Moravian Karst Caves Compared: Punkva, Balcarka, Kateřinská and More
Ivo Salay • October 5, 2026
Moravian Karst Caves Compared: Punkva, Balcarka, Kateřinská and More
The short answer: the Moravian Karst, north of Brno, has roughly 1,100 caves and gorges, and five cave
systems are open for public tours. For a first visit, the Punkva Caves are the classic choice because the tour
ends with a boat ride on an underground river. Balcarka is the pick for richly decorated stalactites, and
Kateřinská is a shorter stop. Here is how they compare.
The five caves open to visitors
The Moravian Karst covers about 92 km² and includes five cave systems that can be visited: the Punkva Caves,
Balcarka Cave, Kateřinská Cave, Výpustek Cave and the Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves with Kůlna Cave.
Punkva Caves: known for the Macocha Abyss and a boat ride on the Punkva underground river. The tour
takes about 50 minutes, covers 1,250 m and 198 steps, and is guided only; 7–8 °C inside.
Balcarka Cave: a labyrinth on three levels with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. The tour is 600 m long
and takes about 45 minutes; 7–8 °C (46 °F), humidity about 99%.
Kateřinská Cave: two large domes; the main dome is 95 m long and 44 m wide and hosts concerts. The tour
takes about half an hour.
Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves: the largest accessible caves in the Czech Republic, with the 80 m deep Nagel
Abyss. Check the official site for tour routes.
Výpustek Cave: also open to visitors. Check the official site for the tour route.
The cave names in the list link to each cave's official website, run by the Cave Administration of the Czech
Republic.
Punkva Caves: the one most visitors choose
According to the Cave Administration, the Punkva tour leads through underground passages decorated with
stalactites and stalagmites to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss, which is 138.7 m deep and measures 174 by 76
m at the base, and finishes with a motor boat ride on the underground Punkva river. The tour is with a guide,
takes about 50 minutes and covers 1,250 m with 198 steps. The temperature inside is 7–8 °C, so bring a warm
layer even in summer.
Getting to the entrance takes some walking. The official site describes a level 1.6 km walk from the Skalní Mlýn
area, with a road train also available. In the main season most tours sell out in advance, so reserve ahead on the
official Punkva Caves website. Read our Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss practical guide for more.
Balcarka: for stalactite lovers
Balcarka sits in the Suchý žleb canyon near Ostrov u Macochy in the northern Moravian Karst. The cave is a
labyrinth of passages, chambers and abysses on three levels, richly decorated with colorful stalactites and
stalagmites. The main passages were discovered little by little between 1923 and 1948, and the tour route is 600
m long.
Kateřinská, Sloup and Výpustek: shorter and different
Kateřinská is near the Punkva Caves and is known for its two large domes and slender stalagmites known as the
Bamboo Grove. The Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves are a huge complex of caverns and abysses, including the 80 m
deep Nagel Abyss. Výpustek Cave is also open to visitors; see its official website for the tour route.
How to choose
First visit and one cave only: Punkva (Macocha and the boat ride).
Love stalactites: Balcarka.
Short on time: Kateřinská, a tour of about half an hour.
Prefer big caverns: the Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves.
Opening times and ticket rules differ by cave and season, so check the official Cave Administration of the
Czech Republic website before you go. Some caves need advance booking in peak season.
See the Karst with a local guide
Our private tours combine caves with the sights around them. The six-hour Secrets of the Moravian Karst tour
and the similar Discover Moravian Karst: Seven Stops, One Tailored Tour are both tailor-made. They include
baroque pilgrimage sites, caves, the Macocha Abyss, panoramic views of Brno and old industrial and mining
sites, and the route is adapted to your fitness level. The Secrets tour is rated moderate; it is not wheelchair or
stroller accessible and not recommended for people with back problems. Cave admission is not included, and
some caves must be booked online in advance in peak season. We can provide Nordic walking poles for steep
paths.
More to explore: why the Moravian Karst belongs on your bucket list, the Moravian Karst audio guide and the
best day trips from Brno.
Frequently asked questions
How many caves can you visit in the Moravian Karst?
Five cave systems are open for public tours: Punkva, Balcarka, Kateřinská, Výpustek and the Sloupsko-
šošůvské Caves with Kůlna Cave.
How long is the Punkva Caves tour?
About 50 minutes, over 1,250 m and 198 steps, ending with a boat ride on the underground river. The tour is
guided.
How deep is the Macocha Abyss?
138.7 m deep, and 174 by 76 m at the bottom, according to the Cave Administration of the Czech Republic.
How cold is it in the caves?
About 7–8 °C (46 °F) in the Punkva and Balcarka caves, all year, so bring a jacket.
Do I need to book cave tickets in advance?
In the main season most Punkva tours sell out in advance, and reservations are recommended. Some caves
require booking in advance in peak season.
Plan 3 days in Moravia from Brno: the old town, a Lednice, Valtice and Mikulov wine day, and the Moravian Karst caves, plus an optional UNESCO day.
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Trace your Czech roots in Moravia: find your ancestors' village, search the parish registers online in ActaPublica and plan a heritage trip from Brno.
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Czechia uses the koruna, not the euro. Learn how cards, cash and tipping work, plus practical tips for your tour in Brno and South Moravia.
Kraków to Brno is about 340 km by road and there is no direct train. See travel times, stops worth making and how a private transfer compares.
Plan one day in Brno: the dragon at the Old Town Hall, the astronomical clock at 11:00, the ossuary, Špilberk Castle and Villa Tugendhat.
Burčák is Moravia's partly fermented young wine, sold only from August 1 to November 30. See what it tastes like, how to drink it and where to try it.
Group tasting Moravian wine in a traditional cellar
Lednice has the Tudor Gothic château and gardens; Valtice has the Baroque castle and the
national Wine Salon. See how to plan both in one relaxed day.