value it as a calmer alternative to the more crowded parks closer to the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the park located? On the slope of Židenice Hill in Brno, between Balbínova and Ve Vinohradech streets, in the Brno-Židenice district.

Why is the park named after Bohumil Hrabal? Because the writer's family home stood on Balbínova street, directly adjacent to the park grounds.

What was on this site before the park? Vineyards and orchards in the early 20th century, then a sand quarry, World War II military fortifications, and after the war the Plecinkáry allotment gardens.

What attractions can visitors find in the park? Owls carved into tree trunks by the artist Tim, a natural amphitheater in the former quarry pit, and viewpoints on the hillside.

Does the park have an observation tower? The development plans include a small observation tower at the top of the hill, though it is not yet confirmed as built.