The Macocha Abyss and Punkva Caves
The Punkevní Caves are the most visited caves open to the public in the Czech Republic. They include the Macocha Abyss, which is over 138 metres deep and is the largest abyss of its kind in Central Europe. It lies in the northern part of the Moravian Karst, through which the underground Punkva River flows. A tour of the caves includes a boat trip along this river and a descent to the bottom of the chasm. In addition to the paid tour, two viewing platforms above the chasm are also freely accessible. The Upper Platform lies about 138 metres above the bottom of the chasm, whilst the Lower Platform is approximately 48 metres below it.
What does a tour of the Punkva Caves involve?
The guided tour passes through stalactite domes and the passages of the dry part of the cave, continues to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss and from there on to the jetty, where the boat trip along the underground Punkva River begins. It is currently the only operational motorboat cruise in a natural cave in continental Europe. The standard tour lasts 60 minutes and covers a distance of 1,250 metres. The route may vary depending on the current water level: when the water level is high, the boat trip is shortened and the tour lasts 70 minutes, covering 1,550 metres; when the water level is very high, the boats do not operate at all and the tour without the boat trip lasts 55 minutes, covering 1,100 metres. From April to October, as part of the standard tour, the boat also makes a special stop at the underground jetty, from where you can walk through Bobří síňka to Masaryk’s Dome.
How do you get to Macocha and the Punkva Caves?
The starting point is the paid car park at Skalní mlýn, where you’ll also find the Central Information Centre, which sells tickets. From there, it is 1.7 km on flat ground to the cave entrance; you can walk to the entrance or take the road train, which takes about 10 minutes. You can also drive directly to the viewing platforms overlooking the chasm, using the paid car park situated roughly 200 metres from the chasm.
Which routes lead to the viewing platforms?
Both viewing platforms are accessible free of charge and without a booking all year round. The Upper Platform is wheelchair-accessible. The Lower Platform, on the other hand, is reached via a steep flight of stairs. The walking route from Skalní mlýn leads past Kateřinská Cave, just about 300 metres away, and from there climbs quite steeply to the Upper Bridge. The area is also home to the 6.5-kilometre-long Macocha Nature Trail, known as the Jan Šmarda Trail, with 13 information points.
How does the cable car at Macocha work?
The cable car connects the Punkevní Caves with the area around Horní můstek, covering a vertical distance of 132 metres in roughly 2 minutes, with an average gradient of 63 per cent. Wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and cyclists can all travel without difficulty, as both stations are wheelchair-accessible.
Where to stay in the Moravian Karst
You can use the OREA Resort Panorama, situated in the heart of the Moravian Karst on a hill above Blansko, as a base for trips to Macocha and the Punkevní Caves.
Practical information
You can book entry to the Punkva Caves up to a year in advance. During the summer, slots are still available, but they tend to be very busy, so you may not be able to secure a time that suits you at the last minute. The caves are not wheelchair-accessible; wheelchair users may visit the dry section only as part of the first or last tour of the day, subject to prior arrangement and accompanied by a fit escort. Prams are not permitted on the tour. Before you go, check the current prices for admission, parking and tickets for the train and cable car on the website.
The temperature in the cave is 7 to 8 °C all year round, so it’s a good idea to bring something warm to wear, even in summer.
Before setting off on your trip, don’t forget to pack a snack at breakfast. At OREA, you can put together your own snack to suit your taste and pack it into the bags provided.
