Visiting Moravian Karst Caves from Brno: A Complete Guide
Are you planning a trip to the stunning Moravian Karst? Many travelers look for Kateřinská Cave tour times and prices before leaving the city. This area offers some of the most beautiful underground landscapes in Europe. Visiting Moravian Karst caves from Brno is a popular choice for nature lovers. You can reach these limestone wonders in less than an hour. This guide provides the latest details for your 2026 visit. Get ready to explore deep caverns and towering rock formations.
Kateřinská Cave tour times and prices for 2026
Kateřinská Cave is famous for its unique "Witch" stalagmite and massive Main Dome. This dome is the largest underground space in the Czech Republic open to the public. To plan your visit, you must check the Kateřinská Cave tour times and prices in advance. Tours usually run every hour during the peak season from April to October. In winter months, the cave often has limited hours or stays closed to protect hibernating bats.
Standard adult tickets typically cost between 150 CZK and 200 CZK. Reduced prices are available for children, students, and seniors. Most tours last about 40 minutes and cover a 580-meter path. It is wise to book your spot online during summer weekends. You can find more details on Go To Brno, the official tourism portal. Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour starts.
10 Must-See Sights in the Moravian Karst from Brno
The Moravian Karst is a vast protected area with over 1,100 caves. While only a few are open to the public, they offer diverse experiences. If you are visiting Moravian Karst caves from Brno, you should consider these top-rated spots.
- Best overall: Punkva Caves
- Best for families: Kateřinská Cave
- Best for history: Výpustek Cave
- Best free view: Macocha Abyss Upper Bridge
- Name: Kateřinská Cave Type: Cave Why go: To see the largest underground hall in the country and the iconic "Witch" formation. Best for: Families and fans of acoustics. Where: Near Skalní mlýn. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Skalní mlýn parking. Tip: Listen for the music often played in the Main Dome to test the echo.
- Name: Punkva Caves Type: Cave/Experience Why go: This is the most popular cave featuring an underground boat ride on the Punkva River. Best for: Iconic photos and unique boat trips. Where: Pustý žleb. Time: 60-90 minutes. Cost: ~250-300 CZK. Getting there: Take the tourist road train from Skalní mlýn. Tip: Book months in advance; Punkva Caves boat ride tickets sell out very fast.
- Name: Macocha Abyss Type: Viewpoint Why go: Peer down into a 138-meter deep gorge from two different observation platforms. Best for: Stunning views and nature photography. Where: Above the Punkva Caves. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (platforms) or small fee for the cable car. Getting there: Use the cable car from Punkva Caves or drive to the upper parking lot. Tip: Visit the Upper Bridge for the most dramatic vertical perspective.
- Name: Balcarka Cave Type: Cave Why go: It is known for having the richest and most colorful stalactite decorations in the region. Best for: Geology enthusiasts. Where: Near the village of Ostrov u Macochy. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Best reached by car or local bus from Blansko. Tip: Look for the "Gallery" section, which features intricate white flowstone.
- Name: Výpustek Cave Type: Experience/History Why go: Explore a former top-secret military fallout shelter built inside a natural cave. Best for: History buffs and rainy days. Where: Near Křtiny. Time: 75 minutes. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: 20-minute drive from Brno. Tip: This cave is warmer than others but still requires a jacket.
- Name: Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves Type: Cave Why go: A massive complex of corridors, domes, and deep chasms. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near the village of Sloup. Time: 60-110 minutes (multiple routes). Cost: ~170-220 CZK. Getting there: Bus from Blansko or drive via route 379. Tip: Try the "Experience Tour" if you want to go off the main path with a headlamp.
- Name: Skalní mlýn Type: Hub Why go: This is the central starting point for most cave tours and transport. Best for: Information and food. Where: Entrance to the Karst canyon. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk around. Getting there: Direct buses from Blansko train station. Tip: Buy your road train and cable car tickets here at the central office.
- Name: The Macocha Cable Car Type: Activity Why go: Save your legs and enjoy a scenic ride between the cave entrance and the abyss rim. Best for: Families with small children. Where: Between Punkva Caves and Macocha Upper Bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK round trip. Getting there: Located right next to the Punkva Cave exit. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the road train to save money.
- Name: Křtiny Pilgrimage Church Type: Day trip/Culture Why go: Visit the "Pearl of Moravia," a stunning Baroque church designed by Jan Santini Aichel. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Village of Křtiny, 15km from Brno. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Bus 201 from Brno-Židenice. Tip: Check the carillon schedule to hear the bells play.
- Name: Holštejn Castle Ruins Type: Nature/History Why go: Hike to the ruins of a medieval castle overlooking a limestone valley. Best for: Hikers and quiet exploration. Where: Village of Holštejn. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: 30-minute drive north of Brno. Tip: Visit the "Hladomorna" cave located directly beneath the castle ruins.
Practical Tips for Visiting Moravian Karst Caves from Brno
When planning your trip, remember that cave temperatures stay around 8°C (46°F) all year. Even in summer, you must wear a warm jacket and sturdy walking shoes. Most caves involve many stairs and damp surfaces. If you don't have a car, take a train from Brno to Blansko. From there, use the local bus or the "Krasobus" during tourist season. You can check schedules on the DPMB public transport site.
Photography is usually allowed but may require a small extra fee or a sticker. Flash photography is often restricted to protect the cave environment. If you have extra time, consider a day trip to other nearby sites. The Moravian Karst is very busy on public holidays. Always check the official website for any sudden closures due to flooding or maintenance. Following these tips ensures a smooth and enjoyable underground adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Kateřinská Cave?
In 2026, adult tickets for Kateřinská Cave typically cost between 150 and 200 CZK. Children and students usually pay a reduced rate of approximately 100 CZK. There may be an additional fee of 40 CZK if you wish to take photos during the guided tour.
What are the Kateřinská Cave tour times?
Tours generally run daily from April to October, starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM. During the peak summer months, tours often depart every hour. It is highly recommended to check the official schedule online before visiting, as times can change based on the season.
Do I need to book Kateřinská Cave in advance?
While Kateřinská Cave is less crowded than Punkva Caves, booking in advance is still recommended for weekends and holidays. You can reserve tickets by phone or email through the central booking office at Skalní mlýn. This ensures you have a spot at your preferred time.
Visiting the Moravian Karst is a highlight of any trip to the Czech Republic. By knowing the Kateřinská Cave tour times and prices, you can easily fit this wonder into your schedule. Whether you prefer the boat rides of Punkva or the massive domes of Kateřinská, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to explore the Macocha Abyss for incredible views. Pack your jacket and start your underground journey from Brno today!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
