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Hranice Abyss

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Hranice Abyss (Hranická propast) is an extraordinary natural phenomenon near the town of Hranice. It is the deepest flooded freshwater cave in the world. While the depth of the dry part is only 69.5 meters, the total depth of the flooded part was measured in 2016 by a remote-operated underwater vehicle at an astonishing 404 meters, without reaching the bottom. Scientists speculate that the actual depth could be between 800 and 1200 meters. The genesis of the abyss is unique: it was not formed from above by rainwater like most karst caves, but from below by highly carbonated warm mineral water that rose from great depths and dissolved the limestone. Due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide at the bottom, direct access to the abyss is forbidden to the public for safety reasons, but a viewpoint on the edge provides a safe look into the depths.

Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: Hranická propast · Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně · NPP Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně
Nearby: Valašské Meziříčí (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-2	2	8	13	17	19	19	14	8	3	-2
Rain mm	55	49	51	51	92	94	96	80	82	65	52	52

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The abyss is generally accessed via a nature trail starting from the town of Hranice or the Teplice nad Bečvou spa. The walk through the forest reserve to the upper viewing platform is usually quite straightforward.

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Best season

The site can typically be visited year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for walking the surrounding trails. Autumn visits provide atmospheric views with the changing leaf colors.

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Terrain & paths

The path leading up to the rim features moderate inclines on natural forest ground, often supported by wooden steps or railings. The dry section of the sinkhole drops steeply, safely viewed from above.

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What to bring

Regular, comfortable walking shoes are usually perfectly adequate for the maintained paths to the viewpoint. Bringing a camera and a light jacket is generally advised, as the forested rim can sometimes feel cool.

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Parking

Most visitors typically park their cars at the railway station in Teplice nad Bečvou or in the designated parking areas for the nearby spas. From these lots, the trailheads are easily reached on foot.

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Safety

Visitors must generally stay strictly behind the safety barriers at the viewing platforms due to extreme vertical drops. The edges of the abyss are highly unstable and stepping beyond the fences is extremely dangerous.

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Time needed

A typical visit, comprising the walk from the nearby parking areas to the viewpoint and back, generally requires around one to two hours. Combining it with the nearby caves usually extends the trip to a half-day.

Geography

Coordinates

49.53100, 17.75100

Facts

Confirmed depth over 450 meters
Estimated geological depth of 1 km
Dry part is 69.5 meters deep
Composed of Devonian limestone

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Moravian Gate2 km · NWExplore →

Drahlov Fortress17 km · WExplore →

Hostýn Hills17 km · SExplore →

Valašské Meziříčí17 km · SEExplore →

Nový Jičín20 km · EExplore →

Přerov23 km · WExplore →

Holešov25 km · SWExplore →

Vsetín28 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hranice Abyss (10)

Hranická propast

Abyss in Czech Republic, one of the deepest water-filled sinkholes globally.

Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně

Cave in Czech Republic, known for aragonite crystals.

🕒 Feb-Mar Mo-Fr 10:00+, 14:00+; Apr-Jun Tu-Su 09:00-16:00; Jul💶

NPP Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně

Cave in Czech Republic, a national natural monument.

Vápenka s vápencovým lomem

Lime kiln and limestone quarry, evidence of lime production.

Zřícenina hradu Svrčov

Castle in Czech Republic, ruin of a medieval fortress.

NPR Hůrka u Hranic

Protected area in Přerov District, Czech Republic.

Vyhlídka u sv. Jana

Viewpoint overlooking the surroundings of Hranice.

PR Velká Kobylanka

Protected area in Czech Republic, safeguarding local nature.

kostel sv. Cyrila a Metoděje

Church in Černotín, Czech Republic, dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Divadlo Stará střelnice

Theatre building in Hranice, hosting cultural performances.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Hranice Abyss?

It is the deepest flooded freshwater cave in the world.

How deep is the abyss?

The dry part is 69.5 m deep, with the total confirmed underwater depth exceeding 450 m.

Can you dive in the abyss?

Diving is only allowed for specialized professionals for research purposes.

Where is the abyss located?

It is located in the Hůrka nature reserve near the town of Hranice na Moravě.

Is access free?

Yes, the viewing platform at the top edge of the abyss is free to access.

Hranice Abyss: where is it located?

Hranice Abyss is located in Czech Republic.

Hranice Abyss: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hranická propast, Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně, NPP Zbrašovské aragonitové jeskyně.

Hranice Abyss: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Hranice Abyss: why is it worth visiting?

The Hranice Abyss (Hranická propast) is an extraordinary natural phenomenon near the town of Hranice.

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