Jeskyně Balcarka
Show cave by Balcarova skála (Balcar’s Rock) in the Moravian Karst, with white dripstone decoration and guided tours.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Balcar’s Rock, with its mysterious opening, inspired awe until the 19th century and was surrounded by legends about wild women. In the second half of the 19th century it became the subject of research. The first person to enter the underground spaces was the member of parliament Josef Šamalík from Ostrov u Macochy, on 16 June 1923. On 22 February 1924 he found a way in through melting snow via a sinkhole on the summit of the rock, and gradually discovered the Wilsonovy rotundy, the Dóm Zkázy and the Fochův dóm.
The cave was managed from 1925 by the joint-stock company Akciová společnost Moravský kras, and at Easter that year it was opened to the public. In January 1935 Šamalík discovered the richly decorated karst spaces of today’s Galerie and Přírodní chodba, named the Jubilejní dómy Masarykovy (Masaryk Jubilee Domes), which were opened on 15 June 1935. In the 1950s of the 20th century the whole route and the electrical installation were reconstructed; in 2001 a new entrance complex was built, and in 2008–2009 the interiors were completely reconstructed.
The cave is decorated with white dripstones and travertine. A notable feature is the curved dripstone Handžár, which resembles a Turkish sabre, with a conical stalagmite opposite it. The entrance portal is also an important palaeontological and archaeological site, where Palaeolithic people once lived.
Highlights
- White dripstone decoration and travertine
- The curved dripstone Handžár
- Jubilejní dómy Masarykovy (Galerie and Přírodní chodba)
- Stone altar in one of the chapels
- Palaeolithic settlement at the entrance portal
- 720 m guided route
- Operated by
- Správa jeskyní České republiky, státní příspěvková organizace
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 220 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 180 Kčstudents up to 26 and seniors from 65 (on presentation of ID) |
| Children & teens | 110 Kčfree up to age 2 · Children aged 3–15, persons with ZTP and ZTP/ZTP-P cards over 15, and members of ČSOP and Stráž přírody; children under 3 free. |
| Seniors | 180 KčFrom 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 110 Kčcompanion free · Persons with ZTP and ZTP/ZTP-P cards over 15 pay the children’s price; a guide accompanying a ZTP/ZTP-P card holder and persons with ZTP aged 3–15 (outside group bookings) enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | 180 KčUp to 26. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of more than 40 paying persons receive a 10% discount; organised groups of 10 or more can be booked in advance. |
| Families | 620 Kč2 adults and 2 children aged 3–15; with 3 children CZK 720. |
| Family ticket – 2 adults and 3 children aged 3–15 | 720 Kč |
Prices follow the 2026 price list of Správa jeskyní ČR. Discounts cannot be combined; holders of a Multisport card get a discount on the full price. In the caves of the Moravian Karst a 20% discount applies on presentation of a ticket from another Moravian Karst cave (except Punkevní jeskyně) that is no more than one month old. Photography is allowed only without flash, tripod and selfie stick. Cards are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The cave has 330 steps. The website gives no information on step-free access, so it is advisable to ask the operator.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 620 Kč · 2 adults and 2 children aged 3–15; with 3 children CZK 720. |
Family tickets are available. Consider whether the child can manage 330 steps and the cold environment (7–8 °C).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ostrov u Macochy, Balcarka
Bus stop Ostrov u Macochy, Balcarka.
By car
Free parking · 100 m to the entrance
Parking for cars and buses is free near the ticket office; from the ticket office to the entrance is about 100 m.
The nearest railway station is Blansko, 10 km away. Bicycles can be locked at the racks by the car park and the refreshment outlet.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The operations building has refreshments, a souvenir shop and toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is allowed without flash, tripod or selfie stick; images may not be used for commercial purposes. |
| Good to know | The tour, always with a guide, takes about 60 minutes. The route is 720 m long and has 330 steps; the temperature is 7–8 °C and the humidity 99%. Dogs and other animals may not enter the cave. |
