A visit to Chýnovská jeskyně – the most important limestone cave system in south Bohemia: 8 km
- The Chýnov cave system, located 20 km to the east of Tábor in south Bohemia, was discovered by a quarry worker in 1863. Only five years later the caves were opened to the public – the first cave system in the country to offer public tours. Many of the rocky step sections and narrow tunnels carved out during those early years of 19th century cave tourism, remain in use today. It is an atmospheric tour, but not ideal for those who do not enjoy steep steps or tight spaces! Note that the caves are closed during the winter months, when they become an important nesting ground for various species of bat.
- There are parking spots directly by the cave entrance/ ticket office and a bus route from Tábor passes within 1 km of the entrance. However, a nicer way to enjoy the trip is to take the circular route from nearby Chýnov village.
- For the outbound route there is a pleasant 5 km nature trail (with Czech language information boards) from the center of the village, which follows the course of the Chýnovsvký stream, through the forest and then across open pastures. The nature trail passes under a picturesque stone railway bridge, constructed in 1888. There is a shorter route back to the village on a marked hiking trail.
- None of the paths are difficult and there is just over 100m of height to ascend-descend on the route (excluding the step sections inside the caves). Apart from a drinks machine located next to the (otherwise excellent) information museum, there are no refreshment options at the caves. There are, however, a couple of restaurants and grocery shops in Chýnov village.
Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file
Directions
- Starting in Chýnov village (which is on a bus route from Tábor), join the nature trail at the back of the main square – Gabrielovo náměstí – which also has a public parking area. The nature trail is marked with green-white diagonal stripes
- After 3.6 km the nature trail joins the BLUE hiking trail at the Chýnovský potok trail junction. Here, turn right onto the BLUE trail to reach the caves after 800m
- Return back to Chýnov village along the BLUE trail. The village center is reached in 3.6 km
