Harmanecká Jaskyna

Harmanec Cave


Useful Information

Location: In the Harmanecka valley, northwest of Banska Bystrica.
Velka Fatra, Bralna Fatra, cadastral area Dolny Harmanec, district Banska Bystrica, Banskobystricky region.
From the parking lot in the valley at the road it's an 260 m ascend, at least 45 minutes walk.
(48.813994, 19.040195)
Open: 15-MAY to MAY Tue-Sun 10, 11:30, 13, 14:30.
JUN Tue-Sun 10-16, hourly on the full hour.
JUL to AUG Tue-Sun 10-17, hourly on the full hour.
SEP to 15-NOV Tue-Sun 10, 11:30, 13, 14:30.
[2021]
Fee: Adults EUR 7, Children (6-15) EUR 3.50, Students EUR 6, Disabled EUR 3.50, Seniors (60+) EUR 6.
Foto Permit EUR 7.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave Middle Triassic limestones.
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=2,650 m, A=821 m asl.
Guided tours: L=1,020 m, D=80 min. V=20,000/a [2000]
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Harmanecká Jaskyna, 976 03 Dolny Harmanec, Tel: +421-88-798122
Správa slovenských jaskýň, Hodžova 11, 031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Tel: +421-44-553-61-01, Tel: +421-44-553-64-11. E-mail: contact.
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

1932 discovery of new passages in the long time known Izbica (Little Chamber).
1950 developed and opened to the public.

Description

Harmanecka Jaskyna has two levels. It is famous for its Speleothemmoonmilk. Nine species of bats live in the cave, the dominant type is Myotis myotis with a colony of more than 1000 members.

The entrance to this cave is on the southern slope of a ridge above the Bystrica Brook, 1.5 km north west of Harmanec and 15 km from Banska Bystrica. The entrance chamber is called the Izbica or the Vestibule and has always been open, but it was not until 1932 that M Bacurik dug out a squeeze and found the rest of the cave. The cave is on two levels and a figure of eight route takes one through a series of large chambers bedecked with the most amazing speleothems. Mighty pagoda like stalagmites 10 m high, stalactite waterfalls and rimstone pools grace this cave.

The cave is a winter habitat of the Common Continental Bat, Myotis myotis with a colony of up to 1000 individuals, one of the largest in Slovakia. A further nine species of bat also live in the cave.

A car park has been built below the cave and the visitors follow a serpentine path through an avenue of yew trees. From the cave entrance the visitor has a fine view of the Velka Fatra (Greater Fatra) mountain range.


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