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

Veľká ľadová Abyss

The protestant priest Pavol Rebery from Boca briefly described some caves in the massif of Ohnišťe in the Low Tatras at the beginning of the 18th century. This plain was used for cattle and sheep grazing. The entrances to the abyss were known from long ago.

The first caving expedition took place in August 1939 headed by Vojtech Benický from the Museum of the Slovak Karst. They descended to the bottom of the 80 m deep abyss, with ice, boulders and wood on the floor. Further expeditions measured and documented the cave in better detail. The abyss is formed in Middle Triassic Gutenstein limestones of the Biely Váh series of the Choč Nappe.

There are two openings on the surface. The upper one at 1,529 m, and the lower one at elevation of 1,515 m above the sea. Ice coatings from several cm to 15-20 cm are on the walls in the entrance 89 m deep abyss. Ice cone protrudes from the bottom covered with a lot of detritus. The ice have an ellipse shape of asymmetric dimension 9 x 6 m. The ice cone is covered with firn and ice. Its height is around 10 m, and is dependent on climatic conditions.

There is inclined side fissure passage in NE direction with 30 m deep vertical at its end, and continues further to sedimented bottom. The total length of the abyss is 125 m.

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

 

Ukončenie predaja 0 eurovej bankovky

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