Ostrov u Macochy (population 1,137) sits on the flat Ostrov Plateau right in the heart of the Moravian Karst — and it’s home to the Balcarka Cave (Jeskyně Balcarka), which boasts the richest dripstone decoration anywhere in the region. Less well known is the Císařská Cave, which the village uses for treating respiratory conditions through speleotherapy.
QUICK LINKS 💎 Why visit · 🏥 Speleotherapy · ❓ FAQ
Why visit
The entrance to the Balcarka Cave lies right within the boundaries of Ostrov u Macochy — you’ll find full details in a separate article. In 2002 the village set up its own information centre offering an overview of everything worth seeing across the whole region.
It’s also well worth visiting the Ostrov Abyss (Ostrovská propast) near the local Church of St Mary Magdalene — since 2011, visitors have been able to descend into the abyss. The village is also home to a brick-built Dutch-style windmill dating from 1865, which now serves as a holiday property.
Speleotherapy in the Císařská Cave
Ostrov u Macochy is one of the few places in the Czech Republic offering speleotherapy — the treatment of respiratory conditions through time spent in a cave environment. The nearby Císařská Cave serves the village’s children’s sanatorium, which draws children with upper respiratory tract illnesses from all over the country, keen to benefit from the healing effects of the cave’s microclimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Císařská Cave as an ordinary tourist? No, it’s used exclusively for the treatment purposes of the children’s sanatorium — it’s not open to the public.
How far is it from Ostrov to the Macocha Abyss? A road runs through the village with a turn-off leading directly to the abyss, as well as to the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves.
What is the Ostrov Abyss? A smaller abyss near the village church, into which visitors have been able to descend since 2011 — a different site from the famous Macocha Abyss.
Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: a complete 7-day itinerary. More on the cave: The Balcarka Cave. Sources: brochure by the Association for Rural Development of the Moravian Karst (published with support from the Czech Ministry for Regional Development). Details about the village may change over time — for up-to-date information visit ostrovumacochy.cz.
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