Quick Picks for Your Moravian Karst Visit

If you are short on time, use these quick recommendations to plan your day. These picks help you focus on the best experiences based on your interests. The area is large, so prioritizing is key for a smooth trip. Always remember to check the best time to visit Moravian Karst caves before you go.

• Best Overall: Punkva Caves (includes the boat ride and abyss floor).
• Best for Families: The Eco-train and the Macocha Cable Car.
• Best for History: Výpustek Cave and its secret Cold War bunker.
• Best Free Activity: Hiking to the Upper Bridge of Macocha Abyss.

9 Best Things to Do at Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves

The Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves offer a mix of adventure, science, and breathtaking scenery. Each cave system has a unique personality and different geological features. You can explore massive domes, narrow tunnels, and deep sinkholes. Most tours require walking on paved paths, but the temperature stays cool year-round. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket even in summer. Here are the top sights you cannot miss.

1. Name: Punkva Caves Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the only tour that includes a boat ride on an underground river. You also get to stand at the bottom of the Macocha Abyss. Best for: First-time visitors and photographers. Where: Pustý žleb canyon. Time: 60–90 minutes. Cost: Moderate (approx. 250–350 CZK). Tip: You must book Punkva Caves tickets online weeks in advance.
2. Name: Macocha Abyss Viewpoints Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: The abyss is 138 meters deep. You can look down from the Upper Bridge or the Lower Bridge for free. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Above the Punkva Caves. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The Upper Bridge offers the most dramatic vertical perspective of the sinkhole.
3. Name: Kateřinská Cave Type: Experience Why go: It is famous for its unique "Witch" stalagmite and excellent acoustics. Concerts are sometimes held in the main dome. Best for: Music fans and geology enthusiasts. Where: Near Skalní Mlýn. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Low to moderate. Tip: Look for the "Bamboo Forest" of thin, tall stalagmites inside.
4. Name: Výpustek Cave Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This cave served as a secret military bunker during the Cold War. It has a fascinating mix of natural formations and man-made structures. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the village of Křtiny. Time: 75 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Tip: This cave is less crowded than Punkva and offers a very different vibe.
5. Name: Balcarka Cave Type: Sight Why go: It is often called the most colorful cave in the region. The stalactite decorations are incredibly dense and intricate. Best for: Detail-oriented travelers. Where: Near the village of Ostrov u Macochy. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Low to moderate. Tip: Visit during the spring when the colors seem most vibrant from the moisture.
6. Name: Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves Type: Experience Why go: This is the largest cave system in the Czech Republic. It features massive underground corridors and deep light-filled chasms. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near the town of Sloup. Time: 60–120 minutes depending on the route. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Take the longer tour if you want to see the "Nagoya" abyss.
7. Name: Skalní Mlýn Type: Neighborhood/Hub Why go: This is the central tourist hub for the Moravian Karst. You will find the main info center, a hotel, and restaurants here. Best for: Starting your journey. Where: Entrance to the Pustý žleb canyon. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Tip: Buy your parking ticket here and pick up a physical map of the trails.
8. Name: Macocha Cable Car Type: Experience Why go: It connects the entrance of Punkva Caves with the Upper Bridge of Macocha Abyss. It saves you a steep uphill hike. Best for: Families and seniors. Where: Between Punkva Caves and Macocha. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Low (approx. 100 CZK). Tip: Buy a round-trip ticket to enjoy the view twice without the sweat.
9. Name: The Eco-Train Type: Experience Why go: This small tourist train runs from Skalní Mlýn to the Punkva Caves entrance. It is a fun way to travel through the canyon. Best for: Families with small children. Where: Skalní Mlýn to Punkva. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Low. Tip: It is much faster than walking if you are rushing for a tour time.

Planning Your Trip to Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves

Visiting the Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves requires some preparation. The most important step is securing your cave entry. Tickets for the Punkva Caves often sell out months ahead during the summer season. You can check availability on the official Go To Brno tourism portal. If Punkva is full, the other caves usually have more space for walk-ins.

Getting to the area is simple if you are staying in Brno. Many travelers prefer getting from Brno to Macocha Abyss by bus or train. You should take a train to Blansko first. From Blansko, a local bus runs directly to Skalní Mlýn. The total travel time is usually under one hour from the city center.

The weather inside the caves is always around 8 degrees Celsius. This is true even if it is 30 degrees outside. Wear layers so you stay comfortable during the long tours. Most paths are wet, so avoid wearing flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes. For more general advice, visit the Visit Czechia website for regional updates.

More Places to Visit Near Brno

The Moravian Karst is just one of many places to visit near Brno. If you enjoy history, you should consider a trip to the nearby mountains. You can find the impressive Pernštejn Castle about 45 minutes away. It is a gothic masterpiece that has never been conquered. It makes a great companion to a morning cave tour.

South Moravia is also famous for its wine and rolling hills. You can easily combine nature and culture in this part of the country. Whether you like hiking or exploring old fortresses, Brno is the perfect base. Make sure to plan your route carefully to maximize your time in 2026. The region offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure for every traveler.