The Moravian Karst is the largest and most spectacular karst region in the Czech Republic — an underground wonderland sitting just a short drive northeast of Brno. Over 1,600 registered caves, dramatic gorges, and the country's deepest abyss make this a destination unlike anything else in Central Europe.

Stretching roughly 25 km through ancient Devonian limestone, the region is carved by the Punkva and Říčka rivers into a series of scenic valleys and dry gorges. Walking through Pustý žleb or Suchý žleb you will pass natural rock bridges, narrow canyon passages, and moss-covered cave entrances. The whole area is protected as a Landscape Conservation Zone, keeping the forests dense and the air clean and cool even in summer.

• Macocha Abyss (138.4 m deep) — the deepest natural chasm in Czechia, viewable from two observation bridges above or from the cave below
• Punkva Caves — boat ride along an underground river leading to the base of Macocha, the region's most iconic experience
• Kateřinská Cave — home to the largest underground hall in the Moravian Karst and extraordinary straw stalactites up to 4 m long
• Sloupsko-Šošůvské Caves — a vast two-level cave system with a 3 km visitor circuit and a striking 19 m rock pillar at the entrance

• Best time to visit: April–October — caves are open longest, surface trails are at their best
• Base towns: Blansko or Brno — both offer good transport links to the main cave entrances
• Trail difficulty: easy to moderate — well-marked flat and rolling terrain, suitable for families and beginners
• Getting there: by car from Brno in about 25 minutes; by train to Blansko then local bus or bike; an eco diesel train runs from the main car park to Punkva Caves

Fun fact — the Amatérská Cave, closed to the public, is the longest cave in the Czech Republic and connects with the Punkva system to form one of the most extensive underground networks in Central Europe.