Šošůvka: the village that gave its name to the caves

Šošůvka (population 668) sits on the edge of the Ostrov Plateau, just above Sloup, and the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves (Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně) take their name from it. The village is home to the modern Chapel of St Wenceslas and St Agnes of Bohemia, built in 2002, with a glass cross that is the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. The best view of the village is from Helišova skála (Helišova Rock), above a flooded quarry. The St Wenceslas Fair (Václavské hody) is held here at the end of September, and plenty of locals turn out in traditional Horácko costume. For a bed for the night, there is the municipal tourist hostel.

QUICK LINKS 👀 What to see · 🥾 Walks and rides from the village · 🛏️ Where to stay · ❓ FAQ

Šošůvka is a small village on the boundary of the protected landscape area. Most people heading for the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves drive through Sloup and sail straight past Šošůvka. Yet it offers peace and quiet, a fine view and one of the most interesting pieces of modern sacred architecture in the region.

What to see

• Chapel of St Wenceslas and St Agnes of Bohemia (2002). The chapel was designed by architect Monika Sirná, while the glass altar, cross and stained-glass windows are the work of artist Valér Kováč. The glass cross is the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. The paintings of the patron saints are by Jaroslav Šerých, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts. The building project was initiated and funded by the local civic association Občanské sdružení Šošůvská kaple, which still runs the chapel today. If you have seen the Church of St Joseph in Senetářov, you will find a counterpart here that is some 30 years younger.
• Helišova skála (Helišova Rock), a viewpoint above a partly flooded former quarry on the edge of the village. It offers a lovely view over Šošůvka and the surrounding countryside.
• Vápenka Na Bradinách (the Na Bradinách lime kiln), the remains of a circular lime kiln near a disused quarry not far from the village. It is a reminder that limestone was once quarried and burnt here.
• A small chapel with a spring dating from the second half of the 18th century, and wayside crosses protected as listed monuments.

The first written mention of Šošůvka dates from 1374. Holštejn Castle is within sight, but there is no evidence that the village ever belonged to its estate.

Walks and rides from the village

The red waymarked trail runs through the village:

• Southwards, you descend to Sloup and the Sloup-Šošůvka Caves, then continue along Pustý žleb (the Pustý Gorge), passing karst features on the way to the Macocha Abyss.
• Northwards, the trail leads past the Na Troubkách spring to the ruins of Holštejn Castle and the Bílá voda nature reserve; see Holštejn.

If you are cycling, the ride from Holštejn up to Šošůvka is a proper climb. Šošůvka lies on the loop described in the article Cycling through Suchý and Pustý žleb.

The St Wenceslas Fair (Václavské hody) takes place at the end of September. A large part of the village turns out in their own Horácko costumes. You can read more about fairs and festivities in the region in Traditions and customs of the Moravian Karst.

Where to stay

• Municipal tourist hostel. The village owns and runs it specifically for the visitors who come here for the karst. The village website gives no details of capacity or prices, so ask at the municipal office: tel. 516 435 208, obecniurad@sosuvka.com.
• Sloup is a few kilometres away and has a swimming area, a campsite and several guesthouses; there is more in the article Sloup.

Accommodation in small villages changes quickly. Before you set off, check that they are open.

FAQ

Why are the caves called Sloup-Šošůvka? They lie between Sloup and Šošůvka, and their passages form part of the Amatérská jeskyně (Amateur Cave) system, the largest cave system in the Czech Republic.

What is there to see in Šošůvka? The modern Chapel of St Wenceslas and St Agnes of Bohemia, with the largest glass cross of its kind in the Czech Republic, and the viewpoint at Helišova skála.

Can you stay overnight in Šošůvka? Yes, the village runs a tourist hostel. You will find further accommodation in Sloup.

When is the fair held in Šošůvka? The St Wenceslas Fair is usually held at the end of September.

Information checked as of 11. 10. 2026. Sources: brochure of the Moravský kras Rural Development Association (Spolek pro rozvoj venkova Moravský kras), Šošůvka village profile; official website of the village of Šošůvka.

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