Belianska jaskyňa
Underground worlds have fascinated people since time immemorial. Caves provided shelter, and today they are sought-after tourist attractions. If you are planning a holiday to Vysoké Tatry or to Zamagurie, pay close attention. You should not miss a visit to Belianska jaskyňa under any circumstances.
Belianska jaskyňa lies near the village of Tatranská Kotlina. You can reach it from Tatranská Lomnica or from Spišská Belá. It is located on the left side of the road in the Kobylí vrch massif. There are several caves in Vysoké Tatry, but Belianska jaskyňa is the only one open to the public. It features rich dripstone decoration and is well worth a tour. An educational trail leads up to it. In less than a kilometer, you will pass information boards that will familiarize you with environmental protection, flora, fauna, and the history of the cave itself.
The cave was discovered by gold prospectors as early as 1826, but it was subsequently forgotten. It was rediscovered in 1881 and opened to the public in 1884. An interesting fact is that electric lighting was introduced into the cave in 1896—just 12 years after the invention of the light bulb. Another curious fact was the attempt to transform the ordinary dripstone cave into an ice cave. The lower sections of the cave were supposed to be artificially iced over, but this damaged the decorations, so the plan was abandoned.
Let's move to the present. Inside the cave, 1,370 meters of underground beauty, a 125-meter vertical rise, and exactly 860 steps await you. Dress warmly before visiting the cave; the temperature inside hovers between 5 and 6 degrees Celsius, and you will be underground for over an hour. The cave is open year-round, with the exception of a few weeks in the winter months. It is also closed every Monday. It is necessary to check visiting hours in advance online, as they differ during the high season and off-season.
In the cave, you will be captivated by flowstone waterfalls, especially in Vysoký dóm and Vodopádový dóm. Hudobná sieň is also fascinating. Its name is fitting—thanks to its exceptional acoustics, musical concerts have been held here both in the past and present. If you think the underground world is lifeless, you are mistaken. In Belianska jaskyňa alone, there are up to 7 species of bats.
You can enjoy a visit to Belianska jaskyňa from several locations. Right next to the cave is Tatranská Kotlina. There you will find beautiful, stylish accommodation in guesthouses with typical High Tatras architecture. The same applies to cozy cottages suitable both for couples in love and groups of friends. You will also find plenty of guesthouses and private accommodations in nearby Ždiar. Belianska jaskyňa is proof that in Vysoké Tatry, it is not only towering peaks that deserve attention, but also the underground world. Discover Vysoké Tatry from beneath the surface.
