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Places of interest

Bull Rock Cave

4.7 · 1,003 reviews
A mysterious and solemn prehistoric site.
Bull Rock Cave, Hybešova 110/1, 679 04 Adamov, Czechia
Interesting facts
1

The 1872 discovery included a unique bronze bull statue, from which the cave derives its name.

2

Excavations revealed evidence of a large-scale human sacrifice or funeral ritual involving approximately 40 individuals.

3

The cave serves as one of the most important wintering sites for the Greater Mouse-eared Bat in the region.

4

The cave is part of the extensive Rudice-Býčí skála cave system, which is the second longest in the Czech Republic.

5

Jindřich Wankel, the pioneering Moravian archaeologist, conducted his most famous excavation at this site.

6

The Jedovnický stream disappears into the underground karst landscape and resurfaces at the cave's entrance.

Overview

Bull Rock Cave (Býčí skála) is the second-longest cave system in the Moravian Karst, situated within the protected landscape area of the Czech Republic. The site is globally renowned as the location of the 'Hallstatt Culture' ritual sacrifice discovery, unearthed by Jindřich Wankel in 1872. The cave features a complex underground river system, specifically the Jedovnický stream, which flows through the cavernous passages. Archaeological findings from the site include bronze jewelry, weapons, and preserved grain, indicating a significant prehistoric cult center. The entrance area served as a prehistoric settlement, while the deeper chambers contain extensive stalactite formations. Due to the presence of endangered bat species, the cave has limited access to protect their wintering habitats. It is part of a larger interconnected karst system extending over 13 kilometers in total length.

Photo spot

The impressive monumental entrance portal of the cave, which is visible from the forest path.

Insider tips

Contact the cave administration well in advance, as public access is restricted to very limited organized tours.

Wear warm, moisture-wicking layers, as the internal cave temperature remains constant and cold throughout the year.

Bring a high-quality camera with low-light capability, as flash photography is often prohibited to protect cave minerals.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to explore the cave system without an official guide, as the terrain involves hazardous underground water crossings and complex navigation.

Good to know

The cave is closed during the winter months for bat hibernation and is only accessible via pre-booked guided tours during specific operational dates.

Etiquette

Strict no-touch policy for all cave formations; silence is required to prevent disturbing local bat populations.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn to avoid the peak humidity of summer and the bat hibernation closures in winter.
Address
Bull Rock Cave, Hybešova 110/1, 679 04 Adamov, Czechia
49.307, 16.695
Get directions
Details
Key archaeological findsBronze bull statuette and Hallstatt ritual sacrificial remains
Geological featuresUnderground river, stalactite chambers, and karst cave system

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn to avoid the peak humidity of summer and the bat hibernation closures in winter..

The impressive monumental entrance portal of the cave, which is visible from the forest path.

Close by you'll find Moravian Karst, Výpustek, Old Iron Works near Adamov.