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In Moravia, among the picturesque hills and forests of the Olomouc Region, one of the most extraordinary places in the Czech Republic is hidden – the Javoříčské caves (Javoříčské jeskyně). It is a true underground labyrinth of corridors, grottos, and chambers that has been enchanting visitors with its fairytale beauty for decades. Crystal-clear cave formations, monumental stalactites and stalagmites, and a unique microclimate create an atmosphere that is hard to experience anywhere else. The cave is considered one of the most beautiful karst systems in the country, while also concealing a rich history of discoveries and mysteries.
Visiting the Javoříčské caves is a journey deep into the earth – both literally and metaphorically. The interiors shimmer in shades of white, beige, orange, and even red, while atmospheric lighting highlights their beauty. Just stepping into the cool corridors is enough to find yourself in a world resembling an underground palace.
Location and Access
The Javoříčské caves are located in northern Moravia, in the Litovel area, about 30 kilometers northwest of Olomouc. It lies at the foot of the Špraněk Hill (or rather inside the hill itself), near the small village of Javoříčko, in the municipality of Luká. The surrounding area is characterized by a typical karst landscape with numerous caves, valleys, and gorges, attracting both hikers and cyclists.
Getting there is relatively easy. From Olomouc, the drive takes about 30–40 minutes, passing through Litovel and Slavětín. Navigation systems will guide you almost to the cave entrance. It is worth noting, however, that the final section of the road is closed to regular traffic and accessible only to cave service vehicles. Visitors can park nearby and walk the remaining distance (less than one kilometer). Parking costs 50 CZK per day.
During the summer season, it is also possible to reach the cave by tourist bus from Olomouc or Litovel, although services are limited.
For active travelers, cycling is an attractive option – the Javoříčko area is part of a scenic cycling route running through the Mladeč and Bouzov region. Along the way, you can stop at several viewpoints offering panoramic views of Bouzov Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Moravia.
History of the Cave
The history of the Javoříčské caves reaches far into the past, although its discovery by humans occurred relatively recently. The first recorded entry into the cave dates back to 1938, when a local teacher and amateur geologist named Švec, together with a group of researchers, discovered the entrance to the underground corridors. Soon after, the first exploration works began, revealing an extensive system of chambers and passages with a total length of nearly 4 kilometers. However, as early as 1873, there were mentions of the so-called Blessed (Holy) Hole, which was believed to be located in this area.
The Javoříčské caves were opened to the public on May 15, 1939. After World War II, between 1949 and 1958, intensive exploration was carried out by a research group from the Brno Speleological Club, later part of the Geographical Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. In 1961, the system was connected with the so-called Cave of Peace, which was also opened to visitors and today forms part of the long tourist route described below.
In fact, the Javoříčské caves are a complex of many caves that were eventually connected into a single system accessible to tourists. Even today, speleological research continues, aiming to discover new, still unknown parts of this exceptional cave system.
Opening Hours and Tickets
The Javoříčské caves is open to visitors for most of the year, with a winter break during the period when bat colonies hibernate inside. The tourist season usually runs from April to October.
Opening hours depend on the month – in spring and autumn, the cave is typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while in summer, from May to August, until 4:30 p.m. Tours start on the hour, and group sizes are limited, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during the holiday season.
December is the month when the cave is completely closed. In January, February, and March, tours are held twice a day (except on weekends). During the main season, the cave is closed on Mondays. It is best to check the official website directly – it is also available in Polish. Tours outside regular hours are possible but require prior arrangement and are available for groups of at least 10 people.
Ticket prices are moderate and depend on the chosen route. On the long route, adults pay about 230 CZK, while reduced tickets cost 180 CZK. Children under 15 pay 110 CZK. On the short route (which is not that short at all 😉), tickets cost 190 CZK, 160 CZK, and 100 CZK respectively.
Additionally, it is possible to book an English-speaking guide. On site, the Javoříčské caves also has a small tourist information center with a souvenir shop.
Tourist Routes
Visiting the Javoříčské caves is only possible with a guide and takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on the chosen route. The long tourist route covers about 800 meters of corridors and chambers, including the most spectacular halls such as the Great Dome, the Miners’ Hall, and the Bat Hall. The shorter route measures just under 400 meters, but still includes the most beautiful sections. Keep in mind that the temperature inside the cave is around 7°C, with humidity reaching up to 99%. There are 250 steps along the route, and the difference in elevation between the lowest and highest points is 108 meters.
