Vývěry Punkvy

Vývěry Punkvy is the largest nature reserve within the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), located in the northern part of the karst region in the Blansko district of the Czech Republic. The reserve takes its name from the Punkva River, which surfaces at the bottom of the Macocha Abyss and continues through a karst canyon before eventually emerging near Skalní mlýn.

What can visitors find inside the reserve?

The protected area covers two striking karst canyons — Suchý žleb and Pustý žleb — along with numerous caves. The entrance to Amatérská jeskyně, the longest cave system in the Czech Republic, lies within its boundaries. The reserve also contains Punkevní jeskyně, the resurgence branch of that same underground system, where the Punkva River re-emerges from below.

Why are the Punkevní jeskyně so significant?

Punkevní jeskyně is the only place in continental Europe where a boat trip powered by motor boats still operates inside a natural cave. The visitor route winds through corridors shaped by flowing water, and the Punkva River continues on through the 120-metre-deep Pustý žleb canyon. The first navigable section of the cave opened to visitors with boat rides in March 1921, and it has remained one of the most visited underground attractions in the country ever since.

What does the landscape of the reserve look like?

The terrain of Vývěry Punkvy is a classic example of Moravian Karst scenery: limestone canyons, sinkholes and resurgence springs shaped by centuries of water erosion. The steep, forested walls of Pustý žleb and Suchý žleb form deep valleys crossed by hiking trails that connect the region's main attractions, from the Macocha Abyss to the entrances of the cave systems. The reserve is centred roughly at coordinates 49.363°N, 16.706°E.

How can you visit the reserve?

Most visits start at the information centre in Skalní mlýn, roughly 2 km from Punkevní jeskyně itself. Because the cave route is extremely popular, booking a visiting slot in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season when spaces on the boat ride are limited. Bookings and information are handled by the central information service of the Moravian Karst, based at Skalní mlýn.

Frequently asked questions

Can you hike through Vývěry Punkvy on foot? Yes, marked hiking trails run through the reserve, crossing the Suchý žleb and Pustý žleb canyons and linking the main viewpoints and cave entrances.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Punkevní jeskyně? Because the boat-ride section has limited capacity, advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the summer season.

How is Vývěry Punkvy connected to the Macocha Abyss? The Punkva River, which gives the reserve its name, surfaces at the bottom of the Macocha Abyss and flows onward through the karst canyon toward Punkevní jeskyně.

What is the difference between Vývěry Punkvy and Punkevní jeskyně? Vývěry Punkvy is the entire nature reserve, encompassing the canyons, sinkholes and cave system, while Punkevní jeskyně is the specific cave within it that is open to the public for guided tours.