Blanenský tunel č. 8/1 Tunnel
Blanenský tunel č. 8/1 is part of the system of railway tunnels between Brno and Blansko, which belongs to the most interesting engineering works of the 19th century in the Czech Republic. It lies in the narrow and rocky valley of the river Svitavy, where the line Brno - Česká Třebová curses the region of Moravian Karst. The tunnel is one of the nine tunnels currently operated in this section.
The construction of the railway line started in the autumn of 1843 and was won by Italian entrepreneur Felice Tallachini. The section between Máměřice and Blansko was technically the most demanding of the entire track. Ten tunnels with a total length of 1,772 metres and 49 bridges had to be built in these more than 20 kilometres. The tunnels were embossed using the Austrian tunnelling method and instead in a classic mining way. The construction took a heavy toll - 22 workers died in the tunnel. Tunnel No 8 / 1 was built as part of this large project and was expected to be part of a dual track. The operation started on the whole line Brno - Česká Třebová on 1 January 1849. The second track was then laid later, in 1856-1858, and tunnel 8 / 1 remained monorail.
The tunnel has undergone significant changes in its existence. From the 1960s to the 1990s, the so-called pre-electrification adjustments were carried out, extending the cross-section of the tunnels. In these reconstructions, the old stone vaults were removed, the tunnel expanded and a new vault was built from stone blocks and concrete with new concrete portals. As part of the modernization in the 1990s, the line was electrified. The formal opening of the electricity operation took place on 21 January 1999. The latest chapter in the history of the tunnel was the extensive reconstruction launched in September 2021, which lasted until December 2022, requiring a complete lockout of rail transport.
Today, tunnel No. 8 / 1 is a fully-fledged part of the railway corridor, on which both express and passenger trains pass. It is a proof for a лActual Visitor of how civilisation has already subdued a difficult landscape in the 19th century. The passage through the valley of Svitavy offers dramatic views of rock cliffs and is a central element of the railway network connecting Central Moravia.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1843
- Start of railway line construction
- 1849
- Start of operation on the line Brno - Česká Třebová
- 1856
- Second track laying
- 1999
- Festive start of electrical operation
- 2021
- Initiation of reconstruction
- 2022
- End of reconstruction
Architectural development
The tunnels were embossed by the Austrian tunnelling method, sometimes also in a classic mining way. In the course of the 20th century, reconstructions were carried out to increase the cross-section and a new vault made up of stone blocks and concrete was built in the pre-electrification process.
Historical events
- 1849
- Opening of operation on the whole line Brno - Česká Třebová.
- 1856
- The location of the second track in the section between Brno and Letovice.
- 1999
- Electrification and modernization of the line Brno - Česká Třebová to form the first railway corridor.
Points of interest
- The tunnel is part of a network of railway tunnels between Brno and Blansk. - The tunnel is one of the nine tunnels currently operated in this section. 22 workers died in the tunnel. - Tunnel 8 / 1 was built as part of an extensive project. The tunnel has undergone significant transformations during its existence.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Blanenský tunnel number eight divided by one is part of a system of railway tunnels on the line from Brno to České Třebové. The line runs here along the edge of Moravský kras, through a narrow and rocky valley of the Svitava River between Brno and Blansko. Today there are nine numbered tunnels on this section. Only two of them are single-track, namely tunnels eight divided by one and eight divided by two.
Construction of the line began in autumn 1843. The most complex section between Brno and Blansko was won in a public tender by Italian contractor Felice Tallachini. In the Svitava valley, it was necessary to build ten tunnels with a total length of 1,772 meters and forty-nine bridges in addition. The tunnels were driven using the Austrian tunneling method, in some places also by the classical mining method. Twenty-two workers died during construction. The tunnels were built for two tracks from the start, but initially only one was laid. Service on the entire line began on January 1, 1849, and the second track between Brno and Letovice was added in the years 1856 to 1858.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the line was being prepared for electrification. The tunnels were therefore widened and two of them were even closed and replaced by open cuts. Work proceeded while the line was in operation, with trains running on a single track in the middle of the tunnel. The old vault was removed, the tunnel was widened and received a new vault made of stone blocks and concrete, as well as new concrete portals. At the turn of the eighties and nineties, a new single-track tunnel was also built under Nový hrad.
