Jeskyně Balcarka

Balcarka Cave is a show cave in the Moravian Karst known for its rich and remarkably varied dripstone decoration. It lies south of the village of Ostrov u Macochy, in the northeastern part of the Moravian Karst protected landscape area, within a rocky meander of the Suchý žleb valley known as Balcarova skála.

How to get there?

The cave sits within the municipality of Ostrov u Macochy, one of the villages at the heart of the Moravian Karst — a region famous for its dense network of karst caves north of Brno. Driving in from Brno or Blansko is straightforward, and the nearby village makes a natural base for exploring the surrounding valleys and rocky meanders. Visits are guided only, so it's worth checking current opening hours and tour availability before arriving.

What will you see underground?

The total length of Balcarka's known passages reaches 1,150 metres, with a vertical range between the lowest and highest points of the system exceeding 40 metres. The guided tourist route covers 720 metres, and the visit itself takes about an hour. The temperature inside stays close to 7°C year-round, so it's worth bringing a layer even in summer.

The cave's main draw is its speleothem decoration — rich, multicoloured and exceptionally varied, which has earned Balcarka a reputation as the cave with the richest dripstone formations in the region. Dense, picturesque clusters of stalactites, stalagmites and other formations line the route, and they're the principal reason the cave draws steady interest from visitors touring the Moravian Karst.

Discovery and opening to the public

The cave was discovered in 1923, and the following year, on 22 February 1924, its main explorer descended into the previously unknown passages. Further exploration and preparation work allowed the cave to open to visitors on Easter Sunday 1925 — a relatively quick turnaround for the era, reflecting both the explorers' determination and the value they saw in the newly found system.

Traces of prehistoric habitation

Balcarka was known to people long before its formal discovery in the 20th century. Its entrance once served as shelter for Paleolithic people, who found natural cover here from the elements. Archaeological research has uncovered worked stone tools, bones and the remains of hearths — evidence that the cave was used over an extended period as a place of shelter and daily life.

When to visit?

Since visits take place underground, the season matters less here than it does for outdoor attractions — the temperature inside stays constant regardless of the weather above ground. That said, visitor numbers tend to rise during the summer holiday season and on weekends, which can mean waiting for a spot to open up in a tour group. A visit to Balcarka pairs well with other caves and viewpoints in the Moravian Karst, making it easy to fill a single day with several different underground attractions in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Balcarka Cave located? South of the village of Ostrov u Macochy, in the northeastern part of the Moravian Karst, within a rocky meander of the Suchý žleb valley known as Balcarova skála.

How long is the tour route? The tourist route covers 720 metres, and the full guided visit takes about an hour. The cave's total known passage length is 1,150 metres.

What's the temperature like inside the cave? It stays close to 7°C year-round.

When was the cave opened to visitors? It was discovered in 1923 and opened to the public on Easter Sunday 1925.

Were traces of prehistoric habitation found in the cave? Yes — archaeologists have found worked stones, bones and hearth remains, showing that the cave once served as shelter for Paleolithic people.