Punkevní jeskyně

The Punkva Caves are a karst cave system open to the public in the northern part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area, in the Blansko district. The caves developed in Devonian limestone, and their entrance complex is located in Pustý žleb gorge, in the cadastral area of Vavřinec. It is an extensive underground system linked to the sinking Punkva River, comprising both dry and water-filled passages, domes, chasms and small lakes.

The caves were gradually discovered in the first half of the 20th century, largely thanks to Karel Absolon. They form part of the Amatérská jeskyně system, which at over 50 km in length is the most extensive cave system in the Czech Republic, and are connected via a dry floor to the nearby Macocha Abyss. This link between natural features makes a visit a unique experience, combining the history of exploration with underground beauty.

What can you experience here? The Punkva Caves are the only publicly accessible cave in the Czech Republic offering an underground boat ride – the tour combines walking through dry passages with a boat trip along the underground Punkva River. It is no coincidence that these caves are the country's most-visited cave system, drawing over 200,000 tourists a year. Operations are run by the Cave Administration of the Czech Republic.

The Moravian Karst is one of the most valuable karst areas in Central Europe, and the Punkva Caves are its ideal gateway. Given the high visitor numbers, it's worth planning your visit in advance and combining it with exploring the surroundings – the Macocha Abyss, the ravines and hiking trails around the village of Vavřinec. If you want to fit in more and avoid the crowds, we recommend staying overnight in the area and setting aside a whole relaxed day for the caves and the surrounding natural scenery.