Medvedia štôlňa
Žiar (okres Liptovský Mikuláš)
Medvedia štôlňa in Žiarska dolina is the only old mining site in Liptov that is open to the public. Žiarska dolina is located at the end of the village of Žiar in the Liptovský Mikuláš district, in the Západné Tatry mountains. It is one of the most visited valleys in Liptov, both in summer and in winter.
The adit ranks among the rarities of old mining works in the Tatras. Its length is up to 550 m, making it the longest among them. It was officially opened to the public in 2012 and has since belonged among the very popular Liptov attractions. Given that the mine follows a quartz vein, it is assumed that precious metals, likely gold, were once mined here.
The name may confuse some. It is not called "bear" because it used to be a bear's den. For a long time, a tourist information board stood near its entrance warning that visitors were entering an area where bears occur in abundance. And because the board and the entrance to the mine were indeed close to each other, the name of the adit was clear.
During a visit to the underground, various emotions will sweep through you, and you will take away a lifelong experience. Moving by the light of a burning oil lamp, feeling the cold and humidity, hearing the echo of every step and rustle—it is simply something unique. Absolutely all your senses will awaken.
For children, setting out into the land of the legendary underground realm Aghartha is a great experience. One of the stops is right in Medvedia štôlňa in Žiar, near St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners. Collect a coin, a confirmation for your map, and off you go to other parts of the fairy-tale land. Netopierikovo, Mincovníčkovo, and Permoníkovo are still waiting for you. It is great fun full of adventures.
You can get almost all the way to the adit by car, parking approximately 200 m from its entrance. If the article caught your interest, we recommend booking accommodation near Medvedia štôlňa right away. Get inspired, for example, on the page accommodation Žiar or accommodation Liptovský Mikuláš; both locations are very good starting points for a trip. Moreover, attractions in Liptov are each better than the last. Whether you want to rest, hike up hills, relax by swimming in warm water, enjoy great skiing, or learn interesting information in a museum, you will experience all of this in this place. Liptov has almost unlimited options for fun.
