State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic Slovak Caves Administration
Štátna ochrana prírody
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Activities

Slovak Caves Administration

Specialized organization of nature protection providing the protection of all the caves in Slovakia and in case of show caves their safe and sustainable use. The SCA was established in 1970, restored in 1990.
The Slovak Caves Administration is allowance organization under direct management of the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic. It works on tasks of cave protection, operation and development for opening to the public and on other uses of caves.
It takes care for the spaces and devices underground and in show caves entrance buildings including the maintenance. It also participates on methodic regulation of care for karst landscape and all caves in the Slovak Republic.

Protection of caves

Every cave is natural monument according to the act of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 543/2002 of the Legal Codes On Nature and Landscape Protection. The 12 show caves have an important role among the educational localities. They represent important geomorphological phenomena with rich and specific flowstone, aragonite or ice fill, some of them with significant archaeological findings or cultural features. Since they are the most attacked caves by man, they require a special protection. Their sustainable use resides in observation of visitors’ influence on natural environment of caves, including its regulation. All show caves are designated national nature monuments. The Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, Domica Cave, Gombasecká Cave and Jasovská Cave are inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List since 1995 within the „Caves of the Slovak and Aggtelek Karst“ site, which was extended by the Dobšinská Ice Cave in November 2000.

The protection and operation of show caves in the Slovak Republic is carried out by the Slovak Caves Administration in Liptovský  Mikuláš, as a specialized organization of nature protection under the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic.

Cave operation

  • providing a safe operation and use of show caves within the carrying capacity with respect to the visiting rules and opening times
  • guiding service in show caves
  • opening new caves to the public
  • construction and reconstruction of operation buildings for show caves
  • creating conditions for regeneration and recuperation speleoclimatic stays and speleotherapy in selected cave spaces in cooperation with health institutes
  • offering basic services for show caves visitors

Environmental education and promotion of caves

  • preparation of expositions, permanent exhibitions and educational boards in cave visitors’ centres, preparation of educational trails along the access paths to the caves
  • promotion of show caves
  • publishing of Aragonit magazine, publications on show caves, conference proceedings
News

Notice and recommendation for visitors

Dear visitors, visiting the cave requires adequate physical fitness.

The route includes:

- a longer walk in an enclosed darkened area
- reduced temperature and increased humidity
- ascent and descent
- higher number of steps (in some caves)


Special note to persons with medical limitations:

If you suffer particularly from cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, high blood pressure, mobility limitations or are in poor physical condition, please consider taking part in the tour.

If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of your visit, please consult your doctor about your medical condition.

Your safety is of paramount importance to us.

Thank you for your understanding

Slovak Caves Administration, State Nature Conservation of the Slovak Republic

 

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Vážení návštevníci,

Ukončil sa primárny predaj emisie pamätných 0 eurových bankoviek v Dobšinskej ľadovej jaskyni. Celá emisia 10 000 bankoviek je vypredaná a o dotlači aktuálnych sérií sa neuvažuje. Začína sa jej pravá zberateľská éra. Bankovky si je možné zakúpiť už len na burzách od zberateľov. Prajeme príjemné zhodnotenie.

Suspension of food and beverage sales - Driny Cave

Dear visitors, due to technical reasons at the cave, it is not possible to provide food and drinks, including coffee vending machine services. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Parking at Demänovská Cave of Liberty

Dear visitors, the parking lot doesn't belong to cave administration. The fees are collected by different entity. Thank you for your understanding.

Domica closed

Dear visitors, the Domica cave  will be closed on 24th of September 2025  due to operational reasons. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Partner

Správa jeskyní České republikyInternational Show Caves AssociationHabakukyZajo