Bystrianska Cave
Banská Bystrica Region
Bystrianska Cave, located in the Banská Bystrica Region of Slovakia, is a remarkable limestone cave system formed in dark middle Triassic limestones and dolomites. The cave extends over 2,637 meters in length and reaches a depth of 95 meters, featuring winding passages developed along tectonic cracks and enlarged by the underground river Bystra. Its remarkable speleothems include stalactites and stalagmites such as the Ringing Stalactites, Baldaquin, and Blacksmith's Workshop, alongside unique sinter-coated granite pebbles from the Low Tatras. The cave has historical importance, having been known since prehistoric times, with new sections discovered in the 1920s and later connected in the 1950s. It also served as a refuge during World War II for local villagers hiding from German forces. Today, part of the cave is open to the public, showcasing its natural beauty, while another section is used for speleotherapy to treat respiratory diseases. A memorial tablet inside commemorates a partisan who was killed in the cave during the war, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets beforehand during peak seasons. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when access is easier. Speleotherapy sessions are available in the medical hall for respiratory treatments, especially beneficial for children. Comfortable footwear and warm clothing are recommended due to the cave's cool and damp environment.
Interesting facts
- •Bystrianska Cave is the largest cave on the southern side of the Low Tatras mountain range.
- •The cave features unique ringing stalactites known for producing musical sounds when struck.
- •An underground stream flows through the cave and resurfaces in the village of Valaská after about 4 km.
- •During World War II, villagers sheltered in the cave for 21 days to escape German forces.
- •The cave hosts 13 species of bats, including the lesser horseshoe bat and the greater mouse-eared bat.
History
The cave's oldest parts have been known since prehistoric times.
New sections were discovered in 1926 by the Hollmann brothers and Jozef Kovalčík, who also provisionally opened the cave in 1941.
In 1955, the old and new parts were connected, and by 1968, nearly 490 meters were accessible to the public.
During World War II, local villagers used the cave as a shelter from German occupation in 1945, surviving underground for 21 days.
Since 1971, some cave areas have been used for speleotherapy treatments.
Place Guide
Ringing Stalactites (Zvonivé stalaktity)
These stalactites produce ringing sounds when struck, a rare natural phenomenon that fascinates visitors and highlights the cave's unique mineral formations.
Baldaquin (Beldachýn)
A spectacular curtain-like stalactite formation that decorates one of the cave's main chambers, admired for its delicate and intricate appearance.
Blacksmith's Workshop (Kovacska vyhna)
A notable stalactite and stalagmite formation resembling a traditional blacksmith's forge, contributing to the cave's cultural storytelling through natural shapes.
Mostárenské Hall1951
Discovered in 1951, this large chamber is part of the cave's public tour and showcases impressive geological features.
Memorial Tablet1945
Located in the largest dome, it commemorates a partisan who was killed by fascist soldiers inside the cave during World War II, reflecting the cave's role in local history.
Speleotherapy Medical Hall1971
A specialized chamber used since 1971 for therapeutic treatments of respiratory diseases, especially in children, leveraging the cave's microclimate.
Contact
Phone: 048/619 51 33
