Planning Your Trip to the Moravian Karst

Getting to the caves is quite simple. You can take a direct train from Brno Main Station to Blansko. The ride takes about 30 minutes. From Blansko, local buses connect you to the main tourist hubs. Many travelers find this to be one of the best excursions from Brno due to the proximity.

Booking in advance is essential for the most popular sites. The Punkva Caves often sell out months ahead. This is especially true during the summer and holiday weekends. You can check the Visit Czechia portal for general regional information. Always confirm your tour times before departing Brno.

The area is open year-round, but some caves close in winter. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking between sites. Summer provides a cool escape as cave temperatures stay around 8 degrees Celsius. Wear sturdy shoes even if you only plan to walk short distances. The terrain can be damp and slippery near the cave entrances.

9 Must-See Sights in the Moravian Karst

The Moravian Karst offers a variety of experiences for every traveler. From deep boat rides to historical bunkers, there is much to see. Here are the top nine attractions to include in your itinerary. These spots make visiting Moravian Karst caves from Brno a truly memorable experience.

1. Name: Punkva Caves Type: sight Why go: This is the only cave offering an underground boat ride on the Punkva River. Best for: First-time visitors and families. Where: Pustý žleb canyon near Skalní mlýn. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approximately 250-300 CZK. Getting there: Take the eco-train from Skalní mlýn. Tip: You must book Punkva Caves boat ride tickets well in advance.
2. Name: Macocha Abyss Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the deepest light-hole abyss of its type in Central Europe. Best for: Photographers and nature lovers. Where: Above the Punkva Caves. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to view from the bridges. Getting there: Use the cable car or hike from the cave exit. Tip: Learn how to reach Macocha Abyss via the upper bridge for the best views.
3. Name: Kateřinská Cave Type: nature Why go: Known for its massive Main Dome and unique "Witch" stalagmite. Best for: Those interested in cave acoustics and concerts. Where: Near the Skalní mlýn hotel. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 150-200 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the Skalní mlýn parking lot. Tip: Check the Kateřinská Cave tour times for seasonal evening events.
4. Name: Výpustek Cave Type: unique experience Why go: It housed a secret fallout shelter and a Nazi aircraft factory. Best for: History enthusiasts and cold war buffs. Where: Near the village of Křtiny. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approximately 200 CZK. Getting there: Best reached by car or bus from Blansko. Tip: The bunker section is very chilly, so bring an extra layer.
5. Name: Balcarka Cave Type: nature Why go: It features the most colorful stalactite decorations in the region. Best for: Fans of intricate geological formations. Where: Near the village of Ostrov u Macochy. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 180 CZK. Getting there: Follow the green hiking trail from Macocha. Tip: Look for the "Museum of Reindeer Hunters" located near the entrance.
6. Name: Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves Type: nature Why go: This is a massive complex of corridors, domes, and deep underground chasms. Best for: Hikers who want a longer underground experience. Where: Near the town of Sloup. Time: 2-3 hours depending on the route. Cost: 200-250 CZK. Getting there: Direct bus from Blansko or a long hike through the woods. Tip: Take the "long route" to see the Eliška Cave section.
7. Name: Skalní mlýn Type: hub Why go: It is the central information point and starting spot for most tours. Best for: Grabbing a map or a quick meal. Where: At the entrance to the Punkevní valley. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free access. Getting there: Bus from Blansko stops right here. Tip: Use the official Go To Brno site to check for local festival dates.
8. Name: Macocha Cable Car Type: experience Why go: It provides a scenic aerial view of the limestone cliffs. Best for: Avoiding the steep uphill hike to the abyss. Where: Connects Punkva Caves with the Macocha upper bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK for a return trip. Getting there: Located right next to the Punkva Cave exit. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the eco-train to save money.
9. Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning Gothic-Renaissance castle located just outside the Karst area. Best for: Combining nature with medieval history. Where: Near the village of Nedvědice. Time: 3 hours. Cost: 250-350 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Train from Brno or a 30-minute drive from Blansko. Tip: Visit the Pernštejn Castle gardens for a peaceful walk.

Practical Advice for Cave Explorers

When visiting Moravian Karst caves from Brno, dress in layers. Underground temperatures remain constant at about 8°C (46°F) all year. Even in a hot summer, you will feel cold inside. A light jacket and long pants are highly recommended for comfort. You will spend at least an hour in these conditions during tours.

Photography is generally allowed but might require a small fee. Always ask your guide before using a flash. Some areas are very dark, making tripod-free photography difficult. Respect the formations and never touch the stalactites. Oils from human skin can stop their growth forever.

Safety is a priority in the underground complexes. Stay with your group and follow the guide's instructions. The paths can be narrow and the ceilings low in some sections. If you suffer from claustrophobia, Výpustek or Punkva are the most spacious options. Most caves have stairs, so they are not fully wheelchair accessible.