Koněprusy Caves: A Bohemian Karst Jewel
Discover the Koněprusy Caves: Bohemia's largest cave system with unique formations, prehistoric history, and a medieval counterfeiter's workshop.
The Koněprusy Caves, also known as Koněpruské jeskyně, are located in the heart of the Bohemian Karst, near the village of Koněprusy in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. This extensive cave system, the largest in Bohemia, stretches over 2 kilometers and descends 70 meters, offering a fascinating journey through geological history. Discovered in 1950 and opened to the public in 1959, the caves are formed in 400-million-year-old Devonian limestone. The cave system consists of three levels adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and unique opal-bearing decorations. One of the most remarkable features is the Koněprusy Roses, a unique formation of calcium carbonate that resembles rose blooms, found nowhere else in the world. The caves have also served as a refuge for prehistoric life. Fossilized bones of animals dating back 1.5 million years, as well as remains of prehistoric humans from around 45,000 years ago, have been discovered within the caves. Adding to the caves' intrigue is a former 15th-century workshop where counterfeiters produced fake Hussite coins. A guided tour takes visitors through the upper and middle levels of the cave system, covering a distance of 620 meters and involving over 500 steps. The temperature inside the caves remains a constant 10°C, so warm clothing is recommended.
Local tips
- Wear warm clothing, as the cave temperature is a constant 10°C (50°F).
- Tours are primarily in Czech, but English texts are available.
- Consider downloading the mobile app for a text/audio guide in Czech, English, or German.
- Paid parking is available near the cave entrance.
- Combine your visit with a hike on the Golden Horse nature trail or explore nearby castles like Karlštejn and Křivoklát.
A brief summary to Koněpruské Caves
- Koněprusy-Beroun 1, 266 01, CZ
- +420730572485
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Prague, take a train to Beroun. From the Beroun train station, transfer to a local bus (e.g., line 633 or 637) to Koněprusy. The bus stop 'Koněprusy, jeskyně' is approximately 700 meters from the cave entrance. A single train fare from Prague to Beroun ranges from 65-150 CZK. Bus fares within Beroun are typically around 20-30 CZK.
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Driving
From Beroun, follow Route 116 south towards Koněprusy. Paid parking is available near the cave entrance. Parking costs vary but expect to pay around 50 CZK per hour. The drive from Beroun to the caves is approximately 7 km.
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Walking
From the Koněprusy bus stop, follow the marked path uphill for approximately 700 meters to the cave ticket office. From the ticket office, it's another 250 meters to the cave entrance. Large white arrows guide visitors from the ticket office to the cave entrance.
