Holštejn in the Moravian Karst – Caves, Castle Ruins and Trails

Caves, Rocks and Trails in the Moravian Karst

Holštejn lies in the northeastern part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area. The village is surrounded by the rock formations of the Bílá voda Nature Reserve and combines striking landscapes with a long castle history. If you would like to combine nature, historical traces and active experiences during your stay, you will find several clearly distinct highlights here.

One of the notable natural features is the Propadání Nová Rasovna. It is an active, open ponor of the Bílá voda in Holštejn. A ponor is a place where a watercourse disappears underground. The Holštejnské údolí is also geologically remarkable: it is filled with Quaternary fluvial sediments and is considered a geotouristically interesting geosite. The Holštejnská jeskyně is likewise a geotouristically interesting geosite.

Finding Your Way Between the Valley, Cave and Hiking Trails

The Holštejnské údolí is accessible without restrictions; access by car is possible to within 250 m. The same applies to the Holštejnská jeskyně: it is accessible without restrictions, and access by car is possible to within 250 m.

The marked trail from Holštejn leads west to Šošůvka and south to Ostrov u Macochy, as well as onward to other parts of the Moravian Karst. A marked hiking trail also passes the remains of Holštejn Castle. This makes it possible to incorporate the history of the village into a route through the landscape, while the direction towards Ostrov u Macochy provides access to other parts of the Moravian Karst.

Holštejn Castle and the History of Lidomorna

The first documented written mention of Holštejn Castle dates from 1268. The castle was founded in the 13th century by Hartman of Ceblovice. Today, the castle ruins point to this medieval past. A particular historical trace is the Lidomorna Cave, which in earlier times was used as a prison or, more precisely, as a starvation dungeon. This cautious wording reflects the traditional description of the site.

Climbing with Different Time Periods

Holštejn also offers specific differences between the documented climbing areas. At the Holštejnská jeskyně, climbing is permitted year-round; the descent is by rappel. The same applies to the Vaňousovy díry climbing sector: climbing is also permitted there year-round, and the descent is by rappel.

At the V Buči climbing sector, however, climbing is permitted from 1 July to 31 December. Here too, the descent is by rappel. If you are planning a stay around your preferred climbing area, this difference in timing is a specific point you can take into account when making your choice. An excursion route through the Moravian Karst passes through the climbing areas of Holštejn. From Holštejn, the excursion route continues along the river to Baldovec.

Other Features in the Surrounding Area

In the immediate vicinity of Holštejn, the disused Malá Dohoda wall quarry lies about 1 km southwest of the village on the Holštejn–Sloup road. Its approximate distance and stated location make it a distinct reference point alongside the caves, valley and castle ruins.

Other places in the same area: Obora, Valchov, Skrchov, Olešnice Na Moravě, Dolní Lhota, Němčice, Ludíkov and Býkovice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Blansko.