The U Výpustku Nature Reserve is a hidden treasure for cave and karst enthusiasts, tucked away in the scenic Křtiny Valley at the heart of the Moravian Karst. Beneath its forested slopes lies an entire underground world of caves, sinkholes and rock formations.

The terrain here is dramatically shaped by karst processes - limestone cliffs, sinkholes and cave entrances break up the wooded hillsides, creating a landscape that rewards slow, curious exploration. In spring the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers and birdsong, summer brings welcome shade beneath the canopy, autumn paints the slopes in gold and rust, and winter dusts the rocky outcrops with frost for an almost otherworldly atmosphere. It's a place best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, with eyes open for the details.

How to get there

• From Křtiny or Habrůvka - marked hiking trails through the Křtiny Valley, easy to moderate difficulty
• From Březina - a longer approach leading through the reserve itself

Practical information

• The Výpustek Cave is open to the public but can only be visited on a guided tour
• The reserve also protects caves not open to visitors, including Stará and Nová Drátenická, Mariánská, Jeřábí skála and Kanibalka
• Staying on marked trails is essential to protect the fragile karst and cave habitats

The eerie name Kanibalka (Cannibal Cave) hints at the site's rich archaeological past - traces of prehistoric human activity have been found here, adding a layer of mystery to this quiet corner of the Moravian Karst.