Planning Your Moravian Karst Weekend Guide

The Moravian Karst is a year-round destination. However, spring and autumn offer the best hiking weather. Many caves require reservations months in advance, especially during summer. You should check the Visit Czechia portal for seasonal updates. Temperatures inside the caves stay around 8°C (46°F) all year. Always bring a warm jacket, even on hot summer days. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the damp cave floors.

Getting there from Brno is very simple. You can take a train to Blansko in under 30 minutes. From Blansko, local buses connect you to the main cave entrances. If you prefer driving, the trip takes about 40 minutes. Parking is available at Skalní mlýn, the central tourist hub. This area is perfect for family weekend trips from Brno because of the easy access. Most sites are well-signed in both Czech and English.

10 Best Things to Do in the Moravian Karst

The region is packed with unique geological wonders. This list covers the must-see spots for your itinerary. Each location offers a different perspective on the underground world. Make sure to mix cave tours with forest walks for the best experience.

1. Name: Punkva Caves Type: Sight/Experience Why go: It features a boat ride on an underground river. Best for: Everyone, especially first-time visitors. Where: Near Skalní mlýn. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (approx. 250-300 CZK). Getting there: Walk or take the eco-train from Skalní mlýn. Tip: Book tickets at least 2 months in advance for summer visits.
2. Name: Macocha Abyss Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the deepest gorge of its kind in Central Europe. Best for: Photography and nature lovers. Where: Above the Punkva Caves. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (Upper and Lower bridges). Getting there: Take the cable car from the Punkva Caves entrance. Tip: Visit the Upper Bridge for the most dramatic vertical view.
3. Name: Catherine’s Cave (Kateřinská jeskyně) Type: Sight Why go: Known for its massive "Bamboo Forest" stalagmites. Best for: Those interested in cave acoustics and history. Where: Deep in the Suchý žleb canyon. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: A short walk from the Skalní mlýn parking lot. Tip: Look for the "Witch" formation illuminated by colorful lights.
4. Name: Balcarka Cave Type: Sight Why go: It has the most colorful and intricate dripstone decorations. Best for: Fans of geology and intricate rock patterns. Where: Near the village of Ostrov u Macochy. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Best reached by car or local bus from Blansko. Tip: The "Gallery" section is one of the most beautiful in the region.
5. Name: Sloup-Šošůvka Caves Type: Experience Why go: It is a vast complex of huge domes and deep corridors. Best for: Adventure seekers and history buffs. Where: At the northern edge of the Karst. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus from Blansko to Sloup village. Tip: Try the "Eliška’s Cave" tour for incredible acoustics.
6. Name: The Eco-Train and Cable Car Type: Activity Why go: A fun way to navigate between the main sites. Best for: Families with children or those with limited mobility. Where: Between Skalní mlýn and Punkva Caves. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Starts at the Skalní mlýn hub. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for both the train and cable car.
7. Name: Křtiny Pilgrimage Church Type: Architecture/Experience Why go: A stunning baroque church designed by Jan Santini Aichel. Best for: Culture and history enthusiasts. Where: Village of Křtiny. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: 20-minute drive from the Karst center. Tip: Check the local schedule for carillon (bell) concerts.
8. Name: Býčí skála (Bull Rock) Cave Type: History/Nature Why go: An important archaeological site where Hallstatt culture artifacts were found. Best for: Hikers and archaeology fans. Where: Josefov valley. Time: 30 minutes (exterior) or special open days. Cost: Free for exterior views. Getting there: Hiking trails from Adamov. Tip: The cave interior is only open to the public a few times a year.
9. Name: Skalní mlýn Nature Hub Type: Experience Why go: The starting point for all major Karst adventures. Best for: Gathering information and grabbing a snack. Where: Central Karst area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main bus stop and parking area. Tip: Visit the Information Center here to pick up trail maps.
10. Name: Blansko City Type: Day trip Why go: The "Gateway to the Moravian Karst" with local museums. Best for: A quick urban break or supply run. Where: 5km from the Karst. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Direct train from Brno. Tip: Visit the Blansko Castle Museum to learn about local ironworking history.

Where to Stay and Eat Near the Karst

For a full weekend, staying near the caves is best. Hotel Skalní mlýn offers a quiet forest setting. If you want more amenities, look for wellness hotels in South Moravia nearby. These often include saunas and pools to relax after hiking. Blansko also has several guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels. Booking early is vital during the peak summer months.

Dining in the region is traditional and hearty. Expect dishes like roasted duck, dumplings, and local trout. Many restaurants near the caves serve quick meals for hikers. For a more refined experience, visit the restaurants in the village of Jedovnice. This village is famous for its ponds and fresh fish dishes. Do not forget to try local Moravian wine or craft beer from Blansko.

Combining Your Trip With Other Brno Getaways

The Moravian Karst is just one of many weekend trips from Brno you can enjoy. If you love history, consider the Lednice-Valtice Complex for its stunning chateaux. For those who prefer wine, the Mikulov wine region is a great next stop. South Moravia is rich in UNESCO sites and natural parks. You can easily spend a week exploring the entire province.

If you have extra time, head west to Podyjí National Park for more hiking. Alternatively, the Kromeriz gardens offer world-class landscape architecture. Public transport makes it easy to hop between these locations. Most regional trains are bike-friendly, which is perfect for active travelers. Always check the DPMB public transport site for local connections.