Zbrašov Aragonite Caves (Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně), Czechia (Czech Republic)
Zbrašov aragonite caves are located in the town of Teplice nad Bečvou, in a picturesque valley of the river Bečva. The caves were created by the simultaneous action of rain and mineral water flowing through the limestone blocks. The biggest attractions of the caves are the geyser stalagmites and numerous formations of aragonite surfaces in different colors. The lowest level of the caves is permanently filled with carbon dioxide and therefore very dangerous. The caves were discovered by two brothers - Joseph and Čenk Chromy in 1912, and opened to tourists in 1926. These are the warmest caves in the Czech Republic - the average annual temperature here is 14°C.
Parking in Zbrašov
The D1 motorway goes through this area. We use the exit 308, then we go the road 440 towards the towns of Hranice and Teplice nad Bečvou. We leave the car on the parking lot at the Tř. generála Svobody street (1; GPS: 49.5359739, 17.7413697). We walk about 400 meters along the street towards the south, and then enter a side road and walk the path slightly uphill to the cave entrance (A; GPS: 49.5316497, 17.7457361), where we also find a ticket office.
The short walk from the parking lot to the cave entrance is very scenic, taking you through a peaceful forest setting that builds anticipation for the underground adventure. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, making it accessible for most visitors. This approach allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the Bečva river valley and the surrounding landscape before you even step inside the cave. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll before or after your tour.
The caves
In fact, the caves are fully open in the season between April and October so you may visit them in this time. As of 2025, the admission fee for adults is 180 CZK (approximately 7.30 EUR), while seniors aged 65 and over pay 150 CZK (approximately 6.10 EUR). Children aged from 6 to 15 years old, schoolchildren and students aged up to 26 years pay 90 CZK (approximately 3.65 EUR), while children under 6 are admitted free. If you want to make a video or some photographs, you have to pay extra 100 CZK (approximately 4.05 EUR).
After entering the cave we first descend few dozens steps to the place where the right route starts. It has a length of about 370 meters. At the beginning of the twenty-first century there was a major renovation of the route. It is also computer-controlled by carbon dioxide sensors. The tour is quite interesting, although we do not see large stalagmites and stalactites known from other caves. This results directly from the way of the formation of geyser stalagmites that have a different structure. At some point the guide presents how such geyser stalagmite "works", making it a small fountain of water. On the walls of the cave we can also see pure aragonite in the form of white balls. Exit from the cave is located just nearby the Bečva river (B; GPS: 49.5317786, 17.7462725).
The unique thermal waters and the high concentration of carbon dioxide that formed these caves make them truly one-of-a-kind. The geyser stalagmites are particularly rare formations, built up by mineral-rich water bubbling up from below rather than dripping down from above. This process creates distinctive, rounded formations that look like coral or cauliflower. The warm temperature inside, a stark contrast to other cold limestone caves, is another result of the thermal springs, making the tour a comfortable experience year-round.
Gastronomy in the Area
After your tour of the caves, you can find several pleasant dining options in the nearby area. The town of Teplice nad Bečvou is known for its spa facilities and offers a selection of restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy traditional Czech cuisine, including hearty soups, goulash with dumplings, and roast duck. Many establishments offer a cozy atmosphere perfect for a meal or a coffee break.
For a more diverse selection, the nearby town of Hranice has a wider range of restaurants, from traditional pubs to pizzerias. This area is also famous for its mineral springs, so you might find local products or dishes incorporating the mineral water. Taking the time to enjoy a meal in a local restaurant is a great way to complete your visit to this unique natural site.
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