The tour begins at an artificially carved entrance to the Rubble Hall. This enormous chamber, covering about 2,000 m², is connected to the Zátvořice Abyss and impresses with its rich dripstone decorations. The ceiling, filled with stalactites of various shapes and sizes, is particularly eye-catching. Large boulders scattered across the floor create a natural rubble field, among which beautiful clusters of formations can be seen. From the Rubble Hall branches off the Lion’s Pit, an abyss with a total depth of 60 meters.
The route continues through a high corridor to the Giants’ Hall. In this elongated chamber, towering stalagmites several meters high dominate the space, along with an impressive wall known as the Niagara Waterfall. From the stairs, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire hall, before moving on to the Fairy Tale Caves. Although the passages here are smaller, they are rich in spectacular formations – from thin, straw-like stalactites and spherical spherolites to the unique, semi-transparent formation known as the “Curtain.” Its red color is caused by iron compounds. The Fairy Tale Caves route ends at the Blessed Hole, marking the end of the short tour.
The longer route leads through the Virgin Cave to the system of three connected corridors of the Cave of Peace: Špraněcká, Vojtěchovská, and Březinská. These spaces have a different character – corridor widths range from 1 to 4 meters, heights reach up to 10 meters, and walls and ceilings are adorned with rich formations, including characteristic twisted helictites (anti-gravitational formations). The corridors connect in the Závrtový Dome, from which branching tunnels extend in various directions.
Near the formation known as U Konia and the branch leading to the Black Abyss, visitors reach an artificially excavated adit that leads to the exit. The Javoříčské caves are a beautifully situated, so after leaving, it is definitely worth taking a walk along the paths on the surrounding hill.
During the tour, you may spot bats or spiders. It is also worth mentioning that in 1951, the tibia bone of a woolly rhinoceros that lived over 10,000 years ago was discovered here.
Impressions from the Visit
From the very entrance, after just a few minutes of walking in semi-darkness, one can feel the extraordinary calm and magic of this place. The dripstone formations take on fantastic shapes that stimulate the imagination. Some resemble human or animal figures, while others form monumental columns, as if supporting the earth’s ceiling – offering plenty of inspiration for children’s imaginations, something guides cleverly use for interaction.
Soft but sufficient lighting enhances the fairytale atmosphere. In the silence, you can hear drops of water trickling down the rock walls, and when the lights are completely turned off, you can truly experience what darkness is. It is a place where it is easy to forget the passage of time – perfect for pausing and simply admiring the power of nature.
It is also worth noting that the Javoříčské caves is home to several species of bats, including the rare lesser horseshoe bat. In winter, these animals hibernate here, which is why the cave is closed during this period to avoid disturbing them. Some bats arrive as early as autumn – we were lucky enough to see dozens of individuals sleeping upside down. An incredible sight!
The Javoříčské caves is also famous for several impressive “records.” One of them is the size of the Olomouc Chamber, the third-largest chamber in the entire Czech Republic, measuring 130 × 15 × 10 meters. Other large chambers include the Giants’ Chamber (56 × 36 × 18 meters) and the Rubble Chamber (48 × 35 × 8.5 meters). The cave also features the Lion’s Abyss, which is 61 meters deep.
Are the Javoříčské caves Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Javoříčské caves are one of those places that perfectly combines natural, educational, and emotional value. It offers not only beautiful views and a fascinating geological history, but also a truly unique atmosphere. Each successive chamber and corridor reveals a new world to visitors.
It is an ideal destination for a trip from Olomouc, Brno, or even the Polish border region. A visit can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Bouzov Castle or a walk through the Špraněk Nature Reserve. Not far away, you will also find the Olomouc Cheese Museum in Loštice – another local attraction worth visiting.
The Javoříčské caves are a place that stays in your memory – both for its beauty and for the emotions that accompany the descent into its cool interiors. It is a journey deep into the earth and into your own imagination. If you are looking for a true underground wonder of the Czech Republic – this is the place to find it.
