Netopýrka Cave

Netopýrka Cave is a small swallow-hole (ponor) cave in the southern part of the Moravian Karst, in the Říčka valley near the village of Ochoz u Brna. It is one of several caves clustered in this section of the karst, best known as an important bat hibernation site.

How to get there?

The cave lies in the Říčka valley, in the southern part of the Moravian Karst, close to Ochoz u Brna — a small municipality east of Brno. The surrounding area is one of the most densely karstified parts of Moravia, with several other caves located nearby, including Pekárna, the publicly inaccessible Ochozská Cave, and Švédův stůl Cave. The easiest way to reach the area is from Brno, a short drive to Ochoz u Brna, from where marked trails through the Říčka valley lead toward the cave.

What will you see?

Netopýrka is a ponor-type cave, formed where a surface stream disappears underground. Beyond the entrance chamber, a larger space opens up, below which a low, narrow crawl passage descends gradually into the massif down to an underground watercourse. The water flows at a depth of around 18 metres below the entrance. The cave's known passages total roughly 90 metres in length.

Access to Netopýrka is free and unrestricted, entirely at the visitor's own risk — the cave is not developed for guided tours and has no lighting or visitor infrastructure. Those who venture inside with a torch can make out, on the walls and uneven ceiling, remnants of former sinter decoration, including flowstone coatings in various colours.

The cave plays an important ecological role as a significant hibernation site for bats and horseshoe bats, which is in fact the origin of its name ("netopýr" means bat in Czech). Because of this protective function, entering the cave is generally discouraged, especially during the hibernation season.

When to visit?

Given the cave's role as a bat hibernaculum, the best time to explore the surrounding area is outside the hibernation period, when the risk of disturbing the animals is lower. The Říčka valley and the surrounding trails of the Moravian Karst are appealing for most of the year, though it's worth keeping in mind that Netopýrka is not a show cave with regular visitor traffic — it suits travellers interested in wild karst landscapes and geology who are prepared for a cautious, self-guided visit.

Frequently asked questions

What is Netopýrka Cave? It is a small swallow-hole cave in the Říčka valley in the southern Moravian Karst, with passages totalling around 90 metres, known as an important bat hibernation site.

Can the cave be visited? Entry is free and possible at one's own risk, but the cave has no guided tours, lighting, or visitor infrastructure.

What can be seen inside? Beyond the entrance chamber lies a narrow, low passage descending to an underground stream flowing about 18 metres below the entrance, with remnants of sinter flowstone coatings visible on the walls and ceiling.

Why is the cave called Netopýrka? The name reflects its role as an important hibernation site for bats and horseshoe bats, which is why entering the cave is discouraged, particularly during hibernation season.