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Cave · Demänovská Dolina, Žilina
Demänová Ice Cave
One of the oldest known caves in Europe, mentioned as early as 1299, with four gallery levels and a visitor route of about 850 meters in the Demänová valley.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Demänová Ice Cave
The Demänová Ice Cave (Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa) is on the right side of the Demänová valley, about 90 meters above the valley floor. It is mentioned in a 1299 document and is among the oldest known caves in Europe. In the 18th century, cave bear bones found there were mistaken for dragon remains, so it is also called the Dragon Cave (Dračia jaskyňa).
The galleries are arranged on four levels, totaling about 2.5 km. The visitor route is about 850 meters and takes roughly 45 minutes. For centuries the lower part held ice year-round; in recent years the cave lost its permanent ice, and the visitor path was redesigned to explain this change. The name was kept.
The cave is also home to ten bat species, and an educational trail climbs from the parking lot to the entrance. Visits are guided and generally run from mid-May to early September. There is an entrance fee; check the current price list.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes for the visit, plus half an hour to walk up from the parking lot.
Best time
From mid-May to early September, when the cave usually opens; confirm the season dates. In early morning the groups are smaller.
How to get there
In the Demänová valley, on the road from Liptovský Mikuláš to Jasná, before the Demänová Freedom Cave. From the parking lot a marked trail climbs about 450 meters with 90 meters of elevation gain.
Tip
Visit both caves in the same day: they are a few minutes’ drive from each other. Bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Demänová Ice Cave
Does the Demänová Ice Cave still have ice?
Not permanently. The cave lost the ice it had preserved for centuries, and the visitor route was redesigned to explain this change. The name remains.
When does the Demänová Ice Cave open?
Generally from mid-May to early September. Confirm the season dates on the cave administration’s website.
Why is the cave also called Dragon Cave?
Because in the 18th century cave bear bones found there were taken for dragon remains.