The most beautiful natural sites to discover Eastern Slovakia

To the southwest of the village of Silica in Slovak Karst is a chasm 50 m long, 30 m wide and 91 m deep. A signposted path from the village leads to this abyss, a site inhabited since prehistoric times. Continuing along the path, you will find the Silická Ice Cave, named after the presence of an ice cascade that has been frozen for 2,000 years. This cave is not freely accessible, its entrance is fenced.

This cave is more than 2.9 km long and 55 metres deep. The temperature inside is around 8.5°C/9.5°C, which is ideal for "thermal caving therapy". This cave has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was used in the Middle Ages as a refuge for the populations of the region. It is also a bat paradise: there are 19 species out of 24 recorded in Slovakia. The visit lasts 45 minutes and is spread over 720 metres.

It is the only aragonite cave on the European continent. There are two others in Mexico and Argentina. Aragonite, a very rare variety of calcium carbonate, crystallizes into twigs and small white shrubs. She draws delicate and poetic structures. The most beautiful part of the cave is called the Milky Way, which sparkles like a starry sky. The cave was discovered in 1954 by miners and opened to the public in 1972.

One of the most important caves in the Slovak Karst National Park, the Gombaseská Cave is located at the western foot of the Silická Plateau, between Slavec and Plešivec. This small cave, only 1.5 km long, with red and brown walls, is famous for its remarkably fine stalactites and stalagmites up to 3 meters high. Only the first 350 meters are open to the public. It is classified as a world heritage site by Unesco.

The largest, most colourful and most visited of the Slovak Karst caves. It offers a network of 22 km of galleries, including 6 in Slovakia and 16 in Hungary with stalactites and stalagmites the size of tree trunks. It is crossed by an underground river, called Styx, on which it is possible to sail for 2 km along ice formations with dreamlike shapes of great beauty. Duration of the visit between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Krásna Hôrka Cave is a cave located in Krásnohorská Dlhá Lúka. Caving guides are available for groups of 4 to 10 people. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment for caving, i.e. wetsuit, harness, helmet and lamp. This form of visit is original and sporty. Reservations can be made by phone or email directly to the cave administrator, Mr. Jaroslav Stankovič

In the middle of the spruce forest, between Lipovce and Lačnov, is the only cave in the region open to the public. This pretty cave is formed in a limestone and dolomitic rock between the Branisko and Bachureň massifs. The 40-minute guided tour is an unforgettable experience. As the area is not lit, we will provide you with all the equipment of the budding speleologist to take a less demanding route suitable for all levels.

This nature reserve is located on a limestone hill belonging to the karstic massif. The summit rises to an altitude of 781 m and from this site you can admire the Volovské vrchy massif and the Ružín dam as well as the large 600-hectare artificial lake. It is one of the most visited peaks in Košice. The reason is simple: its relatively easy accessibility and the breathtaking view from its steep ridge is considered one of the most beautiful in eastern Slovakia. It is a very popular place in summer

This small town 20 km north-east of Košice has the only cold water geyser in Slovakia. The water gushes naturally from a depth of 450 metres to a height of 20 to 30 metres every 32 to 34 hours. In the middle of the small wooded park, decorated with wood carvings representing the local heritage, the geyser springs up for about 30 minutes. Tourist information in Košice can inform you about the day and time of the next geyser.

A very nice hike marked in red (No. 0902) is possible from the bus station of Lipovce (587 m) and leads to the gorges of Lačnov (823 m) (Tiesňava Lačnovského potoka - Lačnov) in 1 hour 20.

The Branisko massif has many interesting natural riches in the image of the nearby Méchant Hole cave. This whole territory belongs to Kamenná Baba's natural reserve, which also offers beautiful hikes reminiscent of those of the Slovak Paradise. This superb hike from Lipovce station is at the normal level. It leads into a 2 km long limestone canyon and offers you the possibility to climb ladders, to see waterfalls, a protected flora and fauna, as well as original geological natural formations.