The Sloupsko-šošůvské–Kůlna cave system is the longest publicly accessible cave system in the Czech Republic; its visitor route is more than 3 km long. Plan your visit as a separate item on your itinerary. Operating conditions may vary seasonally, so check visiting options for your dates. When planning, distinguish between two routes: the visitor route through the cave system and the red-marked hiking route from Šošůvka to the Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves.
Karst Landscape and Rock
The protected Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně karst area lies in the Devonian limestones of the northern Moravský kras. It protects the Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně and Kůlna cave systems, the swallow holes of the Sloupský potok, other karst features and palaeontological sites. Protection also covers the cave, rock and forest communities associated with them. The area includes the cadastral territories of Sloup v Moravském krasu and Šošůvka. This should be distinguished from the boundary of the Moravský kras Protected Landscape Area, which runs through Šošůvka.
At the disused Na Bradinách limestone quarry, light-grey, massive Vilémovice limestones of the Macocha Formation are exposed. The geological site is freely accessible; it can be reached by car to within 250 m. As local access conditions may change, check them before your visit. The viewpoint at Helišova skála offers a different perspective: from there, you can see across Šošůvka and the surrounding area. The landscape view and the exposed rock thus offer two different ways to explore the subject of karst.
Building History and Historical Traces
The Chapel of St Wenceslas and St Agnes of Bohemia was built in 2002 and designed by architect Monika Sirná. Another point of interest in local history is house No. 45, an agricultural homestead: the house’s history begins in 1812. These two dates point to different periods, from the history of a house in the early 19th century to a building constructed in 2002.
Near Šošůvka, at the disused Na Bradinách limestone quarry, the remains of a round lime kiln document the area’s former quarrying activity. The Na Troubkách spring also bears witness to historical use: in the vicinity of Šošůvka, it served as a drinking-water source for a nearby castle. These traces add the former use of the landscape to the geological themes, without requiring you to choose a single focal point for your excursion.
Tradition and Planning Your Visit
The traditional Václavské hody festival in Šošůvka takes place in late September. Many residents take part wearing traditional costumes from the Horácko region. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the exact dates for your travel year. Alongside caves, the hiking route and karst, it offers a cultural occasion to consider when planning your timing; also bear in mind that operating conditions for cave visits vary seasonally.
Discover more destinations: Kněževes, Lipůvka, Lubě, Boskovice, Holštejn, Rájec-Jestřebí, Sloup V Moravském Krasu, Vysočany U Blanska.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Blansko.
