Dobšiná Ice Cave – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Q: When is Dobšiná Ice Cave open?

The cave is open from 15 May to 15 September and closed on Mondays. From 15 to 31 May and from 1 to 15 September tours start at 9:30, 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00; from 1 June to 31 August every hour from 9:00 to 16:00. The cave is closed off-season.

Q: How much does admission to Dobšiná Ice Cave cost?

Adults €14, students and seniors over 60 €13, children aged 4–15 and disabled visitors over 15 €7, disabled children aged 4–15 €0.10, children under 4 free. Photography is free of charge. A tour runs with at least 4 visitors.

Q: Is Dobšiná Ice Cave a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. In November 2000 the World Heritage Committee inscribed it on the UNESCO list as part of the site “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst”. With 110,100 m³ of ice it is the largest ice cave in Slovakia.

Visitor information

Everything you need to know before your visit

Opening hours

Season

15 May – 15 September

Closed on Mondays (open on public holidays)

15 – 31 May
1 – 15 September

Tours: 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00

1 June – 31 August

Tours: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

Closed off-season (16 Sep – 14 May). The Slovak Caves Administration has not yet published the 2027 season dates.

Tickets go on sale about 15 minutes before each tour. Tours cannot be booked; a tour runs with at least 4 visitors. Capacity per tour is limited — at busy times you may not get the next slot (first come, first served); extra tours are added between the regular times when demand is high.

Admission

Adults €14
Students, seniors over 60 €13
Children 4–15, disabled visitors over 15 €7
Disabled children 4–15 €0.10
Children under 4 free
Photography free

Extra tour outside the regular times: €50 surcharge on top of admission.

Cards are accepted, but bring cash in case the terminal is down. Culture vouchers and payment by invoice are not possible.

Groups and schools: no group or family discounts; one group leader per 20 people and one teacher per 10 children (+1 per further 15) pay €0.10. School groups are admitted as they arrive, outside the regular times if a tour is full.

Source: Slovak Caves Administration price list

Important information

The ice-filled parts stay below freezing all year (average −3.9 to −0.2 °C) — wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
The tour takes about 30 minutes; the show route is 515 m long.
A nature trail leads from the car park to the entrance: 1 km, 130 m climb, about 25 minutes.
No dogs or other animals; bags max. 50 × 35 × 25 cm.
Photos are allowed without tripod or flash, only where the guide permits. Do not photograph the bats close up — even without flash your presence disturbs them.
Tours are in Slovak. Ask at the ticket office in advance for commentary in English, German, Hungarian, Polish or Russian — provided where staffing and group size allow.
Rest for a moment after the climb before entering — the altitude gain and the temperature drop strain the body. With children under 6, consider whether they will cope: sounds carry strongly in the cave and crying disturbs other visitors.
Accessibility: the cave has stairs and is not suitable for wheelchair users. The nearby Stratená Canyon is the first wheelchair-accessible nature trail in Slovakia.

Source: visitor rules (PDF, Slovak) and FAQ of the Slovak Caves Administration

How to get there

Address:
049 71 Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa
(Stratená municipality), Slovakia

GPS of the cave entrance:
48.8680° N, 20.3043° E

By car:
Via road I/67 (Rožňava – Dobšiná – Poprad). There is a paid car park in the Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa settlement (not operated by the cave administration); from there it is about 25 minutes on foot along the nature trail. Distances: Poprad 30 km (via Vernár), Rožňava 40 km (via Dobšiná), Brezno 60 km (via Telgárt).

Navigate to the car park

On the map: Mapy.com · OpenStreetMap · Trail map on this page

Transport

How to get to Dobšiná Ice Cave by public transport

Stop: Bus — Stratená, Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa • Train — Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa (line 173). From the bus stop and car park to the cave about 25 minutes (1 km), from the railway stop about 35 minutes (1.5 km); 130 m climb.

Banská Bystrica

REX train (line 173)

~2 h 12 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

5 services/day2 daily, 3 at weekends and in summer

B. Bystrica → Brezno → Červená Skala → Telgárt → Ice Cave

Brezno

REX train (line 173)

~1 h 12 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

5 services/day2 daily, 3 at weekends and in summer

Brezno → Červená Skala → Telgárt → Ice Cave

Poprad

Bus (line 808424)

~46 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

7 services/dayweekdays only

Poprad AS → Hranovnica → Vernár → Ice Cave

Rožňava

Bus (line 808424)

~65 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

7 services/dayweekdays only

Rožňava AS → Betliar → Dobšiná → Ice Cave

Dobšiná

Bus (line 808424)

~25 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

7 services/dayweekdays only

Dobšiná nám. → Dobšinský kopec → Ice Cave

Mlynky / Stratená

Local & REX train (line 173)

~13 / 5 mintravel time

direct serviceno transfer

4–9 services/daylocal trains on weekdays + REX

Mlynky → Dedinky → Stratená → Ice Cave

Notice: Buses on line 808424 (Rožňava – Poprad) operate on weekdays only. At weekends and on public holidays the cave is reachable by REX train (running 10 May – 12 Dec 2026) or by the single weekend service of line 060160 from Telgárt. In summer a seasonal Summer Bus from Spišská Nová Ves also runs.

