Ochozská jeskyně

Ochozská jeskyně (Ochoz Cave) is the largest cave system in the southern part of the Moravian Karst, located within the municipality of Ochoz u Brna, inside the Údolí Říčky (Říčka Valley) Nature Reserve, part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area in the Czech Republic.

Where is Ochozská jeskyně located?

The cave lies in the southern section of the Moravian Karst, in the valley of the Říčka stream, within the boundaries of the Údolí Říčky Nature Reserve. This part of the karst region is less frequented by visitors than the show caves further north, yet it hides one of the most extensive underground systems in the whole area.

How big is the cave?

Ochozská jeskyně holds the title of the largest known cave system in the southern Moravian Karst. The combined length of its explored and surveyed passages reaches around 1,750 metres. Inside, the temperature stays at a steady 8°C year-round, a typical value for karst caves in this region regardless of the season on the surface.

What is the history behind its discovery?

The cave was discovered in 1831. For decades it remained accessible mainly to researchers and cavers, until between 1966 and 1975 it was partly opened to the general public for guided visits. Frequent, severe flooding of the passages eventually forced the end of regular tourist operation during that period.

Can visitors enter the cave today?

Since regular public access ended in the 1970s, Ochozská jeskyně has not been open for free visiting. It is unlocked only occasionally — in practice around twice a year — typically during open days or events organised by the protected area's administrators. This restricted access is a direct consequence of the flood risk that has made regular tours unsafe since the 1970s.

Why is the cave prone to flooding?

The Hostěnický stream flows through the cave via an underground channel. During periods of high water, the stream fills the cave floor and merges with the surface waters of the Říčka river. It is precisely this unpredictable hydrology that led the area's caretakers to limit regular tourist movement inside the system.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Ochozská jeskyně? In the southern part of the Moravian Karst, in the valley of the Říčka stream, within the municipality of Ochoz u Brna, inside the Údolí Říčky Nature Reserve.

Is it a large cave? Yes — it is the largest known cave system in the southern Moravian Karst, with surveyed passages totalling around 1,750 metres.

When was the cave discovered? In 1831.

Can the public visit it? Not on a regular basis. Between 1966 and 1975 it was partly open for guided tours, but recurring flooding ended continuous operation. Today it opens only occasionally, roughly twice a year.

Why does the cave flood? Because the Hostěnický stream runs through it in an underground channel and, during high water, fills the cave floor before merging with the Říčka river.

What is the temperature inside? Around 8°C throughout the year.