Mladeč Caves (Mladečské jeskyně)
Olomoucký kraj
The Mladeč Caves (Mladečské jeskyně) are a cave complex in the municipality of Mladeč in the Czech Republic, set within the Třesín National Nature Monument in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. The caves run through the calcite hill of Třesín and form a predominantly horizontal, highly fractured labyrinth of fissure corridors, domes, and high chimneys. Visitors come for the classic karst decoration-stalactites, stalagmites, and sinter formations-shaping richly modelled walls and ceilings. Among the named highlights are chambers known as “Nature’s Temple” and the “Virgin Cave.” Geologically, the Mladeč Karst limestone is part of a Devonian belt within the Central Moravian section of the Bohemian Massif (the Konice–Mladeč Devonian). Beyond their natural beauty, the caves are internationally significant for archaeological and paleontological discoveries. Finds include bones of extinct Pleistocene vertebrates as well as Early Stone Age human skeletons and traces of activity such as stone tools and fireplaces. The site has been described by archaeologists as having world importance, including as a major (and possibly very northern) Cro-Magnon settlement area. Only a portion of the system is arranged for visits, with a guided route through selected corridors and halls.
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Tip: Plan ahead: access is limited to a designated visitor route, while most of the cave system is not open to the public. The standard tour route is about 380 metres and takes roughly 40 minutes, so wear stable shoes suitable for steps and potentially damp surfaces. According to the published information, visits are typically offered seasonally (April to October) and may depend on forming a minimum-size group, so it’s wise to confirm opening days and tour availability in advance.
Interesting facts
- •The cave system contains about 1,250 metres of corridors and halls, with a vertical range (denivelation) of about 30 metres.
- •The visitor route described in published information is about 380 metres long and takes around 40 minutes.
- •The caves are part of the Třesín National Nature Monument within the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area.
- •The limestone “islets” of the Mladeč Karst belong to a Devonian rock belt in the Bohemian Massif (Konice–Mladeč Devonian).
- •The main cave’s early excavations (from 1881) were documented in Josef Szombathy’s diary, described as the sole source on the earliest excavation work.
- •A nearby second cave (Mladečské Cave II, the “Quarry Cave”) was discovered in 1904 by quarry workers and was subsequently destroyed.
- •Large-scale sediment removal carried out to prepare the caves for public access later damaged valuable archaeological information.
History
The existence of the Mladeč Caves was known by 1826.
Systematic excavation of the main cave (Mladečské Cave I) began on 7 June 1881 under Josef Szombathy, during which the first human fossil find, the skull known as Mladeč 1, was discovered.
Szombathy continued work with further excavations in 1882 and named the cave “Fürst Johann’s Höhle” in honour of Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein, who owned the land.
In 1902, A.
Nevrlý created a separation wall and, together with local teacher Jan Knies, excavated further, leading to additional fossil discoveries.
In 1911, the Museum Society in Litovel took over ownership; later sediment removal intended to make the caves accessible for visitors also destroyed archaeological context.
The last significant fossil finds at the site were reported in 1922.
Contact
Phone: 730 574 627