REX trains Banská Bystrica – Ice Cave – Margecany (line 173)

The regional express connects Banská Bystrica via Brezno, Červená Skala, and Telgárt directly with the Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa station. It continues through Mlynky and Nálepkovo to Margecany.

Towards the cave (from Banská Bystrica / Brezno)

Train	Operates	B. Bystrica	Brezno	Č. Skala	Telgárt penzión	Ice Cave
REX 1781	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	06:13	07:13	08:07	08:13	08:25
REX 1783	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	08:17	09:13	10:07	10:13	10:25
REX 1785	daily	10:17	11:13	12:07	12:13	12:25
REX 1787	daily	14:17	15:14	16:08	16:14	16:25
REX 1789	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	18:17	19:13	20:07	20:13	20:25

From the cave (to Banská Bystrica / Brezno)

Train	Operates	Ice Cave	Telgárt penzión	Č. Skala	Brezno	B. Bystrica
REX 1780	daily	07:46	07:57	08:11	09:14	10:12
REX 1782	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	11:46	11:57	12:11	13:14	14:12
REX 1784	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	13:46	13:57	14:11	15:14	16:12
REX 1786	daily	15:46	15:58	16:11	17:14	18:12
REX 1788	Sat–Sun, daily in summer	19:46	19:57	20:11	21:14	22:12

daily = daily 10 May – 12 Dec 2026

Sat–Sun, daily in summer = Sat, Sun and public holidays 10 May – 12 Dec 2026; on weekdays only 15 June – 15 September

Source: ŽSR GTFS (2025/2026 timetable, valid until 12 Dec 2026). The Telgárt – Červená Skala section may be replaced by bus service (NAD).

Local trains Nálepkovo – Mlynky – Ice Cave

Local trains on line 173 connect Mlynky, Dedinky, and Stratená with Dobšiná Ice Cave. They run on weekdays; some not during the summer holidays (see the Operates column); no trains 22 Dec – 6 Jan.

Towards the cave

Train	Operates	Nálepkovo	Mlynky	Dedinky	Stratená	Ice Cave
Os 7456	Mon–Fri, not 1 Jul – 31 Aug	05:09	05:39	05:42	05:47	05:52
Os 7450	Mon–Fri, not 15 Jun – 15 Sep	13:09	13:39	13:42	13:47	13:52
Os 7452	Mon–Fri, not 1 Jul – 31 Aug	17:09	17:39	17:42	17:47	17:52
Os 7454	Mon–Fri	21:09	21:39	21:42	21:47	21:52

From the cave

Train	Operates	Ice Cave	Stratená	Dedinky	Mlynky	Nálepkovo
Os 7451	Mon–Fri	04:20	04:25	04:30	04:33	05:03
Os 7453	Mon–Fri, not 1 Jul – 31 Aug	06:10	06:15	06:20	06:23	06:53
Os 7455	Mon–Fri, not 15 Jun – 15 Sep	14:10	14:15	14:20	14:23	14:53
Os 7457	Mon–Fri, not 1 Jul – 31 Aug	18:10	18:15	18:20	18:23	18:53

Source: ŽSR – timetable 2025/2026, line 173 Margecany – Červená Skala. Valid 14 Dec 2025 – 12 Dec 2026.

Line 808424: Rožňava – Dobšiná – Ice Cave – Poprad

The main bus line connecting Rožňava via Dobšiná and the Ice Cave with Poprad. Operated by eurobus a.s. Runs on weekdays only.

Towards the cave (from Rožňava / Dobšiná)

Service	Rožňava AS	Dobšiná nám.	Ice Cave	Poprad AS
31	04:20	05:00	05:25	06:13
1	06:20	07:00	07:25	08:13
23	08:20	09:00	09:25	10:13
27 → 7	10:20	11:00	11:25	12:13
5	12:20	13:00	13:25	14:13
29	14:20	15:00	15:25	16:13
3	16:20	17:00	17:25	18:13

From the cave (to Dobšiná / Rožňava)

Service	Poprad AS	Ice Cave	Dobšiná nám.	Rožňava AS
32	08:05	08:51	09:18	10:00
2	10:05	10:51	11:18	12:00
26	12:05	12:51	13:18	14:00
28 → 8	14:05	14:51	15:18	16:00
10	16:05	16:51	17:18	18:00
30	18:05	18:51	19:18	20:00
6	20:05	20:51	21:18	22:00

Mon–Fri = weekdays only • Line 808424 does not run on weekends or public holidays — at those times the cave is reachable by REX train or by the single weekend service of line 060160 (below).

