Search
Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
DenmarkSlovakia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican RepublicTurkey
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Košice · Slovakia
Limestone plateaus with UNESCO caves, such as Domica, Gombasek and the Ochtiná aragonite cave, the Zádiel Gorge and the Andrássy manor in Betliar, from Rožňava.
In the photo: Karst landscape of the Zádiel Gorge
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The Slovak Karst (Slovenský kras) is a limestone plateau region in the south of the country, along the border with Hungary, between Rožňava and Košice. Water has carved deep valleys, sinkholes and many caves here, and the area forms a national park. On the other side of the border, the karst continues in Hungary’s Aggtelek park, and the caves on both sides were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
Three show caves open to visitors demonstrate how different each cave is. Domica, the largest cave of the Slovak Karst, connects beneath the border to Hungary’s Baradla system and contains an underground river, the Styx. In Gombasek, the ceiling is covered with thin straw-like stalactites up to 3 m long. The Ochtiná cave, already in the nearby mountains, is a rarity, lined with aragonite crystals.
On the surface, the Zádiel Gorge cuts the plateau with high cliffs and an isolated stone tower in the middle of the valley, the Cukrová homoľa. Rožňava, the arrival town, was a mining center for gold, silver and iron and preserves a medieval square, a Renaissance watchtower and a Gothic cathedral.
A few kilometres away, the Betliar manor houses the furniture and collections of the Andrássy family, set in one of the country’s largest historic parks.
This destination brings together 1 city: Rožňava.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: geoBoundaries (dados do OpenStreetMap, licença ODbL). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Letisko Košice – Košice International Airport (KSC), in Košice · 75 km to Rožňava
Rožňava is about 70 km from Košice, with regional buses and trains. Košice Airport is the nearest, with flights from Vienna, Warsaw and Prague. The caves and the gorge are outside the town and are easier to reach by car.
The local experience
Renaissance watchtower in the middle of Rožňava’s square, built in the 17th century as an observation post during the Ottoman threat. A staircase of 144 steps leads to the gallery, with views over the town and the Slaná valley.
A late 13th-century Gothic church, cathedral since 1776. It houses the 1513 Saint Anne panel, the Metercia of Rožňava, with mining scenes considered the oldest depiction of mine work in Central Europe.
A hunting residence of the Andrássy family with four corner towers, preserved with its original furniture and collections. The library dates to 1790, and the 57-hectare English park is one of the largest historic parks in the country.
The largest cave of the Slovak Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connected beneath the border to Hungary’s Baradla system. It has large chambers, terraced lakes, pagoda-shaped stalagmites and the underground Styx River.
UNESCO World Heritage cave on the Silica Plateau, known for hair‑thin, straw‑like stalactites 2 to 3 millimeters thick and up to 3 m long that cover the ceiling of some chambers.
A rare cave decorated by aragonite crystals in the form of needles, spirals and coral‑like masses, discovered in 1954 in the mountains west of Rožňava. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A gorge of about 4 km carved into the plateau by the Blatný stream, with limestone walls up to 300 m high and the Cukrová homoľa, a 105 m stone tower. An educational trail starts from the village of Zádiel.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From late spring to early autumn. The caves operate seasonally, and most are open from May to September; Domica has the longest season, from February to December. Inside the caves it is about 10 °C year-round. Summer is the best time for hikes in the Zádiel Gorge.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Two days allow seeing Rožňava, the Betliar manor and two caves. With three days you can add the third cave and a walk through the Zádiel Gorge. If you have little time, you can do Betliar and Domica in a day from Košice.
Rožňava is the most practical base, with accommodation in the centre and near the square. Betliar and the villages in the Slaná valley have guesthouses and a campsite, and are quieter. Those who prefer a larger city can stay in Košice and do day trips.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Two days for Rožňava, Betliar and two caves; three days to include the third cave and the Zádiel Gorge.
It’s the most practical option. The caves, the Betliar manor and the gorge are spread out from Rožňava, and buses to them are infrequent.
Domica, Gombasek and the Ochtiná aragonite cave, the three on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with guided visits in season.
About 10 °C year-round, with high humidity. Bring a jacket and closed shoes, even in summer.
Yes. Rožňava is about 70 km away, and by car it’s possible to see Betliar and one cave in a day.