In the years 1996 to 1999, the line was electrified and modernized as the first railway corridor. Due to difficult access, traffic in the Svitava valley had to be completely stopped for several months. Electric service was solemnly inaugurated on January 21, 1999.
Another major reconstruction of the section from Maloměřice to Blansko, including all tunnels, began in September 2021. A complete closure between Brno and Blansko lasted from December 12, 2021 to December 9, 2022, and the entire reconstruction was supposed to be finished in 2023.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is sunny and the temperatures are mild.
It is advisable to bring a flashlight because there is bad lighting in the tunnel.
In the surrounding area there is a natural monument to the Obřanská stráž, where it is possible to ride a bike or take a trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
We have not verified whether this monument is accessible. Please ask the owner or operator, or the local municipal office. According to the heritage register restoration is under way, so access may be restricted.
Where is the monument?
Location: Olomučany, Jihomoravský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000161683).
For kids
Imagine going back 177 years, and suddenly you're in the beautiful landscape of Blanenska. Where we see forests and hills today, there was a great wasteland here. People lived here in villages and cultivated the land. But there was something very interesting - people were working on building railway lines from Vienna to Brno.
It was like a game where everyone played their part. Construction workers tried to build a tunnel that would lead across the mountains. And they succeeded! The 8 / 1 tunnel was finished and people could take the train from Vienna to Brno.
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Tunel se nachází v úzkém údolí řeky Svitavy, kde bylo vybudováno deset tunelů a 49 mostů. V okolí je přírodní památka Obřanská stráň.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Thematic cruise route "Nature and architecture of the Blanen Valley"
1. Blanenský tunel č. 8/1 (tunnel) Type: Historical monument Why is it worth a visit: This tunnel is part of a historic railway track system that surpasses the narrow valley of the Svitavy River. It is a fascinating example of engineering skills from the past and offers a unique view of the history of the railway in the region.
2. Giant site (natural monument) Type: Natural monument Why it is worth a visit: This area is known for its unique geological formations and biodiversity. It is an ideal place for nature lovers who want to explore wild landscapes and enjoy quiet moments in a picturesque environment.
3. Svitava River (natural element) Type: Natural elements Why it is worth a visit: the river Svitava, which passes through the narrow valley, is a key element of the region. It is possible to look at its beautiful flow and see how nature has influenced the construction of infrastructure in the area.
4. Ambient bridges (architectural monuments) Type: Architectural monuments Why is worth a visit: 49 bridges were built in the narrow valley of the Svitavy River, which are an example of architectural art and engineering skills. These bridges not only combine both banks of the river, but also represent an important part of the region's history.
This route offers a combination of historical and natural experiences in one of the most beautiful valleys of South Moravia.
Seasonal recommendations
In spring, the surrounding landscape of Olomouc flourishes and the tunnel surrounds a fresh green. The atmosphere is full of hope, although it may still be wet in the object itself. We recommend waterproof shoes and a visit in the morning when the air is the cleanest. Due to the ongoing reconstruction, be careful on built-up roads.
The summer season brings a radiant heat, which in the cold interior of the tunnel gives a refreshing contrast. It's the main season, so count on more people. Come as soon as you can in the morning to avoid clusters. In spite of the heat, pack a light jacket or sweater, because there may be a clear draught in the underground.
The autumn turns the surroundings into a sea of colors, and the fog gives the memory a mysterious touch. The lighting is softer and the atmosphere calmer. The ideal is a visit in the afternoon, when the sun gently shines through the leaves. Dress in layers to handle temperature fluctuations between outdoor space and cold tunnel.
In the winter, the landscape has a sharp and frosty effect, which underlines the roughness of this technical work. It's very cold in the tunnel, which requires warm heat and high-quality shoes. Due to reconstruction, access in the cold may be restricted.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Lasy / CC BY-SA 3.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Location on the map
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