Caves Východná

In the north of Slovakia, there are several famous caves. In the region of the Vysoké Tatry mountains, only two are open to the public. One of them is Belianska jaskyňa, and the other is Važecká jaskyňa. The cave lies in the village of Važec of the same name, which neighbors the village of Východná, famous for its folklore.

You will find the village of Važec very easily. It is located right by the highway between Liptovský Mikuláš and Poprad. It offers unique views of the entire Vysoké Tatry mountains, and the cave could hardly have a more beautiful backdrop. Važecká jaskyňa features classic cave decorations. Here, you will find many dripstones, sinter pools, stalactites, and stalagmites. You can see with your own eyes what the difference is between them. Inside the cave, refreshment awaits you in the form of temperatures around 7 degrees Celsius. The cave is standardly open almost all year round, with the exception of Mondays.

The entrance to the cave was known to local residents for many years. However, explorers entered its dark depths for the first time only in 1922. The first visitors came in 1928, when it operated in a provisional mode. The definitive opening to the public took place in 1954; until then, research and discoveries of new cave spaces were underway.

The cave decoration is interesting due to its coloring. There are not only classic yellowish dolomites, but also blue-white and glassy blue limestones and dolomites. Under artificial lighting, they create an interesting color contrast.

Važecká jaskyňa is famous for the archaeological discovery of cave bear remains. An exposition focused on this predator is part of the cave's guided tour route. Here, you will find its remains, a restored skeleton, and a statue of a cave bear. This will give you a better idea of its appearance and size. You will learn even more about its life from the educational panels.

The tour route is relatively short, spanning only 235 meters and taking about 25 minutes. Nevertheless, you will learn a lot of interesting information and see decorations in a small area that many other caves cannot boast of, while the cave bear exposition will surely intrigue many of you.

It will be most convenient to stay right in the village of Važec. You have a choice of classic guesthouses at your disposal. If you prefer more privacy, you can stay in a private room or a cottage. The choice is yours; in any case, you will have Važecká jaskyňa around the corner and the beauty of the Vysoké Tatry mountains right outside your windows.

Stanišovská jaskyňa is the only cave open year-round in the Liptov region. You can find it in the Nízke Tatry mountain range, in the charming Jánska dolina valley at the end of the village of Liptovský Ján. From the village, you can get here on foot with an approximately 60-minute walk, or by car or bicycle. You can park directly in front of the cave, making it truly easily accessible.

The cave is an ideal place for discovering underground places, especially for families with children, seniors, or beginner hikers. The terrain is not demanding, and the guide engagingly explains various interesting facts from history and the field of speleology. Stanišovská jaskyňa is open to visitors every day of the year. The tour lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Always check the visitor rules and price list on the official website of the cave prior to your visit.

The full name of this natural monument is Malá Stanišovská jaskyňa. Out of a total length of 871 meters, 177 meters are accessible to the public. Its spaces were explored in 1974, and no archaeological or paleontological findings were discovered inside. However, an interesting feature is the numerous inscriptions on the walls left behind by past visitors. The oldest inscription dates back to the end of the 19th century.

In the cave, you will also discover a copy of an Obo shamanic site. An Obo is a sacred structure made of natural materials, which usually stands on mountain peaks, near rivers, or at other significant locations. It is an ancient custom from the regions of Mongolia, China, and other eastern countries. Lamas built these sacrificial sites to honor the spirit guardian of the given place.

Throughout the year, various events are prepared in Stanišovská jaskyňa, where you and your children can try, for example, moving through tight cave spaces, basic climbing, or traditional food preparation. Children in particular, however, will be absolutely thrilled to discover the mythical realm of Aghartha. Diligent cave explorers have so far discovered several entrances to this mystical underground realm.

In addition to Stanišovská jaskyňa itself, explore Medvedia štôlňa in Žiarska dolina, Mincovníčkovo - Podzemie Pod vežami in Liptovský Ján, and Permoníkovo in Podbanské. From each visit, you will take home a precious coin, and during your last visit, you will also receive a rare coin of the Realm of Aghartha.

The Liptov location offers truly many interesting places worth visiting. We recommend visiting the nearby healing thermal spring Kaďa Liptovský Ján, refreshing yourself in the summer at Termal raj Sorea, visiting Hrad Liptovský Hrádok, or the fallen heroes' monument in Lesopark Háj-Nicovô, from where a breathtaking view opens up over the town of Liptovský Mikuláš and the Liptovská Mara reservoir.

If you long for cave spaces again, Demänovská jaskyňa slobody and Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa in the village of Demänová are certainly worth a visit. On our portal, you will find many accommodation options near Stanišovská jaskyňa or accommodation in Liptovský Mikuláš.