# Macocha Abyss

> The Macocha Abyss in the Moravian Karst near Vilémovice is about 138 m deep, 174 m long and 76 m wide.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/macocha-abyss/

A deep collapsed sinkhole in the Moravian Karst, seen from viewing platforms at the rim and from below as part of the Punkva Caves tour. Combine it with a cave visit nearby, and wear shoes with grip, as paths can be wet.

The Macocha Abyss in the Moravian Karst near Vilémovice is about 138 m deep, 174 m long and 76 m wide. It is regarded as the largest sinkhole of its kind in Central Europe. The name comes from the Czech word for "stepmother", and a legend tells of a wicked stepmother. At the bottom, the Punkva river flows through the cave system. The first known descent was made in 1723 by the monk Lazar Schopper, and in 1856 Jindřich Wankel reached the bottom.

Two viewing bridges let you look into the depths: the upper one from 1882 and the lower one from 1899, which is about 92 m above the bottom. The Punkva Caves have been open to the public since 1914 and combine well with a visit to the abyss. Allow half a day for both. Vilémovice lies about 20 km north of Brno.

- **Nearest town:** Vilémovice, Czechia
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 49.3731, 16.7296

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Czechia: Vignette needed for motorways.** Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Macocha Abyss (Moravský kras)](https://moravskykras.net/en/macocha-abyss.html)
- [Macocha Gorge – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macocha_Gorge)

## Nearby

- [Pernštejn Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/pernstejn-castle/) – 31 km
- [Děvičky Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-devicky-castle/) – 57 km
- [Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-zelena-hora/) – 62 km
- [Holy Hill](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-svaty-kopecek/) – 63 km

## FAQs

### Where is Macocha Abyss?

Macocha Abyss is in Vilémovice, Czechia, at GPS 49.3731, 16.7296. It is about 22 km from Brno.

### Can you camp near Macocha Abyss?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tyršova Osada, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Macocha Abyss?

Places worth a stop nearby: Pernštejn Castle (31 km), Děvičky Castle (57 km), Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk (62 km) and Holy Hill (63 km).

### When is the best time to visit Macocha Abyss?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)