Why visit the Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss?
If you’re travelling through Central Europe, the Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss are among the Czech Republic’s natural highlights. Here you can walk through illuminated cave chambers, sail along an underground river, and look up from the bottom of the Macocha Abyss to see 140 metres of rock above you – a dramatic sight you won’t soon forget.
How is the tour organised?
The standard cave tour is divided into two parts. First comes the dry walking section, taking around 35 minutes through beautifully lit chambers. Then you continue with a 25-minute boat ride on the underground River Punkva. The guides also steer the boats and share commentary with local humour – older children and adults usually appreciate their quiet jokes echoing in the cave.
It’s important to check your specific tour time and be ready in the entrance hall. Staff call groups at their exact time, often only in Czech even if there are foreign visitors present.
Groups are usually around 50 people, making it a classic group tourist experience rather than an intimate cave exploration.
Language options for tours
Tours are mainly in Czech. Foreign visitors receive a printed guide text to follow along during the cave section. However, the boat ride commentary is only in Czech. When booking, you can ask if an English-speaking guide is available – if you are flexible with time, they may be able to place you with another English group.
Tickets for the Punkva caves
Always book your tickets in advance, especially during the summer season when tours often sell out. Collect your reserved tickets at least 40 minutes before your scheduled entry at the Skalní mlýn ticket office. For booking tickets with an English-speaking guide, it is best to make your reservation by phone or mail. The online system does not show all available times, and currently only offers tours in Polish. You can book online or call one of these numbers: +420 516 413 575, +420 602 205 584, +420 516 410 024, +420 516 418 602. You can also email info@caves.cz for assistance.
How to get to the Macocha abyss and Punkva caves and where to park
You cannot drive directly to the cave entrance. You will need to park at Skalní mlýn, from where it’s about 1.5 km walk to the caves. The walk is on an asphalt road with almost no traffic, suitable for families with children. Alternatively, you can take the small tourist train; tickets are purchased separately.
If you travel by train, take a route to Blansko, which offers a unique journey through seven historic tunnels built around 1850 by Italian workers skilled in tunnel construction. From Blansko, take the special tourist bus (“Krasobus”) to Skalní mlýn.
Seeing the Macocha Abyss from above
While the cave tour lets you see Macocha from the bottom, you can also visit its viewing platforms above for free. To reach them, either walk uphill for around 2 km or take the cable car (tickets purchased separately).
When to visit the Macocha abyss and Punkva caves
The caves are open all year, with fewer tours from October to April and closed on Mondays during this period. Summer is busy, so for a quieter visit, choose weekdays or the spring and autumn months.
What to bring
Remember that cave temperatures are around 8°C all year, so pack a warm layer. Also bring your own snack and water – food options near the caves are limited to basic fast food kiosks.
Guided walks – seeing more than the tourist route
Looking for an authentic nature experience near the legendary Macocha Abyss? The Moravian Karst is full of secrets both above and below ground – from hidden caves to forest trails and quiet viewpoints. Why are there so many caves here? What prehistoric animals roamed these valleys, and how did Neanderthals live in this landscape?
Join a guided tour to uncover these stories and more. You can choose from different routes – some leading directly around Macocha Abyss and others taking you deeper into lesser-known corners of the Karst.
Walk at a slow, attentive pace, hear the stories that bring each place to life, and see Macocha from both perspectives – looking down from above and standing at its bottom during your cave tour.
This is the Moravian Karst beyond the crowds – rich in stories, shaped by time, and waiting to be discovered.
I’m Maruška – a guide and storyteller rooted in the Moravian Karst. I run a small countryside guesthouse here and lead guided walks to share the stories, landscapes, and quiet places I love. I grew up with these trails and caves and want to help others experience them with respect and curiosity. I love exploring the Moravian Karst in its wider context and am always happy to talk about Central Europe as a whole too.