Snapshot: Explore the Macocha Gorge in Czech Republic

From the top, the plunging abyss is like a work of art, with a trickling stream meandering along moss covered rocky walls till as far as your eyes take you. From the bottom, bright blue skies above peek through the crack in the dome-shaped cave, it’s like you’re staring up into the heavens. In between these two spots, there are subterranean rivers, caves with colorful dripstone formations and an extensive network of underground passages. Suffice to say, the Macocha Gorge is set to take your breath away.

At the top of the Macocha Gorge, you can stare down at the narrow stream meandering below.

At the bottom of the Macocha Gorge, it's like you are peeking into the heavens. — At the bottom of the Macocha Gorge, it’s like you are peeking into the heavens.

Dropping almost 140 meters (around one-third the height of the Empire State building), the Marcocha Gorge, also known as the Marcocha Abyss is one of the biggest gorges in Central Europe. Located in the Moravian Karst Cave System north of the Brno city (two hours from Prague) in the Czech Republic, cavers and divers are known to visit the gorge to admire its beauty.

The gorge can be broken into two parts- one with its grand domes and deep abysses, and the other section is a web of caves with stalagmites formations. Since 1914, the Mococha Gorge has been opened to the public. There are two viewing platforms to soak in the view of the gorge. The Upper Bridge was erected in 1882, while the Lower Bridge was constructed in 1899. While the top-down view of the gorge is free for all to admire, wandering the Punkevni Jeskyne (caves) would require an entrance fee.

Explore the Punkevni Jeskyne caves and admire the dripstone formations covering the ceilings of the cave.

Tip: you are advised to make advance reservations to tour the caves. During high season, you may not be able to get in without prior arrangements. It’s a bummer to come all the way here but not able to visit the labyrinthine caves.

At the end of the tour of the caves is a boat trip along the underground Punkva river, the longest underground river in the Czech Republic, at almost 30 km long.

The boat ride along the Punka river offers amazing views of the cave.

Tip: If you feel that the Cave system is too big and require more than a day’s visit, there’s a hotel at the upper edge of the gorge where you can stay at. Reservations to the caves can also be made here. You can check out the operating hours of the caves. During winter season, the operating hours are shorter.

For an other-worldly view and an underground adventure, start planning your visit to the Macocha Gorge now.