The 8 Most Beautiful Caves in the Czech Republic

There actually isn’t a solid 6500 km thick layer below you on the Earth. In fact, the ground beneath you is interwoven in a system of corridors forming tunnels and beautiful caves. In cooperation with the Cave Administration of the Czech Republic,we have chosen 8 the best caves in the Czech Republic out of around 15 recognized sites. Take something warm to wear, put on some good shoes, and get ready for the most bizarre formations!

The Bozkov Dolomite Caves
These caves, which are located in northern Bohemia, on the outskirts of the village Bozkov, offer two great distinctions. Their bottom is permanently flooded, and the water forms the largest underground lakes in the country. Also, the known size of their area (1,060m) and height range (43m) makes them the longest dolomite caves in the Czech Republic. You can take the 350 meter-long tour throughout the year.

The Chýnov Cave
The Chýnovská cave actually stood at the very beginning of the discovery of the Czech Republic’s underground. After its discovery in 1863, it was opened to the public three years later as the very first ‘tourist’ cave in the country. Its walls are beautifully colored with marble and amphibolite, which create the circular formations called ‘the eye’. The good news is that the local cave system is not yet fully discovered. You can spot a variety of original artifacts when walking around, such as a stone staircase. The cave is closed from November to March.

The Zbrašov Aragonite Caves
If you are as chilly as I am, you will certainly appreciate the caves in the West of the Czech Republic, a short distance from Valašské Meziříčí, which are the warmest in the country. The temperature here all year stays at 14 degrees. From a great depth emanate warm mineral waters that mix with the atmosphere and create interesting formations, like the so-called ‘koblihy‘ (I’m sure you know this sweet oily Czech treat). Not far from the Zbrašov Aragonite Caves is also the deepest abyss in the Czech Republic – Hranická Abyss, whose bottom has still not been reached. You can book a tour all year except January.

The Na Pomezí Caves
The Na Pomezí Caves form the largest accessible cave complex in the Czech Republic. The tour lasts not longer than the usual 45 minutes, however. There are various high and narrow corridors and smaller domes. It’s quite cold down there – only 7.7 degrees Celsius, so I recommend taking a cap. You can come here all year long, but book in advance during the cold months.

The Na Špičáku Cave
This cave belongs to oldest documented caves in Europe, and its interior is around 380 million years old. Like the Na Pomezí Caves, this one can be found in Jeseníky, but compared to the previous ones it has one nice advantage – its 220 meter-long route is wheelchair accessible. In November and December, the cave is closed, but tours can be arranged individually.

The Punkva Cave
The Punkva Cave is one of the most famous in the Czech Republic, and is a part of the large Moravian Karst. During the tour, you will first look at the bottom of the Macoacha Abyss at a depth of 138 meters, and then get on a boat and go down the underground river Punkva. It’s a wonderful experience full of mysterious insights into the lit and unlit depths of water and rocks. The tour is very popular, so it is better to book in advance.

The Sloup-Šošůvka Caves
If you’re not so into stones, you will welcome the alternative that this cave complex offers. It is two different circuits: the first is the historic tour, during which guides are dressed in typical costumes and illuminate the history of exploring caves. The second one is a tour of The Footsteps of Nagel. That is basically a caving expedition, where you crouch, crawl, and descend to 100 meters below the cliffs. This experience is possible throughout the whole year.

The Koněprusy Caves
Rely on your own resources and go through this cave armed only with a flashlight! Every last Monday of the month, the guides turn off the lights and it will be up to you to get through the caves in one piece. Till the end of the year, you can still take this tour on October 27 and November 24. The Koněprusy Caves are located near the Křivoklát and Karlštejn catles, so you can make a day trip there from Prague.