Jeskyně Na Špičáku

Na Spicaku Cave

Useful Information

Location:	2 km from Supikovice. (50.2837554, 17.2497716)
Open:	APR to JUN Tue-Sun 9-16. JUL to AUG daily 9-17. SEP to OCT Tue-Sun 9-16. [2010]
Fee:	Adults CZK 70, Children (6-15) CZK 35, Children (0-5) free, Students CZK 35, Disabled CZK 35, Seniors CZK 60. Photography Permit CZK 30, Video Permit CZK 100. [2010]
Classification:	Karst cave. Marble.
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:	D=20 min. V=15,000/a [2000]
Photography:	allowed, no flash, selfie stick or tripod
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Správa Jeskyně Na Špičáku, Evelyna Vozábalová, 79082 Píseèná, Tel: +420-584-423129, Mobile: +420-602-295562. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1430	first described by Antonius Walle of Cracow in his instructions for gold miners.
1884	opened to the public.
1949	taken over by the Jesenik town council, new entrance tunnel and electric lights.
1955	reopened to the public.
2007	closed for renovation.
2010	reopened.

Description

This cave is located in Northern Moravia near the spa town of Jesenik and 2 km from Supikovice. It was named after the nearby Spricak Hill. The entrance is in an abandoned marble quarry. The cave was first described in 1430 by Antonius Walle of Cracow in his instructions for gold miners. This is claimed to be the oldest cave reference in Europe.

On the walls are numerous inscriptions in Czech, German and French from the years 1564 to 1613. On the ceiling in the Main Gallery is an interesting painting showing the Calvary. It is assumed that the cave was used as a refuge and for religious rites.

In 1884 the caves were opened to the public by the Sudenten Mountain Club (Sudenten Gebirgs Verein). A cave survey was drawn by J Ripper. Later the cave fell into disrepair, but in 1949 it was taken over by the Jesenik town council. A new entrance tunnel was made and electric lights installed. It was reopened again in 1955. It is the only cave in Bohemia with access for the disabled as the tourist route is on one level.

The cave consists of a maze of passages with a heart-like cross section, 2 m high and 2-3 m wide. There are plenty of speleothems.

Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.

Jeskyně Na Špičáku Gallery