Jeskyně Jáchymka

Jeskyně Jáchymka is a three-level, walk-through cave in the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), located in the Josefovské údolí valley near Adamov and Babice nad Svitavou. Its passages were carved by the Křtinský stream, whose waters cut through the limestone bedrock of the valley over thousands of years, forming a network of interconnected levels.

Where does the cave's name come from?

The cave is named after the hermit Joachym, who is said to have lived inside it during the 19th century - hence the Czech name Jáchymka. It was previously also known as Evina. Today the name is most closely associated with the cave's three-storey, walk-through layout, which is unusual among caves in this part of the Moravian Karst.

How long have people used the cave?

Traces of human presence in the cave date back to prehistoric times, long before it received its current name. In the 13th century, it served local inhabitants as a hiding place from Tatar armies that were raiding the region at the time. This long history of use makes the cave not only a natural feature but also a witness to the area's settlement history.

What has archaeological research found here?

Excavations carried out in the cave uncovered numerous fossil mammal bones. The most significant find was the remains of Cuon europaeus, a canine predator from the late Pleistocene. Two assembled skeletons of this species recovered from Jáchymka are considered a world rarity - they are now kept in the Moravian Museum in Brno, where they form one of the more important paleontological exhibits from the Moravian Karst region.

What can visitors see in the cave in winter?

Jáchymka is also known for a seasonal phenomenon: in the second half of February, seeping water freezing inside the cave produces ice stalagmites, popularly called "ice dwarfs" (ledoví trpaslíci). They grow both from the cave floor and from rock ledges, forming distinctive formations that differ from year to year.

How can visitors reach the cave, and is it open for tours?

A marked hiking trail (blue markers) passes directly through Jáchymka, running from Adamov toward Býčí skála, Kostelík and on to Křtiny - making the cave a natural stop along a walking route through the central Moravian Karst. Entering the cave itself, however, is only possible as part of guided tours, which are held just a few times a year. Visitors planning a trip should check in advance with local tourism organizers for upcoming tour dates.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Jeskyně Jáchymka located? In the central part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area, in the Josefovské údolí valley, near Adamov and Babice nad Svitavou.

Can the cave be visited without a guide? No - the interior is only accessible during guided tours, which take place just a few times a year.

Where does the cave's name come from? From the hermit Joachym, who, according to local tradition, lived in the cave during the 19th century.

What are the "ice dwarfs" in Jáchymka? Seasonal ice formations (stalagmites) that typically form in the second half of February, as water seeping into the cave freezes.

What is the most significant archaeological find from the cave? Skeletons of the canine predator Cuon europaeus from the late Pleistocene, now displayed in the Moravian Museum in Brno.