The Moravian Karst in winter: which caves are open

Even in winter, the karst has plenty to offer, and it’s far quieter than in summer. The Punkva Caves (Punkevní jeskyně), Výpustek and the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně) are open all winter (though at Sloup-Šošůvka it’s only the special winter tour by torchlight). Kateřinská Cave and Balcarka Cave are closed in December, January and February. The Macocha Abyss can be visited free of charge all year round, but the cable car doesn’t run in January and February, and the car park at Macocha operates only a limited winter service. It’s better to park at Skalní Mlýn, which is open all year. All the caves are closed on 24–26 December and 1 January. The caves stay at around 7–10°C year-round, so it’s actually warmer inside them in winter than outside.

QUICK LINKS 📅 What’s open · 🔦 Winter tour at Sloup · 🕳️ Macocha in winter · 💰 Winter prices · 🥾 Tips · ❓ FAQ

What’s open in winter

According to the official 2026 price list from the Czech Cave Administration (times shown are first and last entry):

Everywhere is closed on Mondays in winter. Outside the main season, visits only run at the times listed above, not continuously. Opening hours for the early months of 2027 will be published by the Cave Administration in their new price list — check caves.cz before you travel.

Winter tour at the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves

In December, January and February, the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves run a winter route through the Šošůvka section by torchlight. It covers 950 metres, takes around 90 minutes and costs 250 Kč (approx. €10 — this is a rough guide, as exchange rates fluctuate) for adults (concessions 210 Kč, children 120 Kč). It’s a very different experience from the standard tour, and one you won’t get in summer. Find out more in our guide to the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves.

The Macocha Abyss and Skalní Mlýn in winter

• Both the Upper and Lower Bridge at the Macocha Abyss are accessible free of charge all year round. A snow-covered abyss is arguably the most striking view in the whole karst.
• The cable car from the Punkva Caves up to Macocha doesn’t run in January and February. During these months you’ll need to walk up the path instead (1.7 km, 130 metres of ascent).
• The car park at Macocha operates a limited winter service (according to the Cave Administration’s price list it runs from April to November, while their transport page states it’s weekends-only in January and February). If you leave your car past closing time, it’ll be stuck behind the barrier, and getting it released costs 500 Kč. So in winter, it’s best to park at Skalní Mlýn, which is open all year, and walk up to Macocha from there — or take the cable car if it’s running.
• The Skalní Mlýn information centre is open 8am–3pm from October to March.

Find out more about parking and getting around in our Skalní Mlýn guide.

Winter prices

From November to March, some entry fees are reduced:

You’ll find the full price list in our article Moravian Karst cave prices 2026.

Tips for a winter visit

1. Smaller crowds at the Punkva Caves. Winter is generally quieter than summer, though at weekends it’s still worth booking tickets in advance. The last entry is at 2pm. We explain how to buy tickets in our article Tickets and bookings.
2. Combine two caves in one day — for example, the Punkva Caves in the morning and Výpustek in the afternoon. With a Punkva ticket, you’ll get a 20% discount on Výpustek.
3. Dress as you would for autumn. Inside the caves it’s around 7–10°C, but outside it can be freezing, with icy paths.
4. Wear sturdy footwear in the gorges. The Pustý žleb gorge is beautiful in winter, but the path can be icy.
5. Plan for short daylight hours. Tours finish early in the afternoon, and it starts getting dark around 4pm.

We cover other times of year to visit in When to visit the Moravian Karst.

Frequently asked questions

Which caves are open in January? The Punkva Caves, Výpustek and the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (winter tour). Kateřinská Cave and Balcarka Cave are closed throughout January.

Does the cable car to Macocha run in winter? Not in January or February. It runs during the rest of the year.

Is the Macocha Abyss accessible in winter? Yes, both viewing bridges are free to visit all year round. However, the car park at Macocha operates a limited winter service, so it’s best to park at Skalní Mlýn instead.

Are the caves open over Christmas? No. All caves run by the Cave Administration are closed on 24–26 December and 1 January.

Is it cold inside the caves in winter? Cave temperatures barely change throughout the year, staying at around 7–10°C. That means it’s actually warmer inside than outside during winter.

Information based on the official 2026 (Q3) price list from the Czech Cave Administration, checked on 19 September 2026. Sources: Moravian Karst cave price list and opening hours 2026, Czech Cave Administration: Transport and parking, Skalní Mlýn: Miniature train and cable car.