D9: Moravian Karst—Punkva Caves, Kateřinská Cave

More than 1,100 caves have been discovered in the Moravian Karst, but only five are open to the public: Punkva Caves, Kateřinská (Catherine) Cave, Balcarka Cave, Sloup-Šošůvka Caves, and Výpustek Cave. The most famous of them is the Punkva Caves.

These caves are located not far from Brno, making them an excellent one-day getaway and a perfect highlight for your trip to Czechia. Whether you're exploring stalactite caves, navigating underground rivers, or trekking along scenic hiking trails, a visit to the Moravian Karst is sure to leave you in awe.

Moravian Karst

Moravian Karst

HOW TO TRAVEL FROM BRNO TO THE CAVES

1. Buy a Ticket at Brno Train Station
• Get a 5 zone/120 mins ticket for CZK 49 at the ticket counter. 🔗[Prices]
• All transportation in South Moravia is part of the Integrated Transport System (IDS JMK), meaning this ticket covers trains, buses, and more.
• Tip: Buy two tickets upfront—one for the outward journey and one for the return.

  
  

  5 zone tickets: one stamped and one unstamped for return

  
  
2. Take the Train: Brno (Brno hl. n.) → Blansko
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes
• Stamp (validate) your ticket at the platform before boarding. For the return trip, stamp the ticket on the bus. 

  
  

  České Dráhy APP showing the time and platform number: 3/6

  
  

  

  Departures board at the train station: Platform 3, Track 6

  
  

  

  Direction sign pointing to Platform 3

  
  

  

  Ticket validation machine on the platform (Note: Don't buy tickets here—not for tourists)

  
  
3. Transfer to Bus at Blansko
• After getting off the train, cross the rail tracks and turn left to reach the Blansko bus station. 🔗[Map]
4. Take Bus 226: Blansko → Skalni Mlyn
•  🔗[Bus Timetable][Line 226]
• Travel time: 10 minutes
• Bus stop No. 13: Take Bus 226 to the final stop—Skalní Mlýn.
• You can find more information inside the bus waiting room. 
  
  

  

  Route map for Bus Line 226
  
  

  

  Departure board in the waiting room
  
  

  

  Line 226 to Skalni Mlyn departs from Bus Stop No. 13

  
  

  

  Floor plan of the bus station

  
  
5. Return to Brno
• The return bus stop is located in front of Hotel Skalní Mlýn. 🔗[Map]





The return bus stop is located in front of Hotel Skalní Mlýn

EXPLORING THE CAVES

1. Cave Tickets
• Opening Times and Prices
• Note: There are often more time slots available on-site than shown online! For example, Kateřinská Cave offers tours every hour in October, but only two time slots were available online.
• Book tickets online in advance during the high season to secure your spot.
• Many students come here for field trips, so some tours might be busy.

  
  

  Punkva Caves—Mirror Lake
  
  

  

  Punkva Caves

  
  

  

  Kateřinská (Catherine), the shepherd girl

  
  

  

  Kateřinská Cave

  
  
2. Train and Cable Car 
• Timetable and Prices
• Train
• 10 minutes from visitor center to Punkva Caves
• One-way: CZK 100 | Round-trip: CZK 140
• Cable Car
• 3 minutes from Punkva Caves to Mococha
• One-way: CZK 100 | Round-trip: CZK 140
• Combi-ticket (Train + Cable Car)
• One-way: CZK 180 | Round-trip: CZK 240
3. Walking Route
• Visitor Center to Punkva Caves by foot
• An easy, flat walk of about 20–30 minutes.
• This walking path shares the same road as the train.
• My walking route:
• Visitor Center → Kateřinská Cave tour → (Walking) → Punkva Caves tour → (Walking) → Macocha Abyss → (Walking) → Bus Stop
• 💡 The actual walking time was shorter than what's indicated on the board.
• Just follow the road signs—the path forms a loop, so it’s easy to navigate.
4. 💰 Tip: Paid restrooms are available at the visitor center, but restrooms at the caves are free. 

Skalní Mlýn walking route map

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