Caves Galovany

Slovakia is exceptionally rich in caves considering its size. The number of registered caves and chasms has already reached approximately 6,700. Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa is part of the longest cave system in Slovakia, which has a total length of almost 36 km.

Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa is one of the oldest in Europe. Its existence has been documented as early as 1299. It is located near the road leading through Demänovská dolina. If you have ever been to Jasná, you have surely passed right by it. And believe us, it is well worth stopping by.

The cave is unique due to its ice decoration. Intriguingly, just 500 years ago, it was a regular dripstone cave. After the collapse of certain passages and the prevention of air circulation, conditions were created in the cave for the formation of ice. In 1885, a shelter was built near the cave, and the first tourists began visiting it. However, it was not heavily visited; the years 1950–1952 were more significant, when electric lighting was installed. During these years, concerns grew over preserving the ice cover, as the reconstruction damaged the cave and air began circulating inside again. This threatened to melt the ice sheet. Fortunately, the issues were resolved.

An educational trail with interesting information boards leads to the cave. Right before entering the cave, you will become acquainted with the Nízke Tatry National Park and its flora and fauna. The tour route inside the cave is 650 meters long with an elevation gain of 48 m. The tour will take you three quarters of an hour. Dress warmly, due to the ice decoration, the temperature inside stays just above freezing year-round. If you can brave the cold, the cave will reward you with an unprecedented spectacle. Underground, you will admire stalactites and stalagmites, as well as floor ice and ice pillars, which are at their most massive during the spring months.

Eight species of bats have been recorded in the cave. The discovery of bones belonging to the cave bear and other vertebrates proves that it was sought after by animals even in the distant past.

Demänovská dolina is full of other attractions. After exploring Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa, you can head to the neighboring Demänovská jaskyňa slobody. Continuing up the valley, you will reach Jasná, the largest ski resort in Slovakia. But you will not be bored here in summer either. The cable car will take you up to the peak of Chopok, and from there, for instance, to Hotel Srdiečko, which is just a hop away from another famous cave Jaskyňa Mŕtvych netopierov.

You can find accommodation directly in the village of Demänovská Dolina or in nearby Pavčiná Lehota. Both are fully prepared for the influx of tourists, and finding your own chalet or a room in a cozy guesthouse will not be a problem. Private homestays are also booming, and you can stay in almost every house. The advantage of such accommodation is its extremely favorable price. You do not have to go on vacation just for skiing or water, but also to discover underground beauty, and you will hardly find more of it than in Demänovská dolina.