Operator: eurobus a.s., Rožňava depot, tel. +421 907 997 584

AS = bus station, nám. = town square, OcÚ = village office

Line 060160: Telgárt – Stratená – Ice Cave

Bus line Podbrezová – Brezno – Telgárt. Only one pair of services continues to the cave, and only at weekends (services 129 and 156, operating from the date of announcement).

Service	Telgárt, OcÚ	Vernár	Stratená	Ice Cave	Days
129 → cave	10:45	10:50	10:54	10:57	Sat+Sun & holidays
156 ← from cave	11:52	11:47	11:43	11:40	Sat+Sun & holidays

Operator: SAD Zvolen (IDS BBSK), tel. +421 48 228 90 01. Valid from 1 Sep 2026. On weekdays this route does not reach the cave — take the REX train (Brezno – Ice Cave, 12 min from Telgárt) or a bus to Telgárt and change to the train.

Seasonal Summer Bus (July – August)

In the summer season (on Saturdays in 2026) a bus runs from Spišská Nová Ves via Hrabušice and the Kopanec pass to the Ice Cave, Stratená and Dedinky. Ideal for hikers arriving by train to Spišská Nová Ves.

Operator: eurobus a.s. • Capacity: 26 seats + 15 bicycles • eurobus publishes the exact timetable before the season at eurobus.sk (Spišská Nová Ves regional services).

Source: eurobus.sk, IDS BBSK. Valid 1 Sep – 12 Dec 2026.

For current connections and online search, use:

Search connections at CP.sk

Hiking trails

KST waymarked trails within 12 km of the cave

The map shows 94 waymarked hiking and nature trails around the cave, together with viewpoints, springs, shelters and public transport stops. Click a trail for its number, length and elevation profile with total ascent; the layers in the top right can be toggled.

The interactive map needs JavaScript. You can find the trails on OpenStreetMap.

List of trails

Waymark	Trail	Length	Ascent / descent	Show on map

Colours follow the Slovak KST waymarking system. Data: OpenStreetMap (ODbL), September 2026. Check the Slovak Paradise National Park website for current gorge closures before you set out.

Weather near the Cave

Current conditions and 7-day forecast

Loading weather data…

JavaScript is required to display weather data. You can check the current weather at SHMÚ – Stratená meteogram.

Data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)

Live Webcams

Live views of the Slovak Paradise and surrounding area

Kláštorisko

Slovak Paradise National Park

Dedinky – Palcmanská Maša

View of Palcmanská Maša lake

Mlynky – Ski Gugel

Children’s ski lift (seasonal camera: December – March)

Ski Telgárt – Trestník

Trestník slope, view of Telgárt

Welcome to the Ice Kingdom

A natural wonder in the heart of the Slovak Paradise National Park

Dobšiná Ice Cave is one of the most significant ice caves in the world. Since 2000, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst”.

It is located in the heart of the Slovak Paradise National Park, one of the most beautiful regions of Slovakia, surrounded by mountains filled with hiking trails, gorges, and viewpoints offering stunning panoramas.

110,100 m³

Ice volume

1,491 m

Total length

9,772 m²

Ice-covered area

UNESCO

Since 2000

History of Discovery

From the first discovery to worldwide recognition

15 June 1870

Discovery of the cave

The cave was discovered by royal mining councillor Eugen Ruffinyi. This day marked the beginning of the systematic exploration of this natural gem.

1887

Electric lighting

After trials in 1881, the cave received permanent electric lighting in 1887, making it one of the first electrically lit caves in the world.

November 2000

UNESCO World Heritage Site

At the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee in Cairns, the cave was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the site “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst”.

Eugen Ruffinyi (1846 – 1924)

Eugen Ruffinyi

Royal mining councillor and cave discoverer

Eugen Ruffinyi was born on 1 March 1846 in Dobšiná into a family of Italian origin. His father Pavol came to Dobšiná as a mining engineer and surveyor. Eugen graduated from the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica (1869) and upon returning to his hometown became a mining supervisor and metallurgical inspector.

The full story of the discovery

In the summer of 1869, Ruffinyi and his friend Gustáv Lang explored a chasm called the “Cold Hole” (Studená diera) at an altitude of 969 m. They threw stones and fired a rifle into the opening — a continuous echo suggested an enormous cavern. On 15 June 1870, Ruffinyi was the first to descend into the chasm on a hemp rope, accompanied by Gustáv Lang, Andrej Mega, and Ferdinand Fehér, with the assistance of miners. They discovered vast chambers covered in ice.

The cave was opened to visitors as early as 1871. As an experienced mining surveyor, Ruffinyi surveyed and mapped the cave in 1873–74 and did much to make it accessible. In 1887 the cave received electric lighting — one of the first caves in the world to do so. Ruffinyi served as director of the municipal mines until his retirement in 1907.

1846 – 1924 Life in Dobšiná

15 June 1870 Cave discovery

Mining Academy Banská Štiavnica, 1869

Photo gallery

Views of the ice kingdom and its surroundings

Ice cone

Columns and stalagmites

The Well

Ice wall

Ice columns

Near the cave

The nature trail from the settlement to the cave, with a railing

Trail to the cave

Mining history trail

Cave photographs via Wikimedia Commons: Juloml, dariusz woźniak (CC BY-SA 3.0), Margoz (CC BY-SA 4.0), JoJan (CC BY 3.0); modified (cropped, resized). Photographs of the surroundings: Brand Force s.r.o.

Surroundings & Attractions

Discover the beauty of the Slovak Paradise National Park

Dobšiná Ice Cave is part of the Slovak Paradise National Park — a mountain massif full of gorges, waterfalls, forests, and stunning viewpoints. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails and attractions for the whole family.

Hiking Trails

The Slovak Paradise offers more than 300 km of marked hiking trails. Explore the magnificent gorges of Suchá Belá, Piecky, or Veľký Sokol with ladders and walkways.

Nature trail to the cave (1 km)
Stratená — a romantic canyon
Gorges with ladders and bridges

Viewpoints & Peaks

From several viewpoints in the area, you can admire the stunning panorama of the Slovak Paradise, Gemer Mountains, and surrounding valleys.

Borovniak — panoramic viewpoint
Dobšinský kopec — viewpoint over Palcmanská Maša
Kráľova hoľa — highest peak of the eastern Low Tatras (1,946 m)

Ranch pod Ostrou skalou

Near the cave, there is a ranch with horse and cattle breeding. An ideal place for families with children and nature lovers.

Horse riding for children and adults
Farm products
Relaxation in a natural setting

Slovak Paradise National Park

A national park covering nearly 20,000 hectares, with incredible nature, waterfalls, and more than 350 caves.

6 main gorges + Hornád River canyon
Tarzania rope adventure park
Cycling routes and cross-country ski trails

The Dobšiná and Stratená Region

Discover the rich history and beauty of the surrounding towns

Dobšiná Town Hall – Neo-Renaissance building from 1870

History

Dobšiná was first recorded in 1320 (Dupsina fluvius); in 1326 the Bebek family settled German miners here. According to tradition, the Saxon engineer Daniel Fischer built the first blast furnace here in 1680.

More about Dobšiná

Mining & Industry

Periods of glory and prosperity are linked to the mining of copper and iron ores. In the 19th century Dobšiná had the largest nickel-cobalt ore deposit in Europe. In the 16th century, the town’s development was halted by the Turks, who in 1584 plundered the town and took 352 inhabitants into captivity.

Landmarks

Gothic Evangelical church from 1480
Baroque-Classicist church from 1792
Neo-Renaissance Town Hall from 1870
Eugen Ruffinyi’s villa (1871) — national cultural monument

Hiking

Dobšiná is the gateway to the Slovak Paradise National Park. The Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising Trail (Devín – Dukla), a major long-distance route, passes nearby over Dobšinský kopec. Marked trails lead from the town to Stolica peak and to Dobšiná Ice Cave.

First mention

1320

Mining

Since the 14th century

Elevation

459 m a.s.l.

National Cultural Monument

Ruffinyi Villa

The Neo-Renaissance villa at Kúpeľná Street 987 was built around 1871 for Eugen Ruffinyi, the discoverer of Dobšiná Ice Cave. Its architect was likely Karol Benko, the designer of the Dobšiná Town Hall. The villa is listed in the Central Register of the Monument Fund under number NKP 10696.

After decades of neglect and abandonment, the town of Dobšiná acquired the villa in 2023 as a gift from a private owner. The town launched a public fundraising campaign for its restoration and plans to turn it into a museum, exhibition space, and visitor information centre for cave visitors.

Location

Stratená is a picturesque mountain village in the southern part of the Slovak Paradise, situated in the Hnilec River valley at an altitude of 804 m a.s.l. The village is an important starting point for hiking in all seasons.

More about Stratená

Origin of the Name

This charming mountain hamlet likely takes its name from the Strateník stream, which suddenly disappears underground and reappears approximately 2.5 km further on near Dobšinská Maša. Stratená as an independent village was probably established in the 18th century.