The Moravian Karst without barriers: what's accessible by wheelchair and pushchair

Three caves have an official accessibility programme: Výpustek (the whole route can be done in a mechanical wheelchair), Punkva Cave (Punkevní jeskyně) (the dry section leading to the Macocha Abyss and back), and Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské) (a shortened circuit, with a capable companion). Everywhere, advance telephone booking is essential — turn up unannounced and you won’t be shown around the accessible route. Kateřinská and Balcarka Caves aren’t on the list, even though Kateřinská is physically flat and step-free. For pushchairs, the safest bet is Pustý žleb valley (entirely on flat tarmac) and the little train from Skalní Mlýn to Punkva Cave — pushchairs generally aren’t allowed inside the caves themselves.

QUICK LINKS ♿ Wheelchair-accessible caves · 🚼 Pushchair-friendly outdoors · ❓ FAQ

Wheelchair-accessible caves — what’s officially available

The Moravian Karst has three caves included in the Czech Cave Administration’s accessibility programme. One rule applies to all three and determines everything else: you must book by phone in advance, ideally several days ahead. Without a reservation, you won’t be guided along the accessible route, even if you turn up on the day.

Výpustek Cave — the most accessible of all. The entire tour route can be managed in a mechanical wheelchair (electric wheelchairs aren’t possible due to high thresholds and the width of the path), and the single staircase is bypassed via an alternative route to the Škrapový dómek chamber. Book on +420 516 439 111.

Punkva Cave (Punkevní jeskyně) — wheelchair users can travel through the dry section (the Tunelová chodba passage) all the way to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss and back. The route has gradients of up to 16% in places, so a capable companion is essential. Entry is only available on the first or last tour of the day. Accessible toilets can be found in the new operations building by the ticket office — collect the key from the dispatch office. Book on +420 516 418 602.

Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské) — a shortened circuit bypassing Eliščina Cave and Nagelova Abyss, again only on the first or last tour of the day and by reservation only. The route doesn’t officially meet strict accessibility criteria, so a capable companion is a requirement — independent wheelchair use isn’t possible. Book on +420 516 435 335.

Kateřinská Cave and Balcarka Cave aren’t on the official list of accessible routes. Kateřinská is, admittedly, physically flat and step-free (see the comparison of all 5 caves), but it isn’t certified for wheelchair users — if you need certainty, check the current situation on the spot, or choose one of the three caves listed above.

We’d recommend contacting the Czech Cave Administration’s general information line (+420 516 413 575, +420 516 410 024, [email protected]) whenever you’re unsure what a particular type of disability or equipment can be accommodated.

With a pushchair — where to go outdoors, and why not into the caves

Pushchairs generally aren’t allowed into the caves themselves — inside there are steps, uneven natural surfaces and lower temperatures, so plan on carrying your child or taking turns with a partner outside instead. Here’s where you can get to with no trouble at all, pushchair in tow:

• Pustý žleb valley (Sloup–Skalní Mlýn, 8 km) — the whole route runs along a flat tarmac path, with no steps or steep climbs. The most reliable pushchair-friendly route in the whole region — full details in a separate guide.
• The little train from Skalní Mlýn to Punkva Cave — accessible for pushchairs too, departing 20 minutes before each cave tour (you can’t take the pushchair inside the cave itself).
• The path to the Upper Bridge over the Macocha Abyss — about 200 metres from the car park along an accessible path to the viewpoint over the abyss.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need to book the accessible caves in advance? Yes — for all three (Výpustek, Punkva, Sloup-Šošůvka), advance telephone booking is essential, otherwise you won’t be guided along the accessible route.

Can a wheelchair user manage it alone, without a companion? Not at Punkva Cave or Sloup-Šošůvka Caves — both routes require a capable companion, due to the gradient in one case and the fact that the route doesn’t meet strict accessibility standards in the other. Výpustek comes closest to being manageable independently, though even there you should plan on some assistance.

Can you see the Macocha Abyss without climbing any stairs? Yes — an accessible path leads from the car park to the Upper Bridge (about 200 m). You can also reach the Lower Bridge and the bottom of the abyss by wheelchair via Punkva Cave (the Tunelová chodba passage), subject to advance booking.

Are there accessible toilets anywhere? Yes, at Punkva Cave in the new operations building by the ticket office (collect the key from the dispatch office). For other sites, we’d recommend checking directly when you make your booking.

Part of the series A week in the Moravian Karst: a complete 7-day itinerary. More details: Comparison of all 5 caves, Pustý žleb valley on foot. Source: Information for wheelchair users, Czech Cave Administration — the official and only binding source; we’d recommend checking conditions by phone and booking your tour before you travel. Information verified as of 14.9.2026 — accessibility programmes may change over time, so please check the current situation directly with the Czech Cave Administration.