Bielská Cave Trail: The Underground World of the Tatras
Hiking in the Tatras is an adventure that takes your breath away. However, if you want to experience a magic unlike any found on a mountain peak, a visit to Bielská Cave is a must. This unique place, full of fascinating dripstone formations and mysterious underground lakes, will take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the earth. Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on this trail!
- Trail Length: Approximately 1370 meters, with 860 steps to climb.
- Duration: It takes around 2.5 hours (including the hike, cave tour, and descent).
- Difficulty: The trail is relatively easy, although some sections are steeper, particularly during the ascent and descent.
- Fees: There is an entrance fee to the cave, and an additional charge applies for taking photos.
- Recommendations: Bring warm clothing (the temperature inside the cave is around 5-6°C).
- Seasons: The cave is open year-round, except from mid-November to the end of December. It’s closed on Mondays except for July and August.
- Accessibility: Entry is through guided tours, so it’s best to arrive with some time to spare, especially during the summer months when tours can get busy.
The Adventure Begins at the Tatrzańska Kotlina Parking Lot
Your day begins at the Tatrzańska Kotlina parking lot. Get ready for a half-hour walk towards the cave. The wide trail winds through the forest, crossing long bends along the slope of Kobylý Wierch. While the trail is pleasant and not too steep, make sure to pay attention to the educational signs that provide information about the local flora and fauna – this is an educational trail, so there’s something new to learn at every step.
Photo Gallery
Bielská Cave – The Main Attraction of the Trail
Once you reach the entrance to Bielská Cave, you’ll have a brief stop to buy tickets and wait for your group to be led into the cave by a guide. Note that entrance fees apply, and an additional charge is required for taking photos. The actual tour inside the cave lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, but with the hike to and from the cave, you should plan for around 2.5 hours in total.
The cave is open year-round (except from mid-November to the end of December), and its temperature remains a constant 5-6°C. Be sure to bring warm clothing – even in the summer heat outside, the cave stays cool year-round.
See where it is
The Cave Walk – Underground Wonders
The first steps inside the cave take you along a long horizontal corridor that leads you into the first chamber. The corridor is well-lit, but still carries an air of mystery, with numerous fascinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Shortly after, you’ll come across the High Chamber, where a beautiful underground lake is surrounded by stunning limestone draperies. This is just the beginning of the underground wonders that await.
As you continue, you’ll reach the Palm Chamber, where massive stalagmites rise from the water, resembling the trunks of palms. It’s one of many geological marvels that you’ll encounter along the way. Further into the cave, you’ll also visit the Outlaw’s Chamber, also known as Janosik’s Chamber, where the walls are adorned with intriguing rock formations that resemble characters from legends, such as Janosik, crocodiles, and even the “gossiping woman’s tongue.”
Heading Toward the "Singing Hall" and Remarkable Dripstone Formations
Soon, you’ll enter the Music Hall, also called the Singing Hall, where large stalagmites rise from a lake. This area is famous for its acoustics, and music is played here to enhance the natural soundscape, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. As you make your way further down the corridor, you’ll come across a formation that stands out: the largest stalagnate in the cave – a stunning geological feature that will leave you in awe.
Best Time to Visit
While Bielská Cave is open year-round, the best times to visit are in the spring or autumn when there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. Guided tours are always available, but it’s recommended to book your place in advance, particularly during the holiday season.
A trip to Bielská Cave isn’t just a trail in the mountains – it’s a journey into the heart of the earth, where time and nature come together to create a spectacular show. This is an experience that will remain with you long after you leave the cave’s cool, mysterious depths.
