Mladeč – Caves, Archaeology and Třesín

Mladeč combines impressive caves, archaeological traces and protected landscape in a compact area. The Mladečské jeskyně are an important paleontological and archaeological site: finds include bones of Pleistocene vertebrates, human remains from the Stone Age, stone tools and fire pits. There are also marked trails, geological formations and remnants of historic structures around the Třesín karst hill.

Caves with archaeology and geological history

The Mladečské jeskyně comprise a total of 1,250 metres of passages and chambers with an elevation difference of 30 metres. The visitor circuit is 380 metres long, includes a small archaeological exhibition and takes approximately 40 minutes. This makes it possible to combine the cave visit as a clearly defined part of the programme with an insight into the local prehistory.

The Podkova Cave also offers its own geological detail: it is approximately 50 metres long and was formed by the connection of two passages that originally ran separately. When planning your visit, please note that Podkova is closed during the winter hibernation period for bats and becomes accessible again in spring.

Třesín: Educational Trail, Forest Paths and Historic Traces

The Třesín National Nature Monument was established to protect the karst caves near Mladeč. The Mladečské jeskyně are located in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area and formed in the limestone hill of Třesín. The Třesín Educational Trail starts in the village square of Mladeč, passes by the Mladečské jeskyně and runs around the karst hill.

The educational trail is a circular route approximately 5 kilometres long. It initially follows a red-marked and then a blue-marked hiking route. It runs mainly along forest paths and passes geological formations as well as the remains of buildings belonging to the Lichtensteins. Čertův most, a stone arch, is located along the route. The Rytířská síň was a building with sixteen ancient columns; today, only one column remains.

More Discoveries in Mladeč

The Mladeč–Třesín archaeological site preserves evidence of settlements from the Eneolithic, Bronze Age, La Tène period and Early Middle Ages. Mladeč is also home to the Chapel of St Florian and St Barbara, built in 2003, with a square bell tower containing a bell.

Red- and blue-marked hiking trails run through Mladeč. There is also a marked local cycling route. This allows you to choose between a short cave circuit, an approximately 5-kilometre educational trail and exploration along marked routes without separating the cultural and landscape themes of the area.

Orientation and Getting There

The visitor centre of the Mladečské jeskyně is located at Mladeč 84, 783 21 Chudobín u Litovle. The GPS coordinates are 49°42′23″N, 17°00′57″E. On railway line 308 between Litovel and Mladeč, there is a stop called Mladeč jeskyně. By car, the Mladečské jeskyně can be reached via exit 245 of the D35; parking is available on a roadside parking strip or in the village square of Mladeč.

Discover More Destinations

For further destination options, you can also explore these places: Charváty, Medlov U Uničova, Moravský Beroun, Majetín, Lipinka, Tovéř, Lutín and Červenka.

To the higher-level travel overview: Olomouc District.