Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
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 Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Cave · Dedinky, Košice
Dobšiná Ice Cave
One of the largest ice caves in Europe, with about 110,000 cubic meters of ice and layers over 25 meters thick, discovered in 1870. A UNESCO World Heritage Site; the visiting season usually runs from mid‑May to early September.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Dobšiná Ice Cave
The Dobšiná Ice Cave (Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa) lies on the southwestern edge of the Slovak Paradise, on the north slope of Mount Duča, above the Hnilec River valley. The entrance, called the Ice Hole, sits at about 971 meters altitude, and the train stop and parking are in the village of the same name, roughly 130 meters below—about a 20‑minute uphill walk on a zigzag trail.
The cave formed at the end of the Tertiary and has around 1,200 meters of known galleries. About 110,000 cubic meters of ice accumulate inside, with layers exceeding 25 meters thick in the Great Hall (Veľká sieň). Outside the Alps, few European caves hold so much ice. According to studies by the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the oldest ice is about 2,600 years old.
The cave was discovered in 1870 by mining engineer Eugen Ruffinyi and opened to the public the following year. The visitor route is about 500 meters long and passes through halls with icy walls and floors, frozen columns and cascades, taking roughly 30 minutes. The interior temperature is near zero, and the floor can be wet.
The cave is part of the World Heritage site of the Aggtelek Karst and the Slovak Karst caves. It is managed by the Správa slovenských jaskýň and generally opens from mid‑May to early September, with guided tours at fixed times.
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 an hour and a half, including the uphill walk and the guided tour of about 30 minutes.
Best time
From mid‑May to early September, when the cave usually opens. On hot summer days the temperature difference is large: bring warm clothing. Arrive early to avoid queues.
How to get there
By car or train to the village Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, about 6 km from Dedinky, then on foot along the trail to the entrance in about 20 minutes.
Tip
Bring a coat, hat and gloves, even in July: the interior is near zero degrees. Wear shoes with good grip, since the floor can be wet.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dobšiná Ice Cave
When does the Dobšiná Ice Cave open?
In the summer season, which usually starts in mid‑May and ends in early September, with guided tours at fixed times. Exact dates change each year; check the caves administration website to confirm.
What is the temperature inside the Dobšiná Ice Cave?
Near zero degrees. Bring a coat, hat and gloves, even in summer.
How long is the visit to the Dobšiná Ice Cave?
About 30 minutes inside the cave, plus roughly 20 minutes’ uphill walk from the parking to the entrance.
Is the Dobšiná Ice Cave a UNESCO site?
Yes, as part of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst caves World Heritage site, shared with Hungary.