Demänovská Cave of Liberty
Demänovská Cave of Liberty is one of the most popular underground cavities of the largest cave system in Slovakia, which is located under the slopes of the Low Tatras. A lot of tourists come here to see the beautiful natelic formations, multicolored vaults and transparent pools of the underground Demanovka River.
Video: Demanovska Freedom Cave
Highlights
Demenovo Freedom Cave was formed many thousands of years ago. It was discovered in 1921 by Moravian teacher Alois Kral. Nowadays, this Slovak cave has the status of a national monument of nature.
Two underground tours have been developed for tourists – a traditional tour (1145 m) and a long tour (2150 m). The journey starts from a place called “Crossroads”. Here the Freedom Cave divides into three directions. The main passage leads along the valley of the underground river Demanovka. Travelers then enter the “Veľký dóm”, the largest underground hall in Slovakia, whose vaults rise 66 m.
.The next hall “Janáčkov dóm” is dedicated to the famous Czech composer Leoš Janáček. When the composer visited the cave, what he saw here inspired him to create a symphony. The tincture column supporting the dome of this hall was formed 250,000-300,000 years ago. There are 4 species of bats underground.
Continuing their journey, tourists pass into the “Krala Gallery”, named in honor of the discoverer of Demenov’s Freedom Cave. They pass the magnificent “Pink Hall”, several more picturesque halls and find themselves in front of Emerald Lake, the largest underground body of water on the route. The beautiful lake has crystal clear water and is 2.5-3 meters deep.
Visitor Information
Even in summer, the temperature inside the Demenovska Freedom Cave is +6…+7 °C, so visitors are advised to dress warmer. Traditional tours start at 9.30, 11.00, 12.30 and 14.00, and are designed for an hour. On long tours, travelers are invited to 13.00. Such tours last for an hour and a half.
.An adult ticket for a traditional tour costs €8, for students and pensioners €7, and for children from 5 to 15 years old €4. Tickets for a long tour are more expensive: for adults – 15 €, for students and pensioners – 13 €, for children from 5 to 15 years – 7,5 €. Please note that children are allowed into the cave only if accompanied by an adult. For the opportunity to take photos and videos using a tripod you have to pay 10 €.
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Smoking and littering are prohibited inside the Demänovská Svobody Cave. In addition, travelers are asked not to touch electrical equipment or damage calcite deposits.
How to get there
The Demänovská Svoboda Cave is located in the Demänovská Valley, within the Low Tatras National Park, 13 km south of the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. The entrance to the cave is located in the Točište valley at an altitude of 870 meters. From the parking lot to the entrance tourists reach the entrance by a 600 m long trail. The ascent takes 10-15 minutes.
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