Cigánská jeskyně

Cigánská jeskyně (Gypsy Cave) is a small, freely accessible cave in the Moravian Karst, sitting on the rocky spur of Vintocká ostrožna right at the entrance to the Suchý žleb gorge. It lies within the cadastral area of the village of Ostrov u Macochy, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region, just a few metres from the road connecting Ostrov and Macocha.

Where does the cave's name come from?

The name refers to the Roma people (historically called "Cikáni"/"Gypsies" in Czech) who camped at the site until the early 1950s. Openings in the cave's ceiling served as a natural chimney at the time — smoke from their campfires escaped through them, which is how the cave got its present-day name.

Where exactly is the cave located?

Cigánská jeskyně sits within the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), a protected landscape area stretching north of Brno and known for its dense network of caves and gorges. The cave itself is found on the rocky spur called Vintocká ostrožna, right where the deep karst valley of Suchý žleb begins — one of the most distinctive landscape features in this part of the Moravian Karst. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 49.374°N, 16.756°E.

Is it part of a larger cave system?

Yes. Cigánská jeskyně belongs to an extensive underground drainage system known as Vintoky. Alongside it, the system includes the caves Ponorová and Soky, the two Vintocká propast shafts (I and II), Škrapová propast, Šachta průvanů, and Liščí díra. All of these features are hydrologically connected, forming a typical example of the Moravian Karst's multi-level karst systems, where water disappears underground through sinkholes and continues flowing through subterranean channels.

Can visitors go inside?

Cigánská jeskyně is freely accessible — unlike the Moravian Karst's show caves open to the public (such as the Punkva Caves), it requires no ticket and no guide. Its proximity to the road linking Ostrov and Macocha makes it easy to reach for anyone exploring the area, though as with any natural cave opening, caution is advised and venturing deeper without proper preparation is not recommended.

Why is it worth a stop?

The cave's name and history — used as recently as a few decades ago as a shelter by people traveling through the region — make Cigánská jeskyně an interesting stop for anyone exploring the Moravian Karst on foot. The region is home to more than a thousand caves and gorges packed into an area of under 100 square kilometres, so this cave is one of many pieces of that karst mosaic, distinguished by its history and standing alongside better-known nearby attractions such as the Macocha Abyss and the Suchý žleb valley it borders.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Cigánská jeskyně located? In the Moravian Karst, on the rocky spur of Vintocká ostrožna at the entrance to the Suchý žleb gorge, within the cadastral area of Ostrov u Macochy (Blansko district).

Where does the cave's name come from? From the Roma people who camped there until the early 1950s, using the openings in its ceiling to vent smoke from their campfires.

Is the cave open to visitors? It is freely accessible, with no ticket or guide required, unlike the nearby show caves of the Moravian Karst.

Is it part of a larger cave system? Yes, it belongs to the Vintoky system, which also includes the caves Ponorová and Soky, along with the Vintocká propast I and II shafts.