Educational Trails in the Moravian Karst for Families with Children

The Moravian Karst has more than a dozen educational trails, but three stand out for families with children: the Sun Trail from Křtiny (4.5 km, a model of the solar system at a scale of 1 to a billion — children enjoy counting their steps between the planets more than anything else), the educational trail through Josefovské údolí valley (5 km from Adamov, passing straight through the freely accessible Jáchymka Cave) and the Jan Šmarda Trail around the Macocha Abyss (6.5 km, circular route, 13 stops). None of them are pushchair-friendly — these are for children who can already walk a few kilometres under their own steam. For the youngest children and pushchairs, Pustý žleb Gorge remains the best choice.

QUICK LINKS 🪐 Sun Trail from Křtiny · 🕳️ Josefovské údolí valley · 🌊 Around the Macocha Abyss · ❓ FAQ

Sun Trail from Křtiny — best for school-age children

The most striking educational trail in the region for children of school age. Over 4.5 kilometres and 12 stops, it presents the planets of the solar system at a scale of 1 to a billion — the Sun at the starting point is the size of a basketball, and the further you walk, the further “your” planet lies from “the Sun”. Children experience first-hand just how vast the distances in space really are — far more vividly than any book or picture could convey. The route runs from Křtiny through the countryside around the village; the terrain is undemanding, but not wheelchair- or pushchair-accessible.

Educational trail through Josefovské údolí valley — with a free cave thrown in

This five-kilometre trail (the Rudolf Burkhardt Trail) runs from Adamov along the Křtinský stream to Býčí skála Rock, with nine information boards along the way covering the valley’s geology, plants and wildlife. For children, the main draw is that the trail runs straight through the freely accessible Jáchymka Cave — a small cave labyrinth you can explore without an entrance fee, armed with just a torch. A short distance away lies the smaller Kostelík Cave, of a similar type. Full details (including when Býčí skála Rock itself is open to visitors) can be found in our dedicated guide.

Jan Šmarda Trail — a loop around the Macocha Abyss for older children

The longest of the three, this 6.5-kilometre circular route has 13 stops around the Macocha Abyss. It suits older children and physically fitter families better — allow a whole morning or afternoon. The reward is a combination of educational stops with views into the abyss from both viewing platforms, which are free to visit year-round.

A shorter alternative: around the ponds at Jedovnice

If you have younger children and want a shorter, more relaxed option, the Jedovnice Ponds — Rudice Sink educational trail runs over flat terrain around Olšovec pond — an ideal combination of a stroll with the chance of a swim, weather permitting. Full details in our Jedovnice village profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these trails suitable for pushchairs? No, all three main trails (the Sun Trail, Josefovské údolí valley, and the loop around the Macocha Abyss) run over natural terrain and are not wheelchair- or pushchair-accessible. With a pushchair, we recommend Pustý žleb Gorge, which runs along flat asphalt for its entire length.

From what age does it make sense to take children on these trails? Realistically, from the point at which a child can walk 4–6 kilometres over uneven ground without major complaints — usually from around 6–7 years upwards. For younger children, the shorter loop around the Jedovnice ponds is a better bet.

Can any of the trails be combined with a cave visit? Yes — the trail through Josefovské údolí valley runs straight through the freely accessible Jáchymka Cave (free of charge, no booking required), so you can combine your walk with a small underground adventure in one go.

Are the trails waymarked, and can they be walked without a guide? Yes, all of them are public hiking routes with their own waymarking and information boards — no guide or entrance fee is needed (aside from any paid attractions along the way, such as Býčí skála Rock on its open days).

Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: a Complete 7-Day Itinerary. More details: Josefovské údolí valley and Býčí skála Rock, Walking Pustý žleb Gorge, The Moravian Karst with Young Children. Sources: Educational Trails of the Moravian Karst, Czech Cave Administration, naucne-stezky.cz. Information verified as of 14.9.2026 — trail lengths and conditions may change over time.