Záskočská Cave

The cave system entrance lies at elevation of 1,332 m. It is situated in the massif of the Krakova hoľa taking area more than 18 km2. The cave system consists of two connected caves – Cave V Záskočí and Cave Na Predných, with total length of 5,034 m of passages, shafts and domes with vertical distance of 284 m. This underground labyrinth is drained by the mountain range Prednie, to the end of the Záskočie Valley.

The Cave in Záskočie is formed in a complex of Middle Triassic limestones and dolomites. Pipe passages showing corrosion-erosion modelling of running water are characteristic for this cave.

The cave system consists of two main passages lying one above the other, which are divided by steps with several abyss sections. The passages represent two developmental levels of a fossil river. The next phase included also influence of seepage atmospheric waters along tectonic faults in limestones of the Krakova hoľa.

There are sediments of river origin containing shaped fragments of red sandstones, limestones and dolomites I many places. The fragments show a quite long transport by water course.

Cave fills comprise various forms of flowstone coatings and interesting white and translucent calcite crystals with special optical double deflection. Rounded cave pearls with 4-5 mm but also 20 mm diameter are in lakes and between the debris. They are white with matt to glassy surface. From the climatological point of view, the cave is a dynamic type with intensive air circulation.

Skeleton remains of cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) were found in the entrance parts, and come probably from the Pleistocene.