When is Dobšiná Ice Cave open?

The cave is open from May 15 to September 15. In May and September, tours run at 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, and 14:00. From June to August, tours run every hour from 9:00 to 16:00. Closed on Mondays.

How much does admission to Dobšiná Ice Cave cost?

Admission for adults is €12, students and seniors €11, children (ages 6–15) and disabled visitors €6. Photography and video permits cost €10 each. A special tour costs €50. A minimum of 4 visitors is required per tour.

What is the temperature inside the cave and what should I wear?

The temperature inside the cave is around 0°C (32°F) year-round. We recommend warm clothing (jacket, sweater) and sturdy footwear. The tour lasts approximately 30–40 minutes along a 515 m route.

Is Dobšiná Ice Cave a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, on November 29, 2000, the cave was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst complex. It is the largest ice cave in Slovakia with an ice volume of 110,100 m³.

Dobšiná Ice Cave - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Q: How do I get to Dobšiná Ice Cave?

The cave is located near the village of Stratená, accessible from the town of Dobšiná via a marked road. There is a car park at the cave. From the car park, a nature trail (1 km, 130 m elevation gain) leads to the entrance, taking approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. GPS: 48.8719° N, 20.1781° E.

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 as a component of the 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

1,483 m

Total length

9,772 m²

Ice-covered area

UNESCO

Since 2000

History of Discovery

From the first discovery to worldwide recognition

June 15, 1870

Discovery of the cave

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

1882

First electrification

Dobšiná Ice Cave became the first electrically illuminated cave in the former Kingdom of Hungary, a technological breakthrough of its era.

November 29, 2000

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The cave was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its uniqueness and natural beauty.

Eugen Ruffinyi (1846 – 1924)

Eugen Ruffinyi

Royal mining councillor and cave discoverer

Eugen Ruffinyi was born on March 1, 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.

In the summer of 1869, Ruffinyi and his friend Gustáv Lang explored a chasm called the "Cold Hole" (Studená diera) at an altitude of 970 m. They threw stones and fired a rifle into the opening — a continuous echo suggested an enormous cavern. On June 15, 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.

As an experienced mining surveyor, he created the first map of the cave in 1871 and significantly contributed to making it accessible to the public. The cave was opened to visitors as early as 1871, and in 1882 it was electrically illuminated — one of the first caves in Europe to receive electric lighting. Ruffinyi served as director of the municipal mines until his retirement in 1908.

1846 – 1924 Life in Dobšiná

June 15, 1870 Cave discovery

Mining Academy Banská Štiavnica, 1869

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 — observation tower
Kráľova hoľa — the highest peak

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

The town originated as a Slovak settlement in the 13th century and first appears in historical records in 1326. Dobšiná has a rich mining history — in 1680, the first blast furnace in Slovakia was built here, and the town is known as the first steel-producing town of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Mining & Industry

Periods of glory and prosperity are linked to the mining of copper and iron ores. In cobalt mining, Dobšiná ranked first in the world. In the 16th century, the town's development was halted by the Turks, who in 1584 plundered the town and took 362 citizens into captivity.

Landmarks

Gothic Evangelical church from 1480
Baroque-Classicist church from 1792
Neo-Renaissance Town Hall from 1870
Glanzenberg gallery — a national cultural monument (1,872 m long)

Hiking

Dobšiná is the gateway to the Slovak Paradise National Park. It lies on the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising Trail (Devín – Dukla), a major long-distance hiking route. Marked trails lead from the town to Stolica peak, to Dobšiná Ice Cave, and to the source of the Hron River.

First mention

1326

Mining

Since the 13th century

Elevation

365 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.

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.