Things to Do in Moravian Karst, Česko

The Moravian Karst (Moravský kras) is one of the Czech Republic's most spectacular natural regions, located just north of Brno in South Moravia. This protected landscape area encompasses over 90 square kilometers of limestone terrain, featuring more than 1,100 documented caves, underground rivers, and dramatic gorges carved over millions of years. The region is home to some of Europe's most impressive cave systems, including the famous Punkva Caves with their underground boat rides and the breathtaking Macocha Abyss, the deepest gorge in Central Europe. Beyond its geological wonders, the Moravian Karst offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities through pristine forests, traditional Moravian villages, and rolling countryside dotted with castles and châteaux. The area serves as a perfect escape from urban life, combining natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families looking to explore one of the Czech Republic's most unique landscapes.

Top Things to Do in Moravian Karst

Explore Punkva Caves and Underground River

Journey through the most famous cave system in the Moravian Karst, featuring stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The highlight is a magical boat ride on the underground Punkva River, gliding silently through illuminated chambers that showcase millions of years of geological artistry.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially during summer months (costs around 200-300 CZK for adults). Tours run every 30 minutes, but English tours are less frequent. Choose morning slots to avoid crowds and bring a jacket as cave temperature stays at 8-10°C year-round.

Visit Macocha Abyss Viewpoints

Stand at the edge of the deepest gorge in Central Europe, plunging 138 meters into the earth. The abyss can be viewed from both upper and lower observation platforms, offering dramatically different perspectives of this natural wonder where the underground Punkva River emerges into daylight.

Booking Tip: Access is free and available year-round, but combine with Punkva Cave tours for the best experience (joint tickets available). The lower viewpoint requires a moderate hike, while the upper platform is easily accessible by car or bus from Blansko.

Hike the Moravian Karst Trail Network

Discover over 200 kilometers of marked hiking trails winding through limestone plateaus, deep valleys, and traditional villages. The trails connect major cave entrances, viewpoints, and cultural sites, offering routes suitable for all fitness levels from easy family walks to challenging day hikes.

Booking Tip: Download offline maps from the Czech Hiking Club website as cell service can be spotty. Best hiking is April-October with peak wildflowers in May-June. Start early from Blansko or Sloup for parking availability, and pack water as natural sources are limited on limestone terrain.

Cycle the Greenway Routes

Pedal through the scenic Moravian Karst on well-maintained cycling paths that connect cave sites, historic towns, and natural landmarks. The routes offer gentle terrain perfect for families, with bike-friendly accommodations and restaurants strategically placed along the way.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes in Blansko or Brno (30-50 CZK per hour) and book accommodations that offer secure bike storage. Spring and early autumn provide ideal cycling weather. Consider electric bikes for longer routes, and always carry a repair kit as bike shops are sparse in rural areas.

Discover Sloup-Šošůvka Caves

Explore this extensive cave system known for its impressive halls and unique formations, including the famous 'Elephant' stalactite. The caves offer a more intimate experience than Punkva, with detailed geological explanations and opportunities to see rare cave-dwelling animals in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around 150-200 CZK and run less frequently than Punkva, so check schedules online. The caves stay open in winter unlike some others in the region. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip as some passages can be slippery, and photography is allowed in designated areas only.

Getting There

The Moravian Karst is easily accessible from Brno, just 25 kilometers to the north. Regular buses run from Brno's main bus station to Blansko (30 minutes, 40 CZK), which serves as the main gateway to the karst region. From Prague, take a direct train to Brno (2.5 hours) then connect to local transport, or drive the entire route in about 3 hours via the D1 highway. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring multiple cave sites and hiking trailheads, with well-marked roads and adequate parking at major attractions.

Getting Around

Public buses connect Blansko to major cave sites including Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss, running every 1-2 hours during peak season (reduced service in winter). The local bus system uses integrated ticketing with Brno public transport. For maximum flexibility, rent a car in Brno or Blansko, as this allows easy access to remote trailheads and smaller cave systems. Cycling is increasingly popular with dedicated bike paths connecting major sites, and many accommodations offer bike rentals and route planning services.

Where to Stay

Blansko town center

Sloup village

Vilémovice countryside

Jedovnice lakeside

Rájec-Jestřebí spa town

Brno city base

Food & Dining

The Moravian Karst region celebrates traditional Czech and Moravian cuisine with hearty dishes perfect after outdoor adventures. Local restaurants serve specialties like svíčková (beef in cream sauce), goulash, and fresh trout from regional streams, paired with excellent Moravian wines from nearby vineyards. Blansko offers the widest dining selection including modern Czech bistros and traditional pubs, while smaller villages like Sloup feature family-run guesthouses serving homemade meals using local ingredients. Many accommodations provide packed lunches for hikers, and several restaurants near cave entrances cater specifically to tourists with multilingual menus and quick service options.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Moravian Karst is late spring through early autumn (May-September) when all caves are open, hiking conditions are ideal, and the landscape is lush and green. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours but bring crowds to popular sites like Punkva Caves. Spring (April-May) provides excellent hiking with wildflowers and fewer tourists, while early autumn (September-October) offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful fall colors. Winter visits are possible for cave tours as underground temperatures remain constant, but some smaller caves close and hiking conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Insider Tips

Purchase a combined ticket for multiple caves to save money and skip individual booking queues - the 'Moravian Karst Card' offers significant discounts and priority access.

Visit caves early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour bus crowds, and book English-language tours in advance as they run less frequently than Czech tours.

Pack layers including a warm jacket even in summer as cave temperatures stay around 8-10°C year-round, and wear shoes with good grip as cave floors can be wet and slippery.

Things to Do in Moravian Karst