Essential Booking Tips for Macocha Abyss

Securing your spot on the boat is the most critical step. The Punkva Caves are the only ones with an underground river. Because boat capacity is limited, demand is always high. You should call or email the central booking office as soon as you know your dates. Do not wait until you arrive in the Czech Republic.

When you book, you will receive a confirmation time. You must pick up your physical tickets at the Skalni mlyn information center. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your entry time. If you are late, they may sell your tickets to people on the waiting list. This is especially true during the best time to visit Moravian Karst caves in late spring.

• Best overall: Punkva Caves Boat Ride
• Best for families: The Tourist Road Train
• Best viewpoint: Macocha Upper Bridge
• Best for history: Výpustek Cave

9 Best Sights in the Moravian Karst

The area offers much more than just one cave. You can spend a full day exploring the deep gorges and rocky paths. Most attractions are close to each other, but some require a short drive or bus ride. Here are the top nine experiences to include in your itinerary.

1. Name: Punkva Caves Boat Ride Type: activity Why go: This is the only way to see the bottom of the abyss from the water. Best for: Everyone. Where: Pustý žleb. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: 250-300 CZK. Getting there: Walk or take the train from Skalní mlýn. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is 8°C (46°F) year-round.
2. Name: Macocha Abyss Upper Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers a dizzying 138-meter drop view into the gorge. Best for: Photographers. Where: Top of the cliff near the upper cable car station. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cable car from Punkva Caves or a steep hike. Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best light.
3. Name: Macocha Abyss Lower Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: This bridge is lower down and gives a better view of the cave floor. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Below the Upper Bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trail from the Upper Bridge. Tip: The path can be slippery after rain.
4. Name: Skalní mlýn Eco-Train Type: experience Why go: It is a fun and easy way to travel through the valley. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Between Skalní mlýn and Punkva Caves. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Starts at the main parking lot. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the cable car to save money.
5. Name: Macocha Abyss Cabin Cable Car Type: activity Why go: It saves you a very steep 20-minute uphill walk. Best for: Saving time. Where: Near the entrance to Punkva Caves. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: Located right next to the cave exit. Tip: The view from the cabin is brief but beautiful.
6. Name: Kateřinská Cave Type: sight Why go: Known for its massive main chamber and unique "Witch" formation. Best for: Those who missed boat tickets. Where: Near Skalní mlýn. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main info center. Tip: This cave is famous for its excellent acoustics.
7. Name: Balcarka Cave Type: sight Why go: It has the most colorful and intricate stalactites in the region. Best for: Geology enthusiasts. Where: Near the village of Ostrov u Macochy. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: 10-minute drive from Skalní mlýn. Tip: It is less crowded than Punkva.
8. Name: Sloup-Šošůvka Caves Type: day trip Why go: Huge underground domes and deep vertical chasms. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Sloup village. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~200 CZK. Getting there: 15-minute drive from Macocha. Tip: Take the long tour to see the Nagel Abyss.
9. Name: Výpustek Cave Type: sight Why go: It served as a secret fallout shelter during the Cold War. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near Křtiny. Time: 75 minutes. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: 20-minute drive from Brno. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for special event dates here.

Planning Your Trip from Brno

Getting to the caves from the city is straightforward. Many travelers look for how to get to Punkva Caves from Brno by public transport. You can take a train to Blansko and then a local bus. The bus will drop you at Skalni mlyn. From there, the eco-train takes you to the cave entrance.

If you prefer driving, the trip takes about 40 minutes. There is a large paid parking lot at Skalni mlyn. Be aware that traffic can be heavy on weekends. If you have extra time, you can also explore other places to visit in Brno after your nature trip. Check the official tourism portal for the latest updates on road closures or festival dates.