Caves Závažná Poruba

Liptov takes the breath away of thousands of tourists with its beauty. Majestic mountains, fun in Slovakia's best water parks, skiing like in the Alps, or airborne adrenaline. And there is also something to be found below the surface. The longest cave system in Slovakia, which includes Demänovské jaskyne. Let us introduce the most famous one, Demänovská jaskyňa slobody.

You will find this most visited cave in the country just a few kilometres from Liptovský Mikuláš. It lies in Demänovská dolina, which leads to the largest ski resort, Jasná. So you will find nothing but superlatives here.

A trail with educational panels leads to the cave. You might get a little out of breath, but you will be able to rest while gathering information about the history and opening of the cave to the public, as well as about other caves in Slovakia. After the ascent, refreshments in the form of a snack bar will be waiting for you.

The history of opening the cave to the public dates back to 1921, when the first cavers entered it. It happened in an unconventional way, beneath the water surface. Specifically through the lowest sinkhole of the Demänovka stream. The first lighting in the cave was installed just 2 years later, and the first visitors could enjoy its beauty starting in 1924. Since then, newly discovered sections have been continuously connected to the route.

The cave decorations are breathtaking. It is the most varied cave in the entire cave system. Unique features include flowstone water lilies and other forms of karst relief created by the activity of water, such as small cave pearls. There is an underground lake bearing the name Veľké jazero. Its length is up to 52 metres and its width ranges from 5 to 12 metres. Famous areas include Veľký dóm, Jánošíkov dóm, and Ružová sieň. The dripstones in the cave are still growing; those in Veľký dóm grow at a rate of about 2 mm per 10 years. A figure imperceptible to the human eye, yet proof that the cave is still active.

The temperature in the cave fluctuates between 6–7 °C. Prepare for this knowing that you will spend at least an hour underground. The tour along the shorter circuit, measuring 1,150 metres, takes exactly one hour. However, we recommend the tour along the longer circuit, which is 2,150 metres long and takes 100 minutes. It will take you to the most beautiful places of Demänovská jaskyňa slobody, which you cannot reach during the short circuit. Mainly Veľký dóm, the largest accessible underground space in Slovakia, and Ružová sieň.

Underground worlds fascinate many. Liptov and Demänovská dolina in particular offer many opportunities to explore them. Demänovská jaskyňa slobody offers the longest accessible route in Slovakia, and you will enjoy more than enough on it. If it still isn't enough for you, in the very same valley you will find the no less famous Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa. Afterwards, you can head to Chopok or take a ride on the bobsleigh track in Pavčiná Lehota.

You can stay very close by in Demänovská dolina. Here you will find mostly traditional wooden cottages, mountain hotels, as well as the most luxurious hotels for demanding guests. Numerous apartment houses are popular, where you can rent your own fully equipped apartment at various price points for all kinds of clients.

